Vermont Hole (Hatteras)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freestyle, Freeride
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow, Chop
Spot Type
15–25 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Vermont Hole is a small, shallow, flat-to-lightly-choppy sound-side access on Cape Hatteras, positioned just north of Canadian Hole (Haulover). Water quality is described as clean, and the shallow depth that extends a long distance is a big part of why it’s favored for flat-water riding and practice—especially for freestyle sessions and learning fundamentals. Wind is most consistently strong from the southwesterly sector, with spring and fall highlighted as the most reliable times for riders. In spring and summer, wind is also described as having a thermal/sea-breeze influence, with stronger afternoon development; winter riding is possible when the area’s warm SW patterns line up. The main practical challenge is safety around the launch zone: overhead power lines run near the road, and the access is close to Highway 12 traffic. Multiple sources emphasize staying clear of the lines while rigging and launching (including walking gear out before launching) and keeping kites controlled low near the road. Expect a tight sandy strip launch that can be affected by tide and storm surge, plus a shallow sound bottom with potential shells and seagrass. Boots are commonly recommended to reduce discomfort and protect fins/foils in the shallow water, and arrival planning matters because parking near the waterline is limited—especially on windy days.

  • Shallow, flat water ideal for freestyle and learning
  • SW wind is the best direction; spring and fall reliability emphasized
  • Roadside access between Avon and Buxton with walk-up or 4WD to the waterline
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foil
What's great
  • Flat, shallow, sound-side water that suits freestyle and beginners
  • Reliable SW wind in spring and fall; year-round riding possible on warm SW winds
  • Easy roadside access with a straightforward approach to the waterline (walk or 4WD)
Heads up
  • Launch/rigging is tight due to overhead power lines and the nearby road
  • Very shallow bottom increases the impact of seagrass and shells
  • Limited parking close to the waterline
  • The sandy strip can be affected by tides/storm surges
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW
Offshore directions
N, NE
No-go directions
N, NE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Dominant southwesterly sea-breeze/gradient wind in spring and summer.
Reliability
High during spring and autumn; year-round possible on warm SW winds.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Generally light gustiness; offshore NE/E winds described as very gusty.
Best Months
March, April, May, June, September, October, November
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–13 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow, Chop
Beach
Sand — Sandy access and bottom.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — Purely flat or lightly choppy sound water; no surf described.
Launch
Small — Narrow sandy strip along the roadside pull-off; can be submerged during high tides or storm surges.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Described as easy walk/4WD by some sources, but also characterized as a moderate launch due to narrow strip and hazards near the road.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
7–30 °C
Water Temperature
5–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 5/4mm + Boots, HoodApr, May, Jun: 3/2mmJul, Aug, Sep: boardshorts/rash guardOct, Nov, Dec: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Very busy at kite and neighboring sound-side areas in summer; summer can be crowded with families and fishermen when there is no wind.

Storm/Rain Season

June–November (hurricane season), with potential for significant storm surges.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Sound-side shallow, flat water that is lightly choppy for freestyle and learning; launch is tight due to nearby power lines, and the bottom can have shells/debris and seagrass.

FreestyleFreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
7–13 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Shallow water that is described as forgiving for water starts and jibing practice; suitable for freeride/slalom.

FreestyleSlalomFreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Popular for foiling where steady wind supports clean flight, but riders must clear the shallow bottom and avoid seagrass near the launch area.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly with a noted minimum depth.
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 Vermont Hole (Hatteras) in the full forecast view.

Vermont Hole (Hatteras) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
10–21 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
NE34°
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, Vermont Hole (Hatteras) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 28 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 the launch road
  • Proximity to Highway 12 traffic
  • Patches of submerged seagrass that can catch fins/foils
  • Sharp shells and submerged debris in some areas
  • Limited/possibly narrow sandy strip that can be submerged during high tides or storm surges
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated on-water rescue service for kiteboarding in the sound noted; emergency response via 911 and local/Coast Guard/NPS support.
Emergency Info
Dial 911 for emergencies; nearest medical facilities noted in Avon or Nags Head (spot-level nearest hospital not specified).
Localism / Vibe
None — No specific localism constraints reported.

Rules of the spot

Keep kites low when near the road; be aware of the narrow launch/landing area.

Local Tips
  • Watch for overhead power lines when rigging near the road
  • Walk your gear out into the water before launching to stay clear of the power lines
  • Booties are often recommended to protect against shells/debris on the sound floor
  • Arrive early on windy days due to limited parking close to the waterline

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Avon
Nearest Town
Avon
Parking
Limited parking close to the waterline; roadside pull-off space is small.
Public Transport
limited; a personal or rental vehicle is necessary for accessing launch sites
Access
Sandy-road access just north of Canadian Hole (Haulover); easy walk or 4WD to the waterline from a narrow pull-off along Highway 12 between Avon and Buxton.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous vacation rentals and campsites are available in Avon and Buxton.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and grocery stores are located 5-10 minutes away in Avon.
Equipment Rental:
Full equipment rental is available through professional centers in the Avon/Waves/Buxton area.
Gear Storage
Not available at the spot; check with local shops in Avon.
Gear Repair
Repair services are available in surrounding towns.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Hatteras / Cape Hatteras area is part of the National Seashore, with a windsports-focused community and major landmarks nearby.

Best time to visit: Late spring and early fall
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse2-5 miles

The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, offering panoramic views of the Diamond Shoals.

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum10 miles

A museum dedicated to maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks.

Off-Road Driving0 miles

Beach driving is permitted in designated areas of the National Seashore with a required NPS permit.

Watermen's Bar & Grill5 miles

A popular waterfront spot for live music, food, and sunset views over the sound.

Hatteras Island Ocean Center8 miles

Educational center focused on local coastal ecology and sea turtle conservation.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Vermont Hole (Hatteras)?

The best overall months at Vermont Hole (Hatteras) are April, May, June, September, October, November. The best wind months are March, April, May, June, September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Vermont Hole (Hatteras)?

Vermont Hole (Hatteras) works with SW winds. Offshore directions are N, NE. No-go directions are N, NE.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Vermont Hole (Hatteras)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Vermont Hole (Hatteras): Kitesurfing: 7–13 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Vermont Hole (Hatteras) suitable for?

Vermont Hole (Hatteras) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.