Laundromats
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Laundromats (also known as Old Station) is an exposed sandy beach break in Kitty Hawk, known for fairly reliable surf and a fast shore-break that can make rides feel quick and energetic. The break is reported to work across tides, and wave quality is generally described as good when conditions line up—particularly for northeast swell with offshore west winds. Surf conditions at this spot are frequently shallow near the shore and can turn heavy at the shore-break. Multiple sources highlight dangerous water movement, including rip currents and strong rips, which can be especially problematic if you’re caught outside your ability level. Sharks are also listed as a hazard for this spot, reinforcing the need for extra caution in the lineup and when entering/exiting the water. Wind is typically favorable when it comes from the west (offshore), helping groom waves into cleaner faces. In less favorable wind setups, the surf can become chopped and driftier. The sandbar configuration is described as shifting frequently, so checking conditions at different tide stages is recommended rather than relying on a single moment. Seasonally, fall is repeatedly described as a premier period for clean, powerful surf. Winter (including December–February) is also supported for strong swell and working waves, but temperatures drop substantially—winter entry commonly requires a heavier wetsuit plus added thermal protection.
- Exposed, consistent beach break with reliable surf.
- Offshore west winds groom waves; best swell pairing reported from the northeast.
- Fast, often shallow shore-break—excellent for intermediate+ when conditions are right, but risky for beginners.
- Exposed beach break with reliable surf that can work at any time of year.
- Best performance reported with a Northeast swell plus offshore west wind.
- Works across tides with generally good wave quality when wind and sandbar line up.
- Shark presence reported.
- Strong rips/rip currents are common.
- Fast, often shallow, heavy shore-break can be hazardous.
- Can draw crowds on quality swell days.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW, WSW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Frontal/mixed regimes reported locally; offshore west winds tend to groom surf faces.
- Reliability
- 36% blown / 24% clean (monthly breakdown reported).
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, October, November, December, September
- Shadow Zones
- Buildings along the coastline can create small turbulence in very light offshore winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with shifting sandbars.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Wave size described as flat in one dataset, while other inputs describe medium to powerful surf depending on swell and season.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide clearing at Old Station with beach access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as easy to moderate depending on conditions.
Through the year
Can be crowded during summer weekends and on high-quality swell days in the fall; sometimes crowded in general.
Nor'easters dominate December–February; hurricane season runs June through November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed, fast, often shallow shore-break beach break with reliable surf that works on all tides. Suits experienced/intermediate surfers on the right swell/tide due to strong shore-break and rip currents.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E, SE, NNE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Also reported as working across tides; one provider notes best mid tide, so follow current conditions.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach; jetty/nearby structures can influence local break behavior.
- Wind Effect
- Best with west (offshore) winds that groom waves into cleaner faces; strong onshore conditions can create heavy drift and chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and closed out during massive hurricane swells, but often holds up well during moderate groundswells; holds well at high tide especially toward the northern end of the area.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality, with consistency that improves with proper wind direction and sandbar setup.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Can be powerful and fast off the shore-break.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Peeling/mixed character depending on sandbar and swell.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Often quick/punchy rides.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Often short to medium depending on sandbar configuration; quick rides reported.
- Ride Length Details
- Quick rides are common; punchy short-to-medium waves depending on sandbar configuration.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Laundromats in the full forecast view.
Laundromats wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–22 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- NE36°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2522 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.5 m7s period
- Temperature
- 15–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Laundromats is forecast for daytime winds of 7–22 kts, peaking around 22 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.7–2.5 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
- Sharks
- rip currents
- strong rips
- strong shore-break
- shallow shore-break
- strong lateral currents
- swimmers during summer months
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are reported as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Professional ocean rescue and lifeguards are stationed seasonally at major public beach accesses.
- Emergency Info
- Call 911 for emergencies. Emergency services are reachable via 911; nearest medical facilities are in Nags Head and Kitty Hawk.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Local line-up behavior is expected; avoid dropping in on locals.
Rules of the spot
Standard beach/surfing etiquette. Avoid dropping in on locals and stay clear of swimmers during summer months; leash required; swimming restrictions may apply in designated surfing zones during peak season.
- Leash required.
- Swimming restrictions in designated surfing zones during peak season.
- Beginners should be cautious due to shore-break and current activity.
- Conditions can be shaped by sandbar configuration—check conditions at different tide stages.
- Best conditions reported when a Northeast swell combines with an offshore west wind.
- Watch for crowds and rip tides.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kitty Hawk
- Nearest Town
- Kitty Hawk
- Parking
- Limited public parking is available at nearby street ends and designated beach access lots.
- Access
- Near milepost 2 in Kitty Hawk, just before entering Rodanthe when heading south on NC 12, at the Old Station clearing on North Virginia Dare Trail; public beach access via Virginia Dare Trail with wooden boardwalks over dunes.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous vacation rentals, hotels, and motels along the beach road in Kitty Hawk.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and cafes within walking distance along the main coastal road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard and wetsuit rentals available via surf shops in the Kitty Hawk and Nags Head area.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops offer ding repair services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Site of the first successful powered flight, featuring a visitor center and historical markers.
The tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, popular for hang gliding and hiking.
A historic former lifesaving station serving seafood and wood-fired pizzas.
Large aquarium featuring regional marine life and interactive exhibits.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Laundromats?
The best overall months at Laundromats are September, October, November, December. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, October, November, December, September.
Which wind directions work at Laundromats?
Laundromats works with W winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, WSW.
What skill level is Laundromats suitable for?
Laundromats suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.