Vermont Hole (Hatteras)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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)
- 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
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
Very busy at kite and neighboring sound-side areas in summer; summer can be crowded with families and fishermen when there is no wind.
June–November (hurricane season), with potential for significant storm surges.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–13 m²
Shallow water that is described as forgiving for water starts and jibing practice; suitable for freeride/slalom.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
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
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.
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
- 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
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Hatteras / Cape Hatteras area is part of the National Seashore, with a windsports-focused community and major landmarks nearby.
The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, offering panoramic views of the Diamond Shoals.
A museum dedicated to maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks.
Beach driving is permitted in designated areas of the National Seashore with a required NPS permit.
A popular waterfront spot for live music, food, and sunset views over the sound.
Educational center focused on local coastal ecology and sea turtle conservation.
From riders who've been here
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.