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Never been to OBX. Just looking at rci listing and google maps. Most of the lodging appears to be on Hwy 12. Is this close enough proximity to kiting access? don't care about lodging or amenities-just want to be close to launch site(s).

There is one road in and off: Hwy 12. The island is less than a mile wide in most places and in many places frighteningly smaller. So all launches and everything is close to Hwy 12. The towns are in order Rodanthe, Waves,Salvo, then Avon, then Buxton. Next it is Frisco and Hatteras, but those beaches face South so not ideal for flat water in the summer time, but good for ocean downwinders.

The main launches can be found
http://www.windvisions.com/Hatteras/hat ... nches.html

One issue is that most lodging is single family homes. There are not a whole lot of condos, hotel, motels.

Summertime means SW winds which means sound-side downwinders. This is the one thing that sets Hatteras apart from other places. You can do 8-12 mile sound-side downwinders though very varied terrain: islands, slicks, canals, coves, and other knooks and crannies and never be above waist deep. Dimitri throws in a few docks, piers, and decks as well for style.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKEprkubuJE

So here is some more good launch info. Cause no OBX trip is complete without a few DWs.
http://www.sbckiteboard.com/travel_article?news_id=100

Was there for three weeks last year, two in July and one in Sept. Never used anything smaller than a 9M. In the last three years only used a 7M once, mostly 9-12M, but used a 14M a few times (am usually there between May and September, at least twice a year). You should be good with three kites from 9M up. It is indeed hot and humid in July but the water is beautiful on either side, sound was about 88F, ocean just under 80. Might be there this July as well, won't know for a few weeks yet. Enjoy, you'll have a blast. Edit - I am 173lbs

Thanks all. OBX was really not on my radar, however I am really excited. Always fun to try new areas and meet new people.

I was talking to one of our group last night who is going to Hatteras for the first time with us in a couple weeks and realized I left out an important piece of information. Unless you're flying into Frisco on a small plane (kinda fun, we did it after once of the hurricane a couple years ago) you will be driving to OBX. And there are a few tips to driving down in July/August.

If you plan to start your holiday on a Saturday (check-in day for most houses) you have two options. Either arrive early, as in before 10AM or 11AM, even if you can't check in to your house/motel/condo, or arrive very, very late. I vote for early since you can get supplies (groceries/beer etc before the hordes arrive). Most people fly into Norfolk then drive down. Whether we fly or drive from home, we usually arrive in Norfolk on a Friday, stay in a hotel and hit the road by 7AM on Saturday to drive down. Later in the day and you're going to spend a disgusting amount of time on the road. The 158 is bumper-to-bumper for miles and miles. We made that mistake our first time, took us several hours to go 20 miles. Wife came within minutes of committing a serious felony against me.

Safe and happy trails.

If you are flying in for a Saturday arrival the much easier option is to fly into Raleigh Durham, and come in on 64 through Manteo. It is 110 miles further, but a way easier drive any time of the day.