Go kiting to :
Hatteras Outer Banks
Flat Spot
Water: Crystal Clear
Beach: Sand
Level: beginner
Description of Hatteras Outer Banks (United States Of America)
Hatteras Outer Banks is a string of 200 miles long barrier islands on North Carolina's Atlantic coast with several small towns between the southern Frisco and the northern Rodanthe. Hatteras offers many kite spots, suitable for any wind conditions and directions.
The choice is between the flat/choppy water of the Pamlico Sound (the internal sea) and the wave spots on the long sandy ocean beaches. The options are countless and can be summed up in the following helpful map kindly shared by the guys of Kiteclub Hatteras:
For beginner spots, they suggest 2nd Turnout, D spot, and Isabel’s/The Washout.
The best wind directions for the lagoon side are West, South-West, and North-West, while East winds are great for the Ocean waves since they become side or side-on-shore.
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In the internal lagoon, there are a lot of spots with flat water and waist-deep water, making the whole area perfect for beginners and advanced who want to learn new tricks.
The ocean side has neverending white sandy beaches and it is great wave sessions.
Either sides of the Outer Baks are great for long downwinders, granted transportation support as usual.
The wind can vary from 10 to over 30 knots, therefore having a wide quiver of kites ranging from 7m up to 14/15m is quite advisable if you want to get out on the water all the time.
The kite season is considered to go from April to October, not because of the lack of wind in the winter months but mainly because of the cold temperatures and because most shops and restaurants close.
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Flat
Rider Skill
beginner
Crowd.
Seasonal Crowd
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
Tide independent
Suggested Equipment
Wetsuit, shorty, shoes
Dangers
In the lagoon, there is a lot of grass and it is a good idea to use shoes.
Other info
A lot of options to rent private houses or condos in the area but it is advisable to book ahead to get the best options. Quite a good amount of grocery shops around for food supplies and several options for dining out.
Alternative activities on no-wind days can be:
Surf, kayak, and SUP;
Kayak & 4x4 tours;
Family activities.
Location
Closest City
Kitty Hawk
How to get There
Fly to Norfolk International Airport. Renting a car to access all the potential of Hatteras is a must. Then just drive south along the NC-168 and US-158 to Cape Hatteras National Park Rd. Take the connection with North Carolina Hwy 12 all the way south to Hatteras. A 4x4 will be great when driving on the sand.
Access
Plenty of access points to access both the Ocean and the Pamlico Sound side.
Wind Conditions
Wind Range
From 10 to 35 Knots
% of Windy days per month
Main wind directions
Forecast on windy.com
Video on the Kite Spot
This is a great video from the 'Our Kite Life' guys on how to enjoy at best your stay in Hatteras