Why Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks is one of the best places in the world to learn to kitesurf
Hatteras Island is a world-class wind sports destination and has been a place of wind-related innovation for more than 100 years. Do the Wright Brothers ring a bell (The first powered aircraft flight…). My journey on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore began with a kiteboarding lesson in 2017 and I haven’t stopped obsessing about the amazing kiteboarding conditions ever since.
Where is Hatteras Island?
It is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and consists of two barrier islands separated by the Oregon Inlet. From Raleigh Durham, it’s roughly a four-hour drive, and from Washington DC more like five and a half.
Why learn to Kiteboard on the Outer Banks
This area offers some of the best kiteboarding in the world with consistent wind and a smooth, shallow sound that can provide up to three miles of flat water. The island also has some beautiful beaches which are perfect for launching and landing from.
The area has a great culture of kiteboarding and many local shops that offer support and gear for kitesurfers of all levels. You can find an amazing selection of new and used equipment, as well as lessons, repair services, and rentals. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and eager to help you become a part of the kiteboarding community.
Why shallow water in the sound is so important
I can not stress enough how great it is and how much easier it is to learn to kitesurf when you can stand up and grab your board, or walk back to the beach if you’ve tangled your lines. I have spent countless hours walking in the Pamlico Sound and with every single step I take I’m grateful I’m not swimming.
The shallow water also means little to no waves to work with and when you’re learning a new boardsport the fewer variables, the better.
The Outer Banks has perfect wind conditions for more than half the year
When you’re learning to kitesurf you want easy, steady, non-gusty warm wind with ranges from 13-22 mph. The thermal winds in the warm season on Hatteras blow consistently around 20mph in a South West direction (which is on the sound side back to land). Side note: you always want the wind to blow in a direction that pushes you back to the beach! I’ve made that mistake…
Salvo, Outer Banks is a perfect town for kiteboarding vacations
There are many fantastic Airbnbs you can stay in (shameless self-promotion here for ours), and there’s a really high density of high-quality kiteboarding schools and gear shops.
My favorites are:
What is the best season to kitesurf on the Outer Banks?
Spring and Fall are the best seasons for kiteboarding. In the summer months, there are frequent thunderstorms that can put a damper on your plans, and it’s not as windy in the middle of Summer as it is in the other warmer months.
During the winter, you can find some strong wind but much colder temperatures and water. I love the big storms we get in Salvo in October/November but the warm water earlier in the season is so much more comfortable.
In conclusion
Hatteras Island is also one of the few places on the East Coast where you can experience warm, clear waters, wide-open skies, and consistent wind all year round. The perfect conditions, combined with its amazing landscape and vibe make it one of the best places in the world to learn how to kitesurf. If you’re thinking about learning to kiteboard, or want to take your skills to the next level, consider booking a trip down here and see what all the fuss is about!
Happy Kiting friends!
