NC Windsurfing Sites

NC Windsurfing Sites displayed on Google Maps Thanks to Roger N. for putting this great information together

Raleigh & Durham, NC Area

Jordan Lake, Ebenezer Point:

Directions

Sailing:

Jordan Lake, Farrington Point:

Directions

Sailing

Hazards

Other

Jordan Lake, Martha's Chapel Road The eastern side of Farrington Point looks like it would be excellent on a NE because it has a very large fetch. However, when the lake level is low an ''island'' becomes exposed, where the old road was, and you can stand on it. You might see the foundation of a house that was leveled. Use extreme caution in this area due to these hazards. Not many people sail here but this is the one of the only spots available during hurricanes when the state park areas such as Ebenezer Point and Vista Point are closed and the wind is from NW to NE. There are two ways to get to the water. There is a small parking area and path down the steep cliff about 400 feet from Farrington Road on the north side of Martha''s Chapel Road. You can also launch from the bird viewing area about one quarter mile east of the cliff parking area on the north side of Martha''s Chapel Road. This will put you further north past the first point on the east side. There is a gravel parking area and you will need to walk about 150 yards down a gently sloping hill. No cliff here so the north wind will be more consistent here on your way out than at the cliff area. Again, use caution because there are sandbars and stumps in these areas.
Falls Lake, Rollingview:

Directions

parking lot and beach on the right side just before the road ends

just north of the swim beach

Sailing:

Lake Crabtree:

Directions: Take I-40, West from Raleigh or East from the Durham/Chapel Hill area. Exit off Aviation Parkway, exit 285 and follow signs to Lake Crabtree County Park (a mile or less from the exit).

Wilmington, NC Area

Fort Fisher Basin:

Directions: Take I-40 into Wilmington and continue straight and follow the signs towards Carolina/Kure Beaches. (I-40 will merge with Hwy. 132 and then with Hwy 421, its a straight shot!). Fort Fisher is about 17 miles south of Wilmington. Once in Ft. Fisher, continue straight towards and then past the Ferry Station.

Sailing: The Basin is mainly a slalom spot and is great for all levels of sailors. Water conditions are flat with only 1'' - 2'' chop, depending on the wind. The favored wind direction is SW, but it is also sailable in S, SE, W, NW, and NE (gusty). During the summer there is good SW thermal action. At the launch area, there are oyster shells so wearing foot protection is a good idea. The bottom of the Basin is mainly a mushy silt (gunk), but it is mainly sand bar along the edges except on the west side where the rock jetty is located. Water depth is overhead in the middle, but mainly chest to knee deep in other areas.

Corncake Inlet (4x4 required):

Directions: Follow the directions to Ft. Fisher above. When you get into Ft. Fisher, take a left towards the Public Beach Access (towards the Aquarium). Take a left on the dirt road beside the parking lot and continue straight for a couple of miles then look for a spot where there is a good break and no fishermen. The actual inlet filled in years ago.

Sailing: Corncake Inlet is an ocean sailing spot, with small to medium size waves. It is mainly sailed in S to SW winds. SW is slightly sideoff here, which makes this a good spot. You can pull out onto the beach at any of the crossovers on the way out, and find spots to sail in these wind directions, so anyplace is sailable, but the cleanest wind is usually at the very end towards the inlet.

The Rocks/Public Beach Access:

Directions: Follow the directions to Ft. Fisher above. When you get into Ft. Fisher you''ll see the rock seawall and public beach access area to your left.

Sailing: This is an ocean sailing spot, with small to medium size waves. This area can be sailed in S, SW winds, and NE winds. Sometimes the wind isn''t as clean as Corncake, but you don''t need to have a 4x4 for access!

The North End (4x4 required):

Directions: Once in Wilmington, head towards Carolina/Kure Beaches. Cross over Snows Cut bridge and into Carolina Beach. Take a left at the Citgo gas station (I''ll get the name of the road later!) and go past the marina on your left. Take a left at the stop sign and continue straight, until you come to the end of the road. Continue onto the beach and drive to the end until you spot the inlet.

Sailing: This is where everyone heads for wave sailing in a N and NE winds. A very good spot, especially in a strong NE wind, where it can build head to logo high waves. In these conditions the shorebreak can be tough, so be prepared!

The Jetties:

Directions: Head into Wrightsville Beach and hang a right once you cross over the 2nd bridge. Continue going towards the end of the island until you end up in the public beach access parking lot (metered parking).

Sailing: This is another ocean sailing spot. The jetties here can create some decent waves, but watch out for the surfers. Wind directions are S, SW, N, and NE.

Cape Hatteras, NC Area

WindVisions has a great Guide to Hatteras Launches. This is the preimer Outer Banks site guide! At the request of our members we have written a couple of the sites up, for additional info.
Canadian Hole (aka Haulover Day Use Area) - World famous launch on Pamlico Sound just south of Avon, NC. Paved parking lot, restrooms, showers and changing booths. If you have four wheel drive (and an ORV permit) you can also park on the beach right beside the water. Fantastic spot when the SW winds are blowing. Sunsets are fabulous.
Salvo Day Use Area:
Directions: Travelling south on NC-12 from Salvo, SDUA is on the right just after leaving town.
Sailing: This is (in my opinion) the easiest place in the world to windsurf. It''s great for beginners, also great for doing speed runs or practicing jibes. There''s a big grassy rigging area - but look out for sand spurs and cactus. There''s also a bathroom, changing rooms, and outdoor showers. There''s a sandy beach. The water is waist to chest deep for a long ways out. This spot is best in a SW wind. The water is very flat, even when the wind is howling.

