North Carolina · United States
Hatteras / S-Turns, North Carolina (USA)
16.2kts
SW · Wind season
Shallow-water sandspit with shifting sandbars and gusty wind off the dunes. Intermediate riders only—you need solid edge control and tide-reading skills.
- 16.2kts
- Average wind
- 277
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- SW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Pitt-Greenville, NC
- Coordinates
- 35.6182, -75.4676
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
84%
rideable
20.1 kts
Feb
79%
rideable
20.1 kts
Mar
85%
rideable
19.7 kts
Apr
88%
rideable
18.4 kts
May
69%
rideable
16.5 kts
Jun
57%
rideable
16.7 kts
Jul
65%
rideable
17.7 kts
Aug
61%
rideable
17.5 kts
Sep
68%
rideable
18.3 kts
Oct
81%
rideable
18.8 kts
Nov
83%
rideable
18.1 kts
Dec
87%
rideable
19 kts
Best wind directions
- SW
- SSW
- NNE
- N
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and choppy ocean swells common to the Outer Banks
- Shallow sandbars and sudden depth changes requiring careful navigation
- Occasional jellyfish and marine life in summer months
- Gusty wind shadows from dunes and vegetation near shore
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
- Jellyfish present — long-sleeve rashguard or wetsuit
Amenities
- Local kitesurfing schools and rental shops in Hatteras village
- Beach access points with parking near S-Turns launch area
- Restaurants and accommodations in nearby Buxton and Hatteras town
- Repair shops and supply stores for emergency gear needs
Local tips
Check tide charts and local wind forecasts daily—the Outer Banks' shallow waters and sandbars shift frequently. S-Turns is best suited for intermediate+ riders due to choppy conditions and requires local knowledge of launch timing.
Launch & beach
S-Turns offers a sandy beach launch with manageable ocean conditions best during NE and N winds. Watch for choppy water conditions and launch during lower tide when sandbars are more stable.
Local etiquette
Respect other water users and maintain clear distance from swimmers and fishing areas. Local kiters are experienced—follow their lead on spot-specific safety protocols.
What to wear
Wear a 4/3mm wetsuit October-April when water temps drop to 50-60°F; switch to 2/2mm or rash guard May-September. Water temperatures vary significantly by season along the Outer Banks.
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
S-Turns is a shallow launch with constantly shifting sandbars. What's bikeable one month might be chest-deep the next. Entry and exit demand attention to depth and tide state.
Wind here is gusty and variable—smooth over open water, choppy near the dunes. Straightforward technically, but you can't zone out.
Wind & Conditions
Hatteras averages 16.2 knots and sees wind ~276 days per year. NE to N wind is the call. SW and SSW create strong ocean chop and poor beach angles.
October through May is the reliable window. Summer thermals kill sessions; winter swell adds texture. You'll rarely hit the sweet spot—mostly overpowered or underpowered.
Water & Hazards
Sandbars shift constantly. Strong currents run through them. Ocean swell wraps around and kicks up chop fast. Summer brings jellyfish. Don't expect flat water or jump zones here.
Who Should Come
Intermediate-plus only. You need solid edge control, comfort in gusty wind, and the ability to read tide charts and spot safe launch zones. Talk to local rental shops before you go out—they'll tell you if conditions are actually rideable that day.
On the Ground
Hatteras village has rental shops, schools, restaurants, and repair options. Buxton is nearby for lodging. The vibe is practical—you're here for wind, not amenities.
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