About Us

Welcome to Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports

At Nor’Banks, we believe a day on the water is essential to a great vacation. What began in 1979 as a small sailing operation on the quiet shores of Duck has grown into one of the most trusted and beloved watersports destinations on the Outer Banks. More than 40 years later, we’re still a small business, still passionate about what we do, and still dedicated to helping you make your best vacation memories.

A Legacy of Adventure on the Outer Banks

When the Britt family first opened Nor’Banks in 1979, Duck was mostly dune and dirt road. With a handful of skiffs and canoes, they established a gateway to adventure on the sound and sparked a tradition that has continued to grow ever since.

The ’80s would bring Hobie Cats and kayaks and the ’90s introduced jet skis and parasailing. Each year since, Nor’Banks has pushed forward with new activities, the latest gear, and a commitment to safety and service that sets the bar for the entire industry.

Growing With Purpose

In 2017, long-time Nor’Banks team member Dan McIsaac took the helm. Dan started in the watersports industry in his hometown of Cape Cod at just 12 years old and worked at several watersports operations before he joined the Nor’Banks team in 2004.

After more than a decade at Nor’Banks and working in nearly every role, he took over when Jon Britt stepped back to focus on the design and construction of our new waterfront facility—home to our surf shop, reservations center, and the Village Table & Tavern. Together, they’ve created a welcoming space with the best of everything Duck has to offer.

What Nor’Banks Is Today

Today, Nor’Banks offers one of the widest ranges of watersports on the Outer Banks, including:

• Jet ski rentals & guided tours

• Parasailing

• Pontoon boat rentals

• Sailing lessons & rentals

• Tubing, wakeboard and waterskiing sessions

• SUP & kayak rentals

• And our newest addition: Calypso, a 30-passenger luxury party pontoon for private and shared cruises

We maintain a large fleet of modern, meticulously kept equipment, a professional team, and an unmatched reputation for safety.

More than anything, what sets Nor’Banks apart is the people. We feel lucky to be here and honored to share this place with you, our guests.

Your Vacation, Made Unforgettable

Whether you’re trying something new for the first time, celebrating with a big group, or returning year after year, our mission is simple:

Deliver the safest and most enjoyable watersports experiences on the Outer Banks.

We’re honored to be part of so many families’ vacation traditions, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the water.

See you on the Sound