The Boiler:

Directions: Off Hwy 12 on the Pea Island Nat''l Seashore. (I''ll get the mile marker later, it''s just before the rest area). Paved parking lot Oceanside. You''ll know you''re there when you walk over the dune and see the Boiler sticking out of the water.

Sailing: This is an ocean launch that offers side-off wave sailing in a NW wind. NE and SE wind directions will also work (side to side-on).

Morrison Grove:

Directions: Travelling on 64, cross the Croatan Sound on the William B Umstead Memorial Bridge. 1.5 miles beyond the bridge take a LEFT on Morrison Grove (there''s a brick sign marking it).

Sailing: Sailing: Grassy rigging, waist deep water, no weeds. See more below.

The paragraph below was taken from SHREDDER Outer Banks Guide ''95

in a section called "Shredding the Northern Outer Banks" by

Brett Landry and Bill Bell

"One of the few northeast onshore soundside launches, Morrison Grove offers radical bump and jump conditions on strong northeasts. Spring and fall are the seasons for Morrison Grove and the site can really go off. However, it is a private launch and access is limited. Yet there is lodging available at the Boothe House right at the launch site. Rates run $25.00 per room during the spring season (March to June) and $35.00 per room during the summer (July and August). During the fall season, the place is usually closed to guests; however, reservations can be made for specific times.

For more information on Boothe House call (919)473-3696. Morrison Grove is located at the northern end of Roanoke Island near the Lost Colony and Elizabethan Gardens."

Next comments by TBC member Tony Gaunce:

"When the water blows out of the sound at KHS in a Northeast wind this place is the call. I also saw guys launching that day off the west end of the William B Umstead Memorial Bridge ... even larger fetch.

As I was rigging, I noticed an older gentleman drive by to dump some garbage, looking at me. I walked over and asked if he minded me sailing there to which he replied "Not at all, but don''t drive down on the grass and get stuck. Some guys have done this before" and also offered up the accomodations if needed for $35 per night. This is a great place to sail, although you may end up sailing alone, but should be respected as it is private access and we would not want to make enemies of the owners."

Morehead City, NC Area Morehead City Area

Radio Island:

Directions: Take Hwy. 70 through Morehead City and across the bridge towards Beaufort. Once over the bridge, take the first right and go behind the boat storage building and turn left across the railroad tracks.

Sailing: Radio Island is a high intermediate to expert site which is best sailed in south or southwest winds. It offers a wide variety of sailing and when its good it will provide you with some of the most memorable days you''ll ever have. When its bad, you will also have memories (the kind you want to repress). Timing is important here - the currents add to the apparent wind when the tide is going out, and reduce apparent wind when the tides are incoming. Therefore, this launch is usually sailed on an outgoing tide, which means that if you breakdown in the inlet (or if the wind dies), you''re going out to sea. The sailing conditions include flat water, big rollers, backside wavesailing on sand bar breaks, down the line wave sailing at Fort Macon, and jumping at Shackleford banks. Beware of the boat traffic, the sand bars at low tide, and learn how the currents work. DO NOT sail beaufort inlet without a buddy, and make sure you are initiated by a Radio Island veteran.

Harkers Island:

Directions: Take Hwy. 101 S. from Havelock and follow signs to Cape Lookout National Seashore or Harkers Island. When the road dead ends at the eastern most point of Harkers Island (aka Shell Point), you''re there!

Sailing: Harkers Island gets the strongest and most consistent northeast wind of any launch in the Emerald Isle/Morehead area. It is almost guaranteed whenever a high pressure is centered over New York or Pennsylvania. It is also a good place to sail in a SW, but most people prefer Radio Island. This is a high intermediate to expert sailing area due to strong currents at the launch site and the intensity of the shorebreak. There is good chop hopping in the channel just off the launch, and great flat water sailing in Mike''s Hole to the lee of the grass islands (so named because a guy named Mike learned to duck jibe there). Wavesailing can be had by sailing 2 miles across the sound, up Iron Creak (a long drag at low tide), and then doing a 200 yard portage over Core Banks to the ocean. The waves here in a NE may be the biggest along the outerbanks due to the long fetch from Diamond Shoals; likewise for the shorebreak. Also, by the second day of a big nor''easter, the current runs a long the beach at a blistering pace. This spot was pioneered by Don Ketterrer and Bill Hanner, both of whom will tell you that if you can sail the ocean off Harker''s, you can sail anywhere. If you break a mast on Core Banks . . . well, you figure it out. DO NOT learn to wavesail here.

North River:

Directions: On the way to Harkers Island, launch on the south side of Hwy