“Perfect for every style of kiteboarding, from waves on the ocean side to flat water on the sound side. This is the land of the downwinder with so many inlets to explore, so grab your mates and send it! Bring your whole quiver too because there’s everything from light wind to tropical storms and massive waves in the ocean. All in a day in Hatteras sometimes, too!”
Chris Bobryck, RRD pro rider
GOOD FOR:
Riding stacks of kite spots with everything from endless flat water to waves and hundreds of miles of downwinder terrain
THE LURE
You’re reading about the most popular kite spot on the east coast of the US, with hundreds of miles of beaches, regular winds and a wealth of accommodation options. The unique calling cards are the mile-upon-mile of flat water on one side of the narrow island chains and numerous wave spots just a short hop across on the Atlantic side. People come back every year for the huge expanse of downwinder terrain that never gets old as there are so many routes to choose.
On the west side of the island you’ll find shallow flat water riding areas that are waist-deep for seven miles out and up to 60 miles north and south in the Pamlico Sound. If you need to relaunch your kite or just take a rest then you can do so in the waist deep waters; there’s a reason why literally thousands of people have come here to learn. It’s probably one of the best spots for beginners on the planet and there’s also some solid wave riding just a short walk away on the east coast of the island. Almost unreal!
Over 70 consecutive miles of oceanside coastline and dozens of miles of clean sound-side launching / landing areas create an almost incalculable number of routes for downwinders, which are the fastest way to progress. Students of most schools are often coached from close quarters by an instructor following them on a jet-ski for ultra-quick progression.
Marsh areas and small islands in the sound provide a natural obstacle course for more experienced kiters and they also create ‘slick’ water conditions on their leeside that are completely flat and wave free. You’ll never have to fight off a crowd here due to the massive amount of open space to play with.
Just one section of wicked waterways that form some of the craziest downwinders we’ve ever done / Patrick Rebstock ripping the coast side / PHOTOS: Ryan Osmond / Real
Hadlow at the annual Wind Voyager Triple-S / Rocky Chatwell in front of Waves Village Resort / PHOTOS: Real / Kitty Hawk
Visit Cape Hatteras: Watermen's Retreat
THE SET-UP
It blows pretty much all year long at various strengths but it’s consistently above average compared to mainland US and it’s also suitable for anyone, from total beginner to seasoned pro, with almost unlimited access to well over 140 miles of coastline. There are more spots here than you could ever hope to discover during a normal holiday. The flat water on the west side of the island is totally free of currents and the wave kiting to the east is outstanding with varying conditions, a sandy bottom and beaches that are open to swell from any direction.
We’ll start at the northern end, where the Outer Banks of North Carolina lie. Although any open stretch of launching area (or off the back of your rental propery) can be fair game, one of the spots that kiteboarders flock to is the large grassy soundfront. just behind the Whalehead in Corolla (for easy set-up and launching), which has open access to the Currituck Sound. There’s also plenty of parking and toilet facilities. Currituck is miles away from the nearest ocean inlet, which makes for a shallower, fresher water riding environment. It’s somewhat protected from stormy ocean conditions and is a great place to learn.
There are similar conditions in the village of Duck. Head to the town park, which encircles the Currituck soundfront through a series of wooden boardwalks and gazebos, or head to a sound public access and launch from there. Take caution as there are power line poles in and around the water, so take your time. Kite in the Albemarle Sound off Nags Head and Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which also offer easy access to the water. The park closes at 6 or 8pm and the beach can be particularly busy with other water users. Windmill Point, also in this central Outer Banks region, is a quieter and less well known spot. There’s also kiting in the town of Manteo, but keep a keen eye out for commercial tour boats coming through.
Pamlico Sound, the west side of Hatteras Island (facing towards the mainland), is the flat-water mecca for which ‘Hatty’ has become famous. This is probably one of the world’s best places to learn to kite because the sound is so flat and remains shallow as far as most people will venture out. It is still deep enough to foil, however! The schools in the area, like Kitty Hawk Kites, coach from jet-skis, allowing an instructor and student to find their own private space to practice in. They also offer soundfront access and accommodation on their premises, including condos, gear rental, showers, air compressors and plenty of friendly people to help launch kites, so getting on the water is easy. They’re also open to the public, even if you’re not staying with them in their Kiteboarding resort, Waves Village.
If you can pull yourself away from the glorious flats and head across to the ocean side of the island (sometimes just 100 metres away) then there’s some of the best waves to be found anywhere on the USA’s east coast at S-curves and Rodanthe, as well as some other locations. Canadian Hole and Nags Head (the staging point for a truly memorable Sound side downwinder) are classic spots to tick off your list.
Looking upwind from Waves Village restaurant, Good Winds / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Kitty Hawk’s free launch site / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Sam Light on his way to a win at the Triple-S / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Ryan Evans carving it up on the ocean side / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Kite Point is located south of Avon and is a friendly spot for every level kiter. It’s just south of the Canadian Hole launch spot but the parking and launch area is more easily accessible. Shallow and flat, there’s also a bit of bump-and-jump to play with when the wind gets up.
