The Slick (Hatteras)

The Slick (Hatteras) is a small, shallow, clean, flat-water kitesurfing spot on the Pamlico Sound side near Waves. Riders generally access the sound via informal soundside water entry and then kite toward a small island/marsh area to find the flatter water. Conditions are most associated with SW winds, with a sheltered setup that helps keep the water smooth compared with more exposed coastal launches. Wind reliability is described as strongest in spring and fall, and the spot is also workable in deeper winter months on the warmer SW flow pattern. In summer, a thermally driven SW sea breeze often develops in the afternoon, building toward steady riding conditions (with guidance that the typical active window is afternoon). Gusts are described as light, supporting a smoother ride for freestyle and flat-water freeride/foil sessions. The spot is fundamentally a shallow-water environment, so safety planning is important. Hazards mentioned include crab pots in deeper channels, possible submerged debris/sea grass, and shells/occasional debris on the sound bottom. Currents are described as strong in some accounts, creating downwind drift risk—so the spot is best treated as an advanced challenge rather than a casual learning location. Access and logistics depend heavily on finding the correct sound-side entry. Multiple sources emphasize that the easiest access is by rental car, and warnings note that it can require 4x4 capability depending on the exact sandy approach. Facilities are described as available via the access facility (parking, changing rooms, and services), and emergency guidance points to calling 911, with the Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head referenced as the nearest 24/7 option.