Information about Pamlico Sound

ephilipblack · Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Posts: 4

Planning to visit friends in Outer Banks N.C. end of month, early June. Have zero knowledge of the area. Would like to windsurf while there (Pamlico Sound) Won't be sailing in the ocean. Need help with logistics; where to stay, where to rent equipment, Car? Also, am prone to heat rashes in humid conditions. Any information about temperatures; water, air and humidity this time of year would be greatly appreciated. Years of sailing experience in SF Bay and Sherman Island, Ca.

sailnbike · Joined: 04 Apr 2000 Posts: 43

We're thinking about a late summer/ early fall trip to OBX as well and hope to see some info on this thread!

carl · Joined: 25 Feb 1997 Posts: 2674 Location: SF bay area

Post this question in the "Eastern US" section for much better response.

windfind · Joined: 18 Mar 1997 Posts: 1901

Hi ephilipbalck,

Shea, one of our east coast meteorologists, knows those waters well and will work up information for you tomorrow. But he says to check out Real WaterSports for the lodging/logistics.

Mike Godsey
iwindsurf.com/ikitesurf.com
Weatheflow.com

allen · Joined: 13 Aug 1996 Posts: 237

The town you want to stay in is Avon. There are a few rental agencies that rent houses by the week right on the sound and have great windsurfing access. There is a shop on the sound side where you can rent equipment. You can sail from the shop or take the board/rig with to sail at Canadian Hole which is just south of the shop. An easy place for Ocean entry is across the street from Canadian Hole at Ego Beach. The sound is super flat and shallow for miles and slightly windier than the ocean. You can also try sailing at the Buxton light house. In late May/early June, the wind is likely to be lighter and less frequent than what you're used to in the Bay Area.

Have a great trip.

jmakers · Joined: 23 Sep 1998 Posts: 28

I'd like to drop a plug for another rental option:
http://www.hatterasislandsurfshop.com/
Barton's just such a super-chill guy and you can sail right from the shop if you want.

In my experience, the wind can be real hit or miss that time of year. And it can be real muggy and warm, so I guess be sure your rental has AC! Be mentally ready to fill in with other lighter wind activities like SUP or kayaking, bicycling, surfing, or hang gliding lessons at Kitty Hawk Kites. (They also lead a nice nighttime kayak tour that might help you beat the heat.)

Avon's a great place to stay and sail, especially if you can get waterfront.
But that time of year, I would just stay closer to your friends, and then drive down to Waves/Avon area to rent and sail if/when it blows.
Canadian Hole can be super-crowded (back in the old days anyway) -- had my only collision there -- guy didn't look before he jibed, and I was too tired after a full-on week of sailing to always stay upwind of everybody like I usually did. (Early October can really rock at OBX.) The Hole is probably filled with kiters now, but I don't really know that.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Tue May 09, 2017 7:36 pm Post subject:

Their are 3shops on The OuterBanks , HISS in Salvo, leans towards kite, Ocean Air in Avon, FOX in Buxton. Oh 4, RIDE Hatteras in Avon.

their are quite a few spots to sail, at the North end the Salvo Day Use area, along highway 12 towards Avon are several short walk turn outs to the sound, Planet of the Apes and Transformers being notable. Just south of Avon is the Haulover , called by all as Canadian Hole, Frisco has Frisco Woods Campground, then further south towards Hatteras Village is , the washout, or Isabel. These are the common use areas , all free bar the Frisco Campground. $5 daily.

Avon being the more central village, good to stay there, many sound front properties are available to rent weekly,bit late now for a really nice spot, the area is very popular, and rent increases dramatically after Memorial Day.

The trek from a Frisco to Avon is about 12k, from Avon to Salvo is 15k.

I use OuterBeaches Realty. I use Ocean Air .

You may PM me if needed. In Buxton till Sunday.

ephilipblack · Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Posts: 4

After thinking it over, I
can't risk a heat rash. Might have to change plans.
("In my experience, the wind can be
real hit or miss that time of year. And
it can be real muggy and warm,")
Will wait to hear from Shea but it looks like early Oct might be better for me.
"(Early October can really rock at OBX.)"
Thanks to all for the valuable info.

carl · Joined: 25 Feb 1997 Posts: 2674 Location: SF bay area

Keep in mind that Aug, Sept and October are hurricane season.
Probably why the wind is good, maybe too good at times!

rigitrite · Joined: 19 Sep 2007 Posts: 520 Location: Kansas City