The Year 2010 marked the 35th anniversary of The Kite Loft, retailing kites, kite accessories, aerial toys, windsocks, banners, yard ornaments, and other fun products for everyone!
From its humble beginnings on a side street off the ocean in downtown Ocean City, Maryland, The Kite Loft now boasts two kite shop retail stores in Ocean City MD, with its headquarters on 5th Street on the Boardwalk. The Kite Loft hosts worldwide kiting events annually. These kiting events draw contestants, exhibitors and visitors from around the world. Contestants display their kite flying talents with stunt kites and other kites with unique kite flying abilities and wonders.
Entry into the Kite Loft store transports you to a world of brilliant colors, spinning windsocks, flying toys, whizzing rubberbands, floating kinetics, tinkling wind chimes, sky chairs, windwheels and, of course, lots of kites.
The Kite Loft was founded by Bill "King of the Wind" Ochse, who by his sheer energy and natural charisma managed to elevate Ocean City to its status of Kite Capital of the World by 1978. Currently, The Kite Loft is owned and operated by Jay and Mary Lynn Knerr who have strived to maintain that status. Ocean City, Maryland hosts two International Kite Festivals, held every last weekend in April and third weekend after Labor Day.
Recent Reviews
The Kite Loft
Tammy Smith : 5 on 10/19/2026 4:43 pm
A boardwalk gem. Air conditioned, super clean & organized. Way bigger than it looks from the outside. Super nice clerk. Surveillance cameras are everywhere & he watches like a hawk from a closet. Can’t blame him. Prices are pricey but in line with other stores on the boardwalk. Highly recommend visiting.
Tammy Smith
1792428214
5
5
The Kite Loft
Steven Norton : 5 on 10/19/2026 12:00 am
Been visiting this place for over 40 years. Has been expanded to much more than just kites. Sad that everything is made in China though. Wish they would look into importing the bamboo and crepe paper Thai made snake kites that I flew as a kid. ( If they are still made)
Steven Norton
1792368004
5
5
The Kite Loft
Juliana : 5 on 7/7/2024 7:05 pm
Wow great store! The service was exemplary. The employee with a long beard helped us decide on the best accessories for our 9ft kite. He even gave us some free magazines. Gorgeous merchandise, there is something interesting and fun everywhere you look. It’s nice that a store like this can thrive on the boardwalk where most places sell novelty t shirts. Highly recommend for beginners and experienced kite flyers.
Juliana
1720379126
5
5
The Kite Loft
Modal title