Further south of Kite Point is the Buxton Slick, just before the town of Buxton. You can dowind here from Kite Point and the little grass islands en route make for some epic flat water action. The launch here isn’t as easy, so beginners should head elsewhere. Frisco is popular because it has kite spots on the surf side and the sound side. Perfect if you can’t make up your mind and want a bit of everything! Park on the highway and walk through to the beach, which works best on a south-westerly breeze.
The ‘Planet of the Apes’ downwinder is perhaps the most famous downwind route in the world. Appropriately named - you’re at the edge of the world, and if something should go wrong, the battle to get home would be akin to that of the film! It’s worth the risk, however, as the Planet of the Apes delivers the best flatwater runs in the world when on a dependable south-west breeze. Go with a guide if it’s your first time (Kitty Hawk Kites / Outer Banks Kiteboarding can organise this).
Due to the bend in the island, and because there are so many kite spots either side of it, you can always find a spot to ride no matter the wind direction. Also, as Hatteras sits well away from the mainland, unless a storm front blows through, the wind is unobstructed and steady. Lastly, there are a few protected nature reserves, so pay attention to signage on the beaches where possible.
The whole area makes for classic downwinders, but make sure you pick up a downwinder guide from one of the kiteboarding shops - there are some areas that you don’t want to find yourself coming in to land at as there’s dense bush between the water and road. Get a map, plan your route, bring your buddies or join a group and you’ll wonder why you would ever want to kite backwards and forwards at one spot ever again!
WIND, WATER & WEATHER
The wind is good all year, however the direction changes from being predominantly south-west in the summer (side on-shore on the soundside), to north-east in the winter – ideal for riding waves in the ocean. The best time of year for shredding the slick is spring through autumn, but from September onwards the swells come through, lasting until spring, and you can get some serious waves throughout the winter.
Hatteras’ wind stats are solid all year with an average of 20 days a month, 12 months a year. June and July are the most consistent. You’ll mostly be on a nine but bring your entire quiver of kites because a big kite session on lighter days in the sound is ideal for working on new tricks.
PHOTO: Resort Realty
You can wear boardies / bikinis or shortie wetsuits from June to September but a spring suit or a 4mm at the most will do the job in April and May. After September it starts getting cold, and if you choose to brave the winter storms on Hatteras you’ll need a full winter suit with hood, gloves and boots.
Water temperatures average 18°C / 65°F in spring and 29°C / 85°F in summer, dropping to 10°C / 50°F in the winter. The weather is quite mild compared to other east coast locations and air temperatures are very balmy in summer, reaching the low to mid-90s (35ºC) in July and August with wider swings in fall, winter and spring. It’s always a good idea to bring layers and a wind shell though, even in summer and definitely in early and late season.
Chest deep water, and warm / Daily shut down... from the hot tub on the balcony of a Waves Village condo! / PHOTOS: Kiteworld / Kitty Hawk
SCHOOLS
KITTY HAWK KITEBOARDING are one of the most established schools in the entire US with an on-site shop, excellent school facilities and a huge selection of gear. Teaching everything from beginner courses to week long camps, during which you’ll stay next to the school at their luxury Waves Village resort. All instructors are experienced and PASA qualified and they also offer advanced 1:1 lessons, too. Gear rental and storage is available and a safety jet-ski is on hand at all times.
OUTER BANKS KITING offer bespoke coaching around Hatteras and the Outer Banks. Head Coach Jay Crawford has been kiting on Hatty since the beginning and will guide you to the best spots for the day's conditions where you'll have full boat and Sea Doo support while you're learning. Group lesson and private tuition is available and Outerbanks Kiting use the latest CORE and Duotone gear for all lessons. They also now offer E Foil lessons, which looks awesome!
REAL KITEBOARDING have 25 full time coaches teaching twice a day, seven days per week, beginner through to pro level. Max ratio is 2:1 and all lessons run with jet-ski support. The latest gear from Axon, Best, BWS, Liquid Force, Naish and Slingshot is available for rent. Also offered is accommodation at Waterman's Retreat, camps, air compressors, hot showers, changing rooms, lockers, live music and more.
REAL is surrounded by miles and miles of shallow water, that not only heats up quickly, but has a firm-sand bottom with few shells. While beginners are learning to stand-up on their board they can benefit from being able to stand in the water or usually sit down on the bottom with their head above water while they slip into their foot straps. It doesn’t get any easier. Languages spoken by staff: English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.
The launch at Real during the Triple-S event / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Jetski lessons, this time with Real, but most schools operate this way. It’s incredible for learning / PHOTO: Kiteworld
More riding hours go down here than you can imagine! / PHOTO: Kiteworld
ACCOMMODATION
Cape Hatteras has 70 miles of accommodation options to choose from, including campgrounds and simple beach motels to luxury waterfront condos and 12 bed beach mansions. The local communities are very laid back and friendly and things only get more relaxed the further south you head towards Cape Hatteras.
Geographically, where you stay should be based on where you want to ride and who you want to hang out with. Check with REAL and Kitty Hawk Kites at Waves Village Watersports Resort to get the full low down and pick up a riding map when you get there as you don’t want to miss out!
ACCOMMODATION RESORT REALTY offers more than 545 rental properties across the Outer Banks - with 50 vacation homes on Hatteras Island. From two-bedroom condos to 12 bedroom luxury estates, there are vacation rentals of every size and for every budget on their site.
There’s also Waves Village Watersports Resort which has 1,600 square foot luxury condos (3-bedroom, 3-bathroom units) with an on-site restaurant-bar, coffee shop, shopping, pro shop, rental centre, gear lockers, a new adventure climbing tower (featuring three levels and 15 climbing elements), and free activities during the summer. Condos include private balconies with an unobstructed view of the water and breathtaking sunsets, private hot tub, community pool, cable and HD, free wi-fi , hot water outdoor showers, changing rooms and much more. The launch site at Waves Village is open to the public at no cost (a signed waiver is required). Compressed air for kite inflation and hot showers for kiters to use after their session is also free of charge. Weekly demo days in the summer provide you with the opportunity to test drive the latest gear before you buy. Weekly summer ‘Kids Days’ are also a highlight for families.
Accommodation setup at Waves Village / PHOTOS: Waves Village / Kitty Hawk Kites
REAL’s Watermen’s Retreat and Watermen’s Bar & Grill has 14 luxury waterfront condominiums located right at ‘The Slick’ with private launch, air compressors, live outdoor music, gear storage, pro shop, rental shop and bar / restaurant all onsite. Watermen’s Retreat shares this site with REAL Watersports, one of the biggest shops and kite schools in the US and host of the annual Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational – one of kiteboarding’s biggest international and most high profile events of the year.
Accommodation setup at Watermen's Retreat / PHOTOS: Watermen's Retreat
SUN REALTY
With a large selection of Outer Banks rentals you have the choice of a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet friendly lodging and more!
Holiday rentals with Sun Realty / PHOTOS: Sun Realty
KITE CLUB HATTERAS
For people on a budget or traveling individually Kite Club Hatteras offer private and shared rooms at their “kite house” in Avon, NC. The canal front property allows quick access to Pamlico Sound, with boat support provided for guests and students. If you are in a group of four or more you can rent the full rental house – The Turtle Club, at affordable rates. Weekly, nightly and partial stay rates are available – get in touch for further details!
Accommodation setup at Kite Club Hatteras / PHOTOS: Kite Club Hatteras
NO WIND
In as little as 5mph of wind you can go hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head (just minutes from where the Wright brothers chose for their first flight). There’s also jetskiing, SUP, kayak tours and sailing. Cape Hatteras lighthouse and Pea Island Wildlife Refuge provide some fun afternoons out... if you can pull yourself away from the beach. For the kids there are camps and more – it’s an incredible place to get away from video games. There’s also fishing, excellent surfing, go-karting, movie theatres, heaps of shopping opportunities and spas. If you’re a kid, big or small, this place rocks for activities and the outdoors!
Kiting here is about hanging with friends and relaxing when you’re not kiting your ass off, and the rentals here are well geared up for that.
The boys (and girls!) like all their toys round here / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Lots of fishing trips in these parts / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Cape Hatteras light house / PHOTO: Kiteworld
GET AROUND
If you’re staying in Waves Village you’re in the centre of the ‘tri-village’ area of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo. Nags Head is 30 minutes north and Avon is about 20 minutes south by car. It’s best to rent a car so you have mobility up and down the island to find the perfect combination of wind angle, surf, etc. The island is about 70 miles long, all one highway, and you could be sessionning the entire area during one trip. You can rent a 4WD - get an off-road driving permit and find private sessions every day.
CURRENCY
US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2
FOOD & DRINK
There are grocery stores and restaurants littered along the whole area. Almost any accommodation you choose will be very well set up for your self-catering cooking/entertaining, and many of the houses/condos you won’t want to leave!
You’ll find a big Food Lion supermarket in Avon, or plenty more back up the road in Nags Head. There are a lot of options to eat out in Waves, Avon and Buxton. You won’t find a massively international flair in the cuisine, but you can be sure of big servings of fresh seafood, steaks, pizza, the odd Mexican, some sushi and American classics, all washed down with plenty of domestic and international beers on tap. Eating in or out isn’t super cheap - this is an island - but you won’t go hungry! Be aware, however, that things really quieten down after 9pm and there are no nightclubs. You make your own party. For a more lively evening experience head back up to Nags Head.
Lots of wind and lots of fish in this area! / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Nice to see small businesses still trading nicely, fitting the very down-to-earth vibe of this place / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Oceanas, Avon / PHOTO: Kiteworld
AIRPORT
Norfolk, VA (ORF / KORF) is roughly 90 minutes drive from the Outer Banks and the Nags Head area. Add another 30 minutes to make it further south to Hatteras. Other options slightly further away are Newport News, Virginia (PHF) or Raleigh, NC (RDU).