Two weeks ago, I wrote about the future of ultra-successful short-term rentals and how they're moving toward niche experiences and direct marketing.
Today I want to show you another company executing this strategy flawlessly - but in a completely different niche. While Birdie Houses targets golfers, Edgecamp Sporting Club has laser-focused on kitesurfing enthusiasts.
Meet Edgecamp Sporting Club
Located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Condé Nast Traveler called it "basically the Soho House of kitesurfing."
Their niche positioning is crystal clear: Everything revolves around kitesurfing, jet skiing, and water sports. They're not just offering a place to stay, they're offering access to "one of the most coveted kiteboarding sanctuaries in the world."
Different Property Types, One Cohesive Experience
Soundfront 7: Edgecamp’s flagship property is a massive 12,000 sq ft home with 14 bedrooms, each with private balconies, that sleeps up to 28 people. It's the ultimate waterfront retreat with epic views and immediate access to the water.
Waterfront Villas: Luxury 5+ bedroom homes with top-tier amenities, breathtaking views, and direct access to water sports.
Pamlico Station: A 14-suite boutique hotel with water views, pool, sauna, and wellness programming. Even the in-room amenities (Therabody massage guns, yoga gear) cater specifically to their active guest base.
The Sporting Club: Offers a full takeover of Edgecamp’s properties, from Pamlico Station to the waterfront villas for corporate retreats or weddings. It offers a combined capacity of up to 106 guests across all properties.
The Playbook in Action
Just like Birdie Houses, Edgecamp is checking all the boxes for next-generation STRs:
Experience-First Design: Every detail serves their water sports community from the wellness centers and spa amenities to exclusive kite launch access and pro kiter partnerships.
Community Building: They've created a membership program offering exclusive rates during prime kiting season and unlimited amenity access. This builds recurring revenue and loyal customers who return year after year.
Niche Expertise: They understand that "when it comes to kiting in the Outer Banks, nothing matters more than being here when the conditions are right." Deep insider knowledge creates pricing power.
The Bottom Line
Whether it's golf trips or kitesurfing adventures, the winning formula is the same: pick your niche, become the undisputed expert in that space, and build experiences so compelling that guests become raving fans.
The days of generic "nice place to sleep" listings are over. The future belongs to properties that niche down and become destinations themselves.
