WWS

North Carolina · United States

Hatteras / Vermont Hole, North Carolina (USA)

16.6kts

SW · Wind season

Vermont Hole serves 283 windy days yearly in dead-flat protected water. Beginner training ground where you actually progress.

BeginnerIntermediateFreerideFoil
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
35.3021, -75.5145
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Monthly wind profile (peak window)

20
Jan
20
Feb
20
Mar
19
Apr
17
May
17
Jun
18
Jul
18
Aug
19
Sep
19
Oct
19
Nov
19
Dec

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
  • Flat Water

Best months

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Hazards

  • Strong currents and tidal flows common in the Pamlico Sound area near Oregon Inlet
  • Shallow water hazards and sandbars that shift seasonally
  • Occasional boat traffic in the sound during peak seasons
  • Sudden wind shifts and gusty conditions from nearby weather systems

What that means for you

  • Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
  • Watch for moored boats and marked channels
  • Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water

Amenities

  • Local kite schools and rental shops in Hatteras village
  • Restaurants and accommodations along Highway 12
  • Parking areas and beach access near the launch zones
  • Fuel and supplies available in nearby towns

Local tips

Check tide times before sessions as they significantly affect water depth and launch conditions at this spot. Wind is nearly consistent year-round (283 windy days), making it reliable for skill progression.

Launch & beach

Vermont Hole offers protected flat-water conditions ideal for beginners with easy beach launching. NE and N winds are most reliable; enter from designated beach areas and watch for shallow spots near launch.

Local etiquette

Respect other water users and keep distance from swimmers and fishermen. Yield to local riders familiar with the spot's currents and hazards.

What to wear

3-5mm wetsuit recommended October-April as water temperatures drop significantly; lighter suits or spring suits sufficient May-September.

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

  1. 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
  2. 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
  3. 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
  4. 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
  5. 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.

Spot guide

The Experience

Launch from the beach into flat water protected by Hatteras village's lee. Vermont Hole sits in the Pamlico Sound, shielded from Atlantic chop. Sparse barrier island landscape, working beach, actual space to practice without crowds.

Wind & Conditions

283 rideable days annually. NE/N winds dominate; SW as backup. Average 16.6 knots keeps sessions consistent without long waits. Wind shifts hit hard when systems move through—stay sharp. April-May and September-December peak, but August stays rideable. Consistency means you can schedule training instead of chasing forecasts.

Water

Flat protected sound water. Tidal system with migrating sandbars—check tide times before launch. Depth swings dramatically; low tide can trap you in shallows. Strong currents near Oregon Inlet. Boat traffic during season. Winter water is cold (hood required), summer warms considerably. Learn the tidal schedule and channel locations—they matter.

Who It's For

Beginners and early-intermediate. Flat water means focus on technique and speed without fighting chop. Bored advanced riders should seek swell breaks on the ocean side. This spot is a training facility.

Access & Scene

Kite schools and rental shops in Hatteras village. Highway 12 runs through with food and lodging. Parking accessible near launch. Local schools provide knowledge on tidal shifts and sandbars—use it. Low-key working beach, not a party spot.