Second Turnout (Hatteras Island)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freestyle, Freeride
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Second Turnout (Hatteras Island) is a sound-side kitesurfing and wind-sports launch north of Avon, known for shallow, flat water with light chop and generally clean conditions. The beach is small and the water is sand-bottomed, making it well suited to learning as well as freestyle and freeride practice, particularly when the wind comes in from the southwest. Wind performance centers on SW (and surrounding west-to-SW directions), with best months spanning January, February, June, July, October, November, and December. Spring and fall are especially noted for consistent conditions, while summer can add extra steadiness from thermal afternoon winds. Typical session wind strength is described as roughly 15–25 knots, with moderate gustiness at times. On the safety side, the launch/rigging area is relatively small and can get crowded, and there are overhead power lines running along the nearby road that must be treated as a hard hazard. Other commonly mentioned hazards include sharp shells in the sand and water, submerged crab pots, occasional driftwood, and very shallow near-shore water that can change with wind-driven “water level” effects. Winter and shoulder-season riders should also plan for cold water—water temperature varies widely across the year. For beginners, the spot’s appeal is the combination of shallow, forgiving depth and clean water, but the same shallowness increases the need for careful line management, buddy checks, and safe launch/landing habits. There are no lifeguards on site and rescue availability is not spot-assured; riders should treat this as an area where you must self-manage. Pack booties for shell protection and follow all signage, especially around protected nesting areas where kiteboarding may be restricted.

  • SW-favored, often reliable sound-side wind for kitesurfing and windsurfing
  • Shallow, flat, clean water for beginner learning and freestyle
  • Small beach/launch area that can become crowded
  • Requires power-line caution and shell/underwater hazard awareness
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilWindsurfing freestyleWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyleBeginners
What's great
  • Shallow, flat, clean water that supports learning and freestyle
  • Reliable SW-focused wind pattern; strong seasonal consistency in spring and fall
  • Good for long shallow riding distances (sound-side)
  • Roadside access from Highway 12 with 2WD/4WD capability
Heads up
  • No lifeguards on site
  • Launch area can be small and crowded during peak conditions
  • Sharp shells, submerged hazards (e.g., crab pots), and overhead power lines require extra attention
  • Rescue is not guaranteed at the spot
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Soundside trade-wind style conditions with SW preference
Reliability
High during spring and fall seasons (also noted as consistent seasonally).
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported
Best Months
January, February, June, July, October, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow
Beach
Sand — Sand with small beach access.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — Flat/very small waves typical for the sound-side environment.
Chop Level
Light chop — Light chop reported.
Launch
Small — Small sandy/grassy launch near the roadside pull-off; space may be limited at higher wind-related water levels.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
7–29 °C
Water Temperature
5–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan, Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesMar–Nov: 3/2mmJun, Jul, Aug: 2mm or shorty
Crowds by Season

Can be busy during peak weeks in May and October; summer has moderate afternoon crowds.

Storm/Rain Season

Hurricane and storm season (risk highest in August and September; also described as August–October).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Shallow, flat sound-side water with light chop; favored for learning, freestyle and freeride, and supports long-distance reaches in the shallows. Works best in SW winds; can be used as part of a north Avon downwinder run north of the area’s turnouts.

FreestyleFreerideFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Flat-water blasting and practice due to consistent depth and steadier SW wind conditions; sail size selection depends on cold fronts.

FreestyleSlalomFreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible but requires walking out several hundred meters for sufficient depth for longer masts; foil friendliness limited.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
0.8 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Second Turnout (Hatteras Island) in the full forecast view.

Second Turnout (Hatteras Island) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
10–21 ktsGusts 27 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, Second Turnout (Hatteras Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 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.

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

  • Overhead power lines near/along the road
  • Sharp shells on the beach and in the water
  • Submerged crab pots
  • Occasional driftwood
  • Very shallow water near shore in some wind situations ('wind tides')
  • Regional stingray hazard (Pamlico Sound)
  • Limited/contained launch space can increase traffic and kite/line risk
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Spot-level sources report no dedicated rescue; regional baseline indicates limited rescue coverage via NPS rangers and local EMS, with Coast Guard maritime SAR active in season.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital cited as Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head (also referenced as available via local response channels/Coast Guard maritime support through NPS area services).
Localism / Vibe
None — No localism issues reported.

Rules of the spot

Respect protected nesting areas and follow beach signage; avoid wildlife habitats. Keep clear of power lines along the road and use safe launch/landing spacing because the launch area is small.

Restrictions
  • Kiteboarding prohibited in protected nature reserves during nesting seasons
  • No overnight camping in the parking area
Local Tips
  • Wear booties to reduce shell cuts
  • Check the specific launch/landing area for sharp objects
  • Keep a safe distance from the road and the power lines when rigging and flying
  • Ride with a buddy in more isolated areas
  • Avoid walking on islands in the sound to protect wildlife and reduce snake exposure
  • No overnight camping in the parking area
  • Be cautious of traffic on NC Highway 12 around access points

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Avon
Nearest Town
Avon
Parking
Roadside roadside/unpaved dirt/sand pull-off along NC Highway 12; can be soft after rain. No permits or fees for this access point are indicated.
Public Transport
Non-existent; a personal vehicle or rental car is essential for navigating the island and accessing beach ramps.
Access
From Avon, take the second dirt road north of Avon to the left on the sound side (Highway 12). Accessible by 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive; roadside parking along NC Highway 12 followed by a dirt-road walk to the beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Near — Numerous vacation rentals and campsites are available in Avon and nearby Buxton.
Food & Drink
Various restaurants and grocery stores are located 2–3 miles south in Avon.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental available at major kite and windsurf centers in Avon and Waves; specific on-spot rental not indicated.
Gear Storage
Not available at the spot; check with local shops in Avon.
Gear Repair
Repair services available at professional shops in Avon and Waves.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Avon area is set against Cape Hatteras National Seashore, mixing wind and water sports with fishing and beach life.

Best time to visit: May through October for warm weather and outdoor activities.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse7 miles

Tall brick lighthouse with panoramic views associated with seashore scenery.

Little Kinnakeet Life-Saving Station1 mile

Historic site representing maritime heritage and the precursor to the modern Coast Guard.

Outer Banks Adventure Activities

Outer Banks coastal activities including kayaking, fishing, and dune exploration.

Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Beach Driving0 miles

Permitted driving on designated beach stretches for fishing and access.

Pangea Tavern2 miles

Local spot for seafood and craft beer near the Avon Pier.

Avon Fishing Pier2 miles

A wooden pier for fishing and sightseeing, with views of the surrounding coast.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Second Turnout (Hatteras Island)?

The best overall months at Second Turnout (Hatteras Island) are April, May, June, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, June, July, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Second Turnout (Hatteras Island)?

Second Turnout (Hatteras Island) works with SW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Second Turnout (Hatteras Island)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Second Turnout (Hatteras Island): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Second Turnout (Hatteras Island) suitable for?

Second Turnout (Hatteras Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.