First Turnout (Hatteras Island)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow
- Spot Type
- 15–30 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
First Turnout (Hatteras Island) is a shallow, clean soundside kiteboarding area north of Avon with generally small beach access and easy launch/walkout from a roadside dirt turnout. Water can range from flat to light chop, with a mostly sand bottom and minimal surf/shorbreak. Providers also note shallow depth variability, so it’s important to check water depth before attempting larger moves or jumps. Wind is most commonly described as SW, with a mix of frontal-system influence and thermal sea-breeze behavior. The spot is best for riding when SW winds are set up, and thermal reinforcement is often cited as strongest in summer afternoons (roughly mid-afternoon onward). Typical session wind is reported around 15–30 knots, with overall wind reliability described as moderate, and gusts can occur—especially with the soundside nature of the launch. Safety considerations are dominated by sharp shell hazards (including oyster shells) in the water and on grassy/sandy launch areas. Booties/neoprene footwear are strongly recommended, and extra caution is advised near overhead powerlines by the road. Conditions can also be gusty and unpredictable on the soundside, so approach and landing planning matter. The spot’s overall setup makes it a strong choice for beginner-to-intermediate kiteboarders focused on flatwater freestyle/freeride and for riders running downwind routes between turnouts. Windsurfing is also described as suitable for flat-water slalom/freestyle, while wingfoiling is more limited due to the extensive shallow water (often requiring walking to find enough depth for foils).
- Roadside access with an easy walkout
- Expansive shallow soundside area for flatwater riding
- SW winds are the key direction
- Seasonal thermal reinforcement in summer afternoons
- Easy, roadside access with an easy walkout to shallow water.
- Clean shallow water with extensive flatwater area for kitesurfing freestyle and freeride.
- Strong seasonal wind behavior, often with thermal sea-breeze reinforcement in summer.
- Sharp shells and oyster shells on/near shore make footwear important.
- Shallow water depth can vary; impacts jump attempts and makes some foil use limited.
- Soundside wind can be gusty and unpredictable; nearby powerlines require caution.
- Rescue availability is limited.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider mix: frontal winds are frequent, with thermal sea-breeze reinforcing SW winds in summer afternoons.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Soundside winds can be gusty and unpredictable.
- Best Months
- January, February, June, July, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Flat-to-choppy shallow water; shore break none.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Some providers describe flat-to-choppy conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy and grassy clearing adjacent to the parking area.
Through the year
Can be busy on weekends in spring and fall; moderate crowds in summer.
Hurricane season typically runs from June to November; highest risk of significant storms described as August and September (regionally also August–October).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-to-choppy shallow soundside conditions with an expansive, waist-deep area suited to flatwater freestyle and freestyle/freeride sessions; also commonly used for downwinders. Best in SW winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Flat-water location suitable for slalom and freestyle.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Possible but limited by extensive shallow water; riders often need to walk significant distance to find enough depth for a foil.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil friendly is limited due to depth variability.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter required for short masts
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for First Turnout (Hatteras Island) in the full forecast view.
First Turnout (Hatteras Island) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–21 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- NE35°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2521 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.3 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, First Turnout (Hatteras Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.8–2.3 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 water and on some beaches and grassy spots
- oyster shells near shore (especially at low water levels)
- powerlines near road
- shallow water and submerged debris
- submerged seagrass
- gusty/unpredictable soundside winds
- occasional piers, rocks, trees depending on exact turnout
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regionally described as limited; one provider specifically notes rescue as none at/for the spot.
- Emergency Info
- The nearest 24/7 emergency facility is The Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head (regional info). For immediate emergencies, dial 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism indicated by providers.
Rules of the spot
Avoid protected areas during nesting seasons. No permits required (per provider). Respect other riders and avoid kiting too close to the highway/parking areas.
- No kiteboarding in protected nature reserves during nesting seasons.
- Wear booties/appropriate footwear to protect against shell cuts.
- Check the water depth before attempting jumps (depth can vary).
- Be cautious of overhead powerlines.
- Check launch/landing areas for sharp objects and avoid likely shell-heavy zones when possible.
- Launch with extra caution due to gusty/unpredictable conditions on the soundside.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Avon
- Nearest Town
- Avon
- Parking
- Roadside parking along NC-12; no permits required. Small dirt/sand parking area; 4WD recommended but often accessible by 2WD in dry conditions.
- Access
- Roadside dirt turnout north of Avon on soundside access roads; park along highway and walk gear down to the water. Launch can be accessed via a small sandy/grassy clearing adjacent to parking.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous vacation rentals in Avon and nearby campgrounds; lodging options also in surrounding towns (provider-reported/regionally supported).
- Food & Drink
- Various restaurants and grocery stores located about 2 minutes south in Avon (provider-reported).
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available in Avon and surrounding areas (provider-reported).
- Gear Storage
- Not available at the spot; rentals and shops nearby offer storage for a fee (provider-reported).
- Gear Repair
- Gear repair available at major kite shops in the Avon/Waves area (provider-reported).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Avon area is set against Cape Hatteras National Seashore, mixing wind and water sports with beach life and wildlife viewing.
Panoramic views and lighthouse and seashore scenery.
Historic site representing maritime heritage.
Historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.
Permitted driving on designated beach stretches for fishing and access.
Coastal activities such as kayaking, fishing, and dune exploration.
Popular local spot for seafood and craft beer near the Avon Pier.
Local eateries and bars in Avon and nearby Hatteras Village.
A classic pier for fishing, sightseeing, and watching surfers.
Beach access, tours, and wildlife viewing in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at First Turnout (Hatteras Island)?
The best overall months at First Turnout (Hatteras Island) are April, May, June, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, June, July, October, November.
Which wind directions work at First Turnout (Hatteras Island)?
First Turnout (Hatteras Island) works with SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at First Turnout (Hatteras Island)?
Recommended equipment sizes at First Turnout (Hatteras Island): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is First Turnout (Hatteras Island) suitable for?
First Turnout (Hatteras Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.