Buxton Slick (Hatteras)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Spot Type
- 10–30 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Buxton Slick (Hatteras) is a sound-side kitesurfing spot on the Cape Hatteras area that’s known for shallow, flat water with light chop—conditions that support freestyle progression, freeride sessions, and foil practice where depth allows. Wind-wise, sources align on a strong seasonal pattern with the most kiteable directions commonly reported from northerly through north-easterly (with additional best-month wind windows in late fall/winter). In spring and summer, occasional sea-breeze influence can enhance the gradient winds, with the thermal effect strongest in the afternoon regionally. The main safety focus is launch and access: sharp shells/oyster shells are reported in the water and on grassy approach areas, and extremely shallow zones can occur. Separately, power lines running parallel to the road are repeatedly emphasized as a critical hazard near where people launch—kite handling and setup position require extra care, with guidance to keep the kite low and stay well away from the lines. Seasonal rules also matter. Protected bird nesting areas can restrict kiteboarding during closures, so it’s important to verify that your planned launch/landing zone is allowed before rigging. Overall, plan for limited on-water rescue availability and prioritize protective gear such as booties and a helmet.
- Shallow, flat sound-side water ideal for freestyle progression and flat-water freeride
- N/NE winds can create mirror-smooth 'slick' water
- Seasonal wind reliability and a long ride window from spring through fall (and winter possible depending on conditions)
- Important National Seashore access/seasonal rules
- Flat-water kitesurfing conditions with light chop reported
- N/NE northerly wind described as creating unusually smooth 'slick' water for speed and freestyle
- Good year-to-year consistency of wind (especially spring/autumn per one provider)
- Multiple wind-dependent riding scenarios (sound-side flatwater focus; open-ocean not required for kiting)
- Shallow water and occasional very shallow zones
- Sharp shells/oyster shells in the water and on access areas
- Power lines near the launch/road create a high-risk setup hazard
- Seasonal bird nesting closures can restrict kiting in protected areas
- Rescue support is not available on-water
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, NW, SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Sound-side flatwater wind patterns with northerly and westerly/southwesterly best directions reported; occasional sea-breeze effects in spring/summer.
- Reliability
- very consistent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, June, July, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–15 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Flat water with light chop; described as shallow-flat or mirror-smooth during certain wind directions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop
- Launch
- Small — Shallow sound-side launch with very shallow water close to shore; narrow grassy and sandy strips along roadside/marsh edges (with varying local launch conditions).
Through the year
Summer can be popular; fall and spring are favored for more reliable wind; peak crowds around the annual Hatteras Wave Jam and spring/fall kiting weeks.
Hurricane season runs from June through November (highest storm risk typically August through October).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow sound-side conditions with mostly flat water and light chop are described as strong for flat-water freeride and progression; the 'Slick' is noted for mirror-smooth water during northerly winds blowing over marsh creating speed/freestyle-friendly conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–15 m²
Reported as a long-standing windsurfing favorite due to shallow, flat water and easy access from nearby launch areas.
Increasingly popular, but riders must be mindful of shallow water; may require finding deeper channels or walking out past the slickest areas.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- Approximately 0.8-1.0 meters depending on specific location and wind-driven tide
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Buxton Slick (Hatteras) in the full forecast view.
Buxton Slick (Hatteras) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 11–21 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- NE34°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2621 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.3 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Buxton Slick (Hatteras) is forecast for daytime winds of 11–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.9–2.3 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Sharp shells in the water and on grassy access areas
- Protected nesting areas (seasonal kiteboarding restrictions)
- Power lines running parallel to the road near launch
- Extremely shallow water in some zones
- Possible piers, rocks, and trees around you depending on launch location
- Narrow navigation channel offshore (infrequently used)
- Marshy edges
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No safety boats / no dedicated on-water rescue service reported.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 911 for emergencies. Nearest medical clinic is reported in Avon; larger hospitals are in Nags Head or Elizabeth City.
Rules of the spot
On the surfside, only sideshore, side-onshore, or onshore winds are recommended to avoid being blown out to sea. Respect protected nesting-season areas and avoid rigging on pavement; keep clear of power lines and maintain distance.
- Kiteboarders are not allowed in some protected nesting-season areas.
- No kiting in designated bird nesting areas during seasonal closures.
- Check launch and landing areas carefully for sharp objects.
- Wear booties to protect feet from shells (oyster/shell hazards reported).
- Respect protected areas during nesting seasons; follow seasonal closure rules.
- Keep your kite low and move away from power lines; maintain distance from lines during setup/launch.
- N and NE winds are reported to provide the flattest water behind the marsh point.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Buxton
- Nearest Town
- Buxton
- Parking
- Parking is described as available near the launch area, including the Haulover/Canadian Hole (Access 60) area; some limited roadside pull-offs are also noted.
- Access
- Accessible via Highway 12; access described as driving south and using the referenced access point(s) near Buxton.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Motels and vacation rentals are available in Buxton, Frisco, and Avon.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and grocery stores are located nearby in Buxton.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear availability is referenced through major retailers/centers in the Avon and Hatteras Village areas.
- Gear Storage
- Not available at the spot; most riders use personal vehicles or storage at home/rental properties.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services available through local kite and sail shops in the nearby areas.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, offering panoramic views of the Diamond Shoals.
A museum dedicated to maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks.
Beach driving is permitted in designated areas of the National Seashore with a required NPS permit.
A popular waterfront spot for live music, food, and sunset views over the sound.
Educational center focused on local coastal ecology and sea turtle conservation.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Buxton Slick (Hatteras)?
The best overall months at Buxton Slick (Hatteras) are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, June, July, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Buxton Slick (Hatteras)?
Buxton Slick (Hatteras) works with N, NE, NW, SW, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Buxton Slick (Hatteras)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Buxton Slick (Hatteras): Kitesurfing: 7–15 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–30 kts.
What skill level is Buxton Slick (Hatteras) suitable for?
Buxton Slick (Hatteras) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.