Ramp 23 (Hatteras)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Intermediate to Advanced
Skill Level
Small waves, Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Ramp 23 (Hatteras) is an Atlantic-side, wide sandy beach access in Salvo with clean water and plenty of space for kite setup and sessions. The launch is broad and built for beach access, but getting onto the sand depends on permitted 4WD/4x4 driving. Wind-wise, the spot is strongly associated with NE winds, with best months reported as January, February, March, April, June, July, October, November, and December. Seasonal ride opportunities exist through much of the year when conditions line up, including winter/spring-fall NE patterns and warmer-water riding on other wind setups. Safety is a key consideration: hazard notes include sharp shells on the beach and in the water, plus ocean hazards such as rip currents and potentially heavy shorebreak during NE blows. Off-road vehicles on the sand and fishing lines from beach anglers are also specifically called out, and seasonal wildlife nesting closures may restrict access to parts of the beach. Facilities are limited at the immediate access point (parking and basic conveniences), so riders often plan for gear management and support from nearby areas. For water temps and comfort, wetsuits are typically needed at the beginning and end of the year, with shorts/spring-to-summer options when water temperatures are warmer due to the Gulf Stream influence.

  • NE winds are the primary seasonal direction
  • Large sandy launch with extensive rigging space
  • 4WD/ORV permitting and sand-driving requirements
  • Ocean-side currents/shorebreak and sharp-shell hazards
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing wakestyleKitesurfing foilKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing big air
What's great
  • Big, clean sandy beach with ample space for rigging and kiting practice
  • Spring/fall NE wind opportunity and year-round riding possibility with the right wind/water conditions
Heads up
  • Large setup/play area but access and safety depend on 4WD/ORV permitting
  • Ocean-side shorebreak/currents and sharp-shell hazards make it less forgiving for less experienced riders
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — NE trade-style winds (best direction NE per kite data).
Reliability
High in spring/autumn; summer can rely more on stronger SW winds (varies by season).
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Provider summary flags moderate gustiness.
Best Months
January, February, March, April, June, July, October, November, December

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Wave size described as small in one dataset; another dataset describes medium waves for the overall water.
Launch
Big — Huge broad sandy beach with 4x4 drive-on access and ample kite setup space.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch described as easy with access; overall access depends on 4WD/permit.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
10–29 °C
Water Temperature
5–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan, Feb: 5/4mm or 4/3mm + Boots, HoodMar–Nov: 3/2mmJun, Jul, Aug: rash guard or shorty (warm-season peak)
Crowds by Season

Busier during summer holiday months; beach size can accommodate many users.

Storm/Rain Season

Nor'easters in winter/spring (Dec–Mar); hurricane season June through November with peak activity around September.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Large sandy Atlantic-side beach launch with broad setup space, commonly used for downwinders and freeride/wave riding; takes-out point for classic downwinders when conditions line up.

FreerideWaveDownwinderStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for experienced wave sailors; shorebreak can be challenging for beginners.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.5–6 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Challenging due to shorebreak and swell; used by experienced riders.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foil-friendliness described as limited.
Min Depth
2.0 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Outer Banks classic beach break with quality peaks that depend on shifting sandbars; can become heavy and close out on larger swell.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, SE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide preferred.
Shelter
Exposed — Fully exposed Atlantic beach break; limited shelter from wind/swell.
Wind Effect
Cleanest on west or northwest winds (offshore) per provider notes.
Bigger Swell
When swell exceeds about 2.5 meters it can become heavy/difficult to paddle out.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good.
Wave Power
Powerful — Ocean beach break can be powerful depending on sandbars/swell.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling style described for the break.
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast beach-break waves.
Ride Length
Short — Short rides; often closes out in larger swell.
Ride Length Details
Fast beach break waves that often close out in large swells.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ramp 23 (Hatteras) in the full forecast view.

Ramp 23 (Hatteras) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
10–22 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
NE35°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2522 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–2.4 m7s period
Temperature
17–19 °C

Over the next 7 days, Ramp 23 (Hatteras) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–22 kts, peaking around 22 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.8–2.4 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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 the beach/grassy areas (foot/gear hazard)
  • rip currents and strong shorebreak (ocean side)
  • off-road vehicles (ORV) on the sand
  • beach anglers and fishing lines
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestBootsLeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards indicated.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional context indicates limited rescue availability; spot-level notes list no direct rescue.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities noted as Nags Head or Avon-area; for immediate emergencies, call 911.
Localism / Vibe
None — No specific localism indicated.

Rules of the spot

ORV permit required to drive on the beach; follow seasonal wildlife nesting closures if applicable. Drive only a 4WD/4x4 vehicle on the sand and respect tide/conditions.

Restrictions
  • ORV permit required for beach driving
  • seasonal wildlife nesting closures may restrict sections
Local Tips
  • Use a 4x4 when driving on the sand; tire airing guidance is to ≤20 psi when beach-driving.
  • Check for daily beach access/closure updates before riding.
  • Because the ocean side can have heavy shorebreak during NE winds, consider this an expert-friendly launch for kites.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Salvo
Nearest Town
Rodanthe
Parking
Parking at Salvo Day Use Area / paved public parking lot at the ramp entrance; 4x4 required for beach drive; long walk if arriving without 2-wheel drive access.
Access
Drive south of Salvo on Highway 12 to Ramp 23 area; paved parking at the ramp entrance; beach driving allowed only for permitted 4WD vehicles (ORV permit required).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous vacation rentals and campgrounds in Salvo and Waves.
Food & Drink
General stores and small restaurants are available in the town of Salvo.
Equipment Rental:
Rental shops are located in nearby towns of Waves and Avon; regional context indicates comprehensive rental options.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Ramp 23 (Hatteras)?

The best overall months at Ramp 23 (Hatteras) are March, April, May, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, June, July, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Ramp 23 (Hatteras)?

Ramp 23 (Hatteras) works with NE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Ramp 23 (Hatteras)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Ramp 23 (Hatteras): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Ramp 23 (Hatteras) suitable for?

Ramp 23 (Hatteras) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.