North Carolina · United States
Hatteras / Ramp 34, North Carolina (USA)
16.4kts
SW · Wind season
Hatteras Ramp 34 delivers 280 windy days yearly with reliable Atlantic swell. Intermediate skills required—respect the currents and chop.
- 16.4kts
- Average wind
- 280
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- SW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Pitt-Greenville, NC
- Coordinates
- 35.3768, -75.4932
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
84%
rideable
20.1 kts
Feb
81%
rideable
20 kts
Mar
87%
rideable
20.1 kts
Apr
90%
rideable
18.4 kts
May
69%
rideable
17 kts
Jun
63%
rideable
16.6 kts
Jul
66%
rideable
17.9 kts
Aug
60%
rideable
18.1 kts
Sep
72%
rideable
18.8 kts
Oct
81%
rideable
19.1 kts
Nov
80%
rideable
18.5 kts
Dec
87%
rideable
19.1 kts
Best wind directions
- SW
- NNE
- N
- SSW
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and choppy ocean conditions require solid intermediate skills and awareness of water movement
- Shallow sandbars near shore can create unpredictable waves and sudden depth changes
- Weather shifts common on the Outer Banks; monitor conditions closely as squalls can develop quickly
- Fishing piers and other water users in the area require constant vigilance
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Stay well clear of fishing nets and lines (50 m+)
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Nearby shops and restaurants in Hatteras village with kitesurfing-friendly services
- Ramp access for easy launch and recovery with vehicle parking
- Local accommodations and vacation rentals within walking distance
Local tips
Hatteras has 280+ windy days annually, making it exceptionally reliable. Plan visits during shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) for the best combination of wind consistency and manageable water temperatures.
Launch & beach
Ramp 34 provides excellent ramp access for launching in choppy ocean conditions. SW, N, and NE winds work best for this location; launch during favorable wind directions to avoid fighting strong cross-currents.
Local etiquette
Respect other water users and established local kiter zones. Yield to swimmers and fishing activity, and maintain awareness of crowding during peak wind days.
What to wear
A 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit is recommended year-round due to Atlantic Ocean water temperatures; winter months (Dec-Feb) may require 5/4mm. Water temperatures range from cold in winter to warm in summer.
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
Drive down, park, rig on concrete, launch in minutes. Ramp 34 cuts the logistics—no beach walks, no wading. You're in choppy Atlantic water fast. Expect rough conditions most days; clean water is the exception here, not the rule.
Wind & Conditions
16+ knots average. 280 windy days a year means you can actually plan trips around sessions instead of chasing forecasts. SW and N winds align best with the ramp's orientation. March–May and September–November hit the sweet spot: consistent wind, tolerable water temps. Winter needs a hood. Summer turns glassy and unreliable.
The Water
Ocean swell, not a pond. Sandbars shift after storms—depth changes without warning. The current system is the real test: alongshore and rip currents run strong and require constant reading. Fishing piers add another navigation layer. This isn't a zone-out spot. Water temps swing from winter cold to summer warm by July.
Who Should Come
Intermediate riders with edge control and current awareness. This place punishes casual approaches. You need solid body control and constant spatial orientation. Beginners don't belong here. Advanced riders use it for rough-water training.
The Town
Hatteras village has actual kitesurfing knowledge in shops and restaurants—not generic tourist stuff. Working fishing village vibe. Rentals and food within walking distance of the ramp. No nightlife, but plenty of people who kite because conditions are reliable.
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