North Carolina · United States
Hatteras / Planet of the Apes, North Carolina (USA)
16.3kts
NNE · Wind season
Hatteras sound-side flats stay glassy and forgiving—278 windy days a year make it the rare Outer Banks spot where beginners actually progress.
- 16.3kts
- Average wind
- 279
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- NNE
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Pitt-Greenville, NC
- Coordinates
- 35.4857, -75.4825
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
82%
rideable
20.1 kts
Feb
81%
rideable
19.8 kts
Mar
85%
rideable
20 kts
Apr
87%
rideable
18.5 kts
May
71%
rideable
16.7 kts
Jun
58%
rideable
16.8 kts
Jul
66%
rideable
17.9 kts
Aug
63%
rideable
17.7 kts
Sep
72%
rideable
18.6 kts
Oct
79%
rideable
19.2 kts
Nov
80%
rideable
18.4 kts
Dec
90%
rideable
18.7 kts
Best wind directions
- NNE
- SW
- SSW
- N
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and tidal flows common in Hatteras inlet waters
- Shallow sandbars that shift seasonally, creating hazardous chop
- Occasional jellyfish and stingrays in warm months
- Boat traffic from nearby fishing and ferry operations
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Watch for moored boats and marked channels
- Stay well clear of fishing nets and lines (50 m+)
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
- Jellyfish present — long-sleeve rashguard or wetsuit
Amenities
- Kite schools and rental shops in Hatteras village
- Restaurants, accommodations, and general stores nearby
- Parking areas close to launch points
- Restrooms and freshwater showers at beach access areas
Local tips
Plan visits during the windy season (Sep-May) when conditions are most consistent; summer months can be lighter but still rideable. Check tide tables as conditions change significantly between high and low tide on the flats.
Launch & beach
Launch from the protected sound-side flats with NNE or SW winds for smooth water and easy entry. The flat water makes this ideal for beginners learning body drags and water starts without heavy chop.
Local etiquette
Respect local fishing activity and stay clear of designated fishing zones. Maintain friendly communication with other kiters on the flat water and avoid launching during peak ferry traffic times.
What to wear
Wear a 3/2mm wetsuit September-May when water temps drop to 50-60°F; switch to a 2mm or spring suit for summer months. Year-round sun protection is essential due to extended daily wind hours.
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
You're in protected sound-side shallows. Water is flat. No reef, no surprise shore break, just sand and consistent wind. Planet of the Apes (the local name) is the exception to the Outer Banks' reputation for chop and chaos.
Wind & Conditions
September through May. NNE and SW winds average 16 knots with roughly 280 windy days annually. Winter (Dec–Feb) is most reliable; summer is lighter and inconsistent.
Tide matters here. High and low completely reshape the flats—water depth and chop change dramatically. Check tide tables before launching or you'll be stranded in knee-deep water.
The Water
It's a lagoon, not open ocean. Shallow sandbars migrate seasonally. Hatteras Inlet funnels serious tidal flow through, so currents are real. Summer brings jellyfish and stingers. Fishing boats and ferry traffic are constant—stay aware but not worried.
Who It's For
Beginners. If you're drilling water starts and body drags, launch here. Flat water means you practice technique instead of just surviving. Intermediate riders come for winter flatwater freestyle when swells are messy elsewhere. You'll outgrow it fast once you're solid.
Logistics
Hatteras village has kite schools, rentals, food, and lodging minutes from launch. Parking is close. Freshwater showers and restrooms on-site. The fishing culture is working heritage here—respect it.
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