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General questions about Cape Hatteras

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WaveRider001
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General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby WaveRider001 » Tue Aug 05, 2014 1:32 pm

Hi,
I have never been on the US east coast kiting. We are currently looking into Cape Hatteras as our next summer holiday destination. Can somebody help us with some question:

- What is the best time/season? What kind of wind can we expect in summer?
- What kind of conditions can we expect? We are advanced riders and prefer flat water (riding boots), but also waves. In winter time we are always on Maui. So, I don´t expect "hawaiian quality" waves. But how does it look like in summer in Cape Hatteras?
- What kind of accomodation could you recommend? It should be nice rather than super cheap ;)
- How do you get there from Europe? Flying via NY? Where is the next airport to Cape Hatteras?
- I´m sure, we will need a rental car for the airport transfer. Do we also need the car on Cape Hatteras or are most of the spots "just in front of the door"?
- Any other advice?

Thanks in advance, Joerg

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby kitewise » Tue Aug 05, 2014 1:49 pm

Cap Hatteras is about 2+ hours drive by rental car from Norfolk, Va airport
cape Hatteras is a barrier island about60 miles in length with Pamblico sound on the west side and the Atlantic on the East.
You can rent a 4+ bedroom house just a stones throw away for less than $2,000 USD per week.
Www.hatterasrealty.com is a good example of available housing
Fall and spring seem to be the most reliable wind but summer can also be pretty good. There are lots of sites that show historical wind information.
Too much info to provide but I am sure others will chime in.
It's a fabulous spots that is fighting mother nature and might not be around in a decade.
Enjoy,
Phil

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby davesails7 » Tue Aug 05, 2014 2:31 pm

July and august are the worst. Expensive housing, less wind, more crowds, water in the sound gets sickeningly warm. July gets some wind but August is definitely the worst month of the year for wind.

September and October are the best. No wetsuit needed, house rentals much cheaper for off-season, better wind, better waves, no crowds.

Weekly house rentals are the way to go in the off season. Very reasonable.

Some people seem to like the rooms for rent at Kitty hawk kites and real. I think they are much cheaper in the off season too.

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby jcbua » Wed Aug 06, 2014 12:42 pm

Keep in mind that September and October, while good for both wind and cheaper accomadation, is also prime hurricane season. And with Hwy 12 being as thin and suceptable to being washed out, even a close miss can leave you stranded if the ferries aren't back up and running. Still, the OBX are worth it. Maybe consider some traveler's insurance, just in case.

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby WaveRider001 » Wed Aug 06, 2014 1:57 pm

Thank´s a lot for all your input!
For me, it still seems very tricky to choose the right time. We would prefer beginning of July, because September and October are the best months here in Europe. July is usually the worst month here, so we would like to escape the windless summer ;)
So, what do you think about beginning of July in Hatteras? August is out anyway...

Plan b is the Gorge, but we have already been there and want to see something else.

Plan c is Mauritius

What kind of wind strength can we cexpect in the beginning of July? We cover 13-35 Knots with our kites.

Thanks again for your input,
Joerg

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby vkngktr » Wed Aug 06, 2014 2:04 pm

May, June and July are the best months on Hatteras. Though Feb and March may be windier(slightly) the temps are cooler and the wind quality is not as good. Houses can be had for less than $1000/week. The closest commercial airport is Norfolk which is a 2:20 drive to Avon with no or little traffic. You will need a vehicle. There are many many spots to ride both flatwater and ocean. Stop in a shop on your way and ask about the local conditions and tips.

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby Hugh2 » Thu Aug 07, 2014 4:36 am

The problem with July is it is high season. We go during the first two weeks of June,which is much cheaper and less crowded because the east coast schools are not out yet. Plus you get to go to the Real TripleS competition. Make sure to do some downwinders in the ocean, that's what hatteras is all about.

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby pj sofine » Thu Aug 07, 2014 1:14 pm

Never been there in summer, but maybe someone that has can comment on the bug situation in the summer! Some friends have mentioned that they were jumping higher with the help of the hoards of mosquitos and greenheads. Maybe isolated to certain areas though. :duh:

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby vkngktr » Thu Aug 07, 2014 1:39 pm

In July there may be more people overall but there's less kiters. I haven't noticed the bugs being that bad. There are green heads, but other places are much worse, and mosquitoes arent very good fliers so if its windy; no problem.

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Re: General questions about Cape Hatteras

Postby FLandOBX » Thu Aug 07, 2014 2:33 pm

Joerg, you asked about early July. This year, as an example:

*Hurricane Arthur hit the first week in July; access to Hatteras Island was cut off for several days.

*The second week in July, I had six good sessions in the Tri-Villages (Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo) on kite sizes from 8m to 16m.

*Third week of July, I had five good sessions with same kite range.

July can be good, but it can also be a bust. Every year is different. On balance, I agree with previous posts that pre-Memorial day or post-Labor Day is best, especially Sept. and Oct.


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