Kitesurfing North Carolina has a lot going for it. Its 301 mile coastline offers smooth, shallow waters, perfect winds and plenty of power zones. But what are the best kite spots in NC?
REAL Watersports in Cape Hatteras was the first company ever to teach people how to kitesurf. There are now dozens of first-rate training schools, suppliers and operators up and down the state that can cater for all your kitesurfing needs.
While a primitive form of kitesurfing board may have been invented in England in the early 1800s, today North Carolina is the world’s hub for the sport. Let’s look at some of the best places to catch some air.
Below are the three spots we recommend you check out id kitesurfing North Carolina.
The temperate archipelago of the Outer Banks is credited with spawning the modern discipline of kitesurfing when, in the 1990s, windsurfers from nearby Canadian Hole started to mix with local kiteboarders.
Almost a century before that, a different kind of ‘extreme sport’ took place on Outer Banks: the Wright Brothers’ first flight in a vehicle heavier than air.
Novices can learn how to body drag on the gentle waves of Barrier Island’s soundside. The more experienced kitesurfer will head straight to the gnarlier oceanside to pull some mobes on his/her twintip.
It’s worth taking a break from the air to check out Outer Banks’ lonely coves, old-world lighthouses, gourmet restaurants and The Wild Horses of Corolla sanctuary. Choosing to stay in the Outer Banks will allow you plenty of time to explore these attractions.
Not to be confused with the Republic of Ireland, Emerald Isle, NC is a pretty little marina with a decent launching beach below a 5-foot bulkhead.
With average Northwest and Southeast wind speeds of 10 miles per hour throughout the summer months, propulsion shouldn’t be a problem. That said, the islands to the Northeast can limit the fetch and, in rare cases, cause Hindenburgs.
If you want to spend a few days here learning to kitesurf or fine-tuning your board grabs, then use Emerald Isle as a point of departure.
Just 13 kilometres south of Emerald Isle is the hidden gem of Janeiro. It’s a quiet, unassuming South-facing beach backed by a few private residences and positioned on a riprap shoreline. But one of the best kite spots in NC
It’s slightly exposed position catches solid Southwest winds which should guarantee airtime. Watch out for the deceptively shallow sand bars.
Wherever you decide to go kitesurfing in North Carolina, you can be assured of great conditions and the time of your life.
Be sure to check out our kitesurfing discounts as you could save a fortune.