North Carolina · United States
Hatteras / Third Turnout, North Carolina (USA)
16.4kts
SW · Wind season
Hatteras Third Turnout delivers consistent wind and forgiving flat water—ideal for building skills. Shifting sandbars and inlet gusts demand respect and local knowledge.
- 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
- 35.3932, -75.4952
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
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and shifting sandbars common to Hatteras Island requiring constant awareness
- Shallow water and sudden depth changes can trap boards and create hazardous conditions
- Occasional boat traffic in this popular fishing area demands vigilance
- Gusty wind conditions near the inlet can create unpredictable lulls and spikes
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 with nearby parking at Third Turnout
- Local shops and rental facilities in Buxton and Avon villages
- Restaurants and accommodations throughout Hatteras Island
- Gas stations and grocery stores within short drive
Local tips
Check tide schedules as shallow areas shift dramatically; low tide offers the shallowest, most beginner-friendly conditions. Winter months offer the most reliable and consistent wind with 280 windy days annually making this a premier year-round destination.
Launch & beach
Third Turnout offers protected flat-water launches ideal for beginners, with easy beach access. NE and N winds provide the most consistent conditions, while SW winds can create choppy conditions requiring careful launch timing.
Local etiquette
Respect the strong local fishing community and share the water respectfully; stay clear of marked fishing areas and launch zones. Keep a safe distance from other riders in this growing kite spot.
What to wear
Winter months (Dec-Feb) require 4/3mm wetsuits for the cold Atlantic water; summer months allow 2/2mm or spring suits. The region experiences variable temperatures, so layer appropriately based on season.
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
Third Turnout is a working beach. Park, walk, launch. No frills. The sandbar peninsula gives you flat water and a shallow sand bottom that doesn't punish mistakes—board goes down, you're standing in waist-deep water. That margin is why beginners come here.
Wind here is relentless but moody. NE and N winds are clean and organized. SW wind gets choppy fast and unpredictable. The inlet nearby creates sudden gusts and lulls that'll catch you off-guard if you're not paying attention. This isn't buttery-smooth—it's Hatteras.
Wind & Water
Winter (December–March) is the core season. 280 windy days annually means you can actually count on wind. Plan around it.
Low tide is beginner heaven: waist-deep for long stretches. High tide tightens the playable zone. Sandbars here shift with storms and seasons—check local intel before you go. Buxton and Avon shops know what's moved. Listen to them.
Currents are strong and tidal. They'll push you down the beach if you drift sideways without intention. Watch for it. Fishing boat traffic is light but real—eyes up.
Who This Is For
Beginners needing flat water and sand bottom to learn on. Intermediate kiters chasing volume and consistency. Hatteras Island has solid amenities—rentals, food, lodging—but it's working-class Outer Banks. Not a resort. A place where fishermen live and kiters increasingly show up because the wind shows up.
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