North Carolina · United States
Hatteras / Ramp 38, North Carolina (USA)
16.6kts
SW · Wind season
Hatteras delivers 283 windy days a year with Atlantic consistency. Ramp 38 offers direct ocean access, but expect technical chop, strong currents, and dynamic sandbars. Intermediate riders thrive here.
- 16.6kts
- Average wind
- 283
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- SW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Pitt-Greenville, NC
- Coordinates
- 35.3210, -75.5077
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
84%
rideable
20.4 kts
Feb
82%
rideable
20 kts
Mar
87%
rideable
20.3 kts
Apr
90%
rideable
18.5 kts
May
69%
rideable
17.2 kts
Jun
65%
rideable
16.5 kts
Jul
66%
rideable
17.9 kts
Aug
61%
rideable
18 kts
Sep
73%
rideable
18.9 kts
Oct
81%
rideable
19.1 kts
Nov
82%
rideable
18.6 kts
Dec
89%
rideable
19.2 kts
Best wind directions
- SW
- NNE
- N
- SSW
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and rip tides common in Atlantic Ocean conditions
- Choppy water with frequent whitecaps requires solid wave riding skills
- Shallow areas and sandbars near the ramp can create dumping waves
- Heavy boat traffic and fishing activity in the area
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
Amenities
- Beach access via Ramp 38 with parking nearby
- Local restaurants and shops in Hatteras village
- Kitesurfing schools and rental shops in the area
- Restroom facilities at the ramp
Local tips
With 283 windy days annually, Hatteras is exceptionally reliable; check tide charts as shallow sandbars shift seasonally. Early morning sessions typically offer cleaner conditions before afternoon chop builds.
Launch & beach
Ramp 38 provides direct ocean access with an easy sand launch, though choppy conditions demand care entering the water. Best launches occur with NE or N winds pushing directly offshore or with cross-shore NNE/N conditions.
Local etiquette
Respect commercial and recreational fishermen working the area, and keep clear of marked boat channels. Communicate with other kiters as the spot can get crowded during peak wind season.
What to wear
Winter (Nov-Mar): 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit with booties and gloves; Summer (May-Sep): 2/2mm or 3/2mm suit as water warms. Water temps range from cold in winter to tolerable 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 Setup
Ramp 38 is straightforward: drive down, park, walk to hard-packed sand. You get ocean access without typical beach launch friction. The payoff is wind—283 days annually with reliable Atlantic flows. The cost is conditions that don't forgive sloppy technique.
Wind
Northeast and north winds dominate spring through winter, running offshore or cross-shore. Summer still works when other East Coast spots go flat. Early morning is cleanest before afternoon chop stacks up. Southwest winds are inconsistent.
Water & Hazards
This is intermediate-to-advanced territory. Expect constant whitecaps and choppy texture that demands solid edge control. Sandbars shift seasonally and create sudden dumpers at certain tides—check conditions before launching.
Rip currents run through this area. Use them, don't fight them. Boat traffic (fishing and recreational) is regular; stay aware of channels and keep your head up.
Who Belongs Here
Solid intermediate minimum. Beginners rent lessons locally first. You need comfort in chop, ability to read shifting water, and willingness to actively assess conditions. Hesitation gets punished. Commitment pays.
Nearly year-round sessions if you can handle Atlantic weather.
Live network data powered by Antigravity Alliance Inc.