North Carolina · United States
Hatteras / Oregon Inlet-South Side, North Carolina (USA)
16.3kts
SSW · Wind season
274 windy days yearly at Oregon Inlet's south side, but inlet currents and commercial boat traffic demand respect. Northeast swell season delivers the best sessions.
- 16.3kts
- Average wind
- 274
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- SSW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Pitt-Greenville, NC
- Coordinates
- 35.7717, -75.5240
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
82%
rideable
20.2 kts
Feb
82%
rideable
20.2 kts
Mar
81%
rideable
20.9 kts
Apr
87%
rideable
18.8 kts
May
69%
rideable
16.7 kts
Jun
52%
rideable
17.3 kts
Jul
65%
rideable
17.7 kts
Aug
60%
rideable
18 kts
Sep
72%
rideable
18.3 kts
Oct
81%
rideable
19 kts
Nov
85%
rideable
17.9 kts
Dec
85%
rideable
19.3 kts
Best wind directions
- SSW
- NNE
- N
- SW
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and rip tides common in ocean inlet areas; always check conditions before launching
- Choppy water conditions can make landings difficult; exercise caution in gusty wind transitions
- Shallow sandbars and submerged obstacles; scout the launch area at low tide if unfamiliar
- Heavy boat traffic through Oregon Inlet; stay aware of commercial and recreational vessels
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Watch for moored boats and marked channels
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Nearby restaurants and shops in Hatteras village
- Beach access with parking facilities
- Local kitesurfing schools and rental shops
- Fuel stations and general supplies
Local tips
The 274 windy days per year make this a reliable spot with consistent conditions; plan visits during Apr-May or Sep-Nov for optimal wind reliability. Local knowledge of inlet dynamics is valuable—consult with local shops about specific launch spots and tidal conditions.
Launch & beach
Launch from sandy beach areas on the south side of the inlet where wind is less gusty. Avoid the inlet mouth itself due to strong currents; optimal launches occur with NNE, N, or NE winds hitting the south-facing beach.
Local etiquette
Respect boat traffic through Oregon Inlet and stay clear of marked channels. Keep distance from swimmers and other water users; communicate with other kiters about wind window placement.
What to wear
Spring through fall wear a 3/2mm wetsuit; winter months (Nov-Feb) require 4/3mm or 5/3mm due to Atlantic water temperatures dropping to 45-50°F. Booties and a hood are recommended year-round.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
- 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Launch from sandy beach on Oregon Inlet's south side and you skip the worst inlet chop. Sandbars shift constantly. Scout at low tide for launch options; high tide compresses them. New to the spot? Walk it first.
The Outer Banks barrier island funnels steady wind down the coast. That same geography channels heavy commercial fishing traffic through here. Boat wakes are manageable. The currents aren't—they'll push you downwind fast if you're not watching.
Wind & Conditions
Northeast and north winds work best with the beach geometry. Southwest winds turn gusty and choppy quickly. Average 16.3 knots during season. April-May and September-November are most consistent; summer thermals make it unreliable.
274 windy days per year is real, not marketing. You can plan a trip with solid odds of sessions. Inlet winds gust hard though. Stay sharp.
The Water
Shallow sandbars mean constant depth awareness. Scout at low tide for submerged obstacles. Winter water runs cold; summer becomes tolerable. Currents at the inlet mouth are strong—don't launch near it. Rip tides here are serious.
Water texture is always rough, especially with northeast swell. Landings demand technical skill.
Who It's For
Intermediate minimum. The wind itself isn't the challenge—managing inlet dynamics, boat traffic, and technical landings simultaneously is. Beginners should take a local lesson first. Schools here know the safe zones.
Experienced kiters chasing reliable wind will find it. Come for consistency, not pristine conditions.
Getting There
Hatteras village has shops, restaurants, and rental/lesson operators. Local kiters know which tidal windows suit your level and how inlet conditions shift week to week. Talk to them.
Summer sees recreational boat traffic spike. November through March quiets down—and the wind gets more dependable. That's peak season here.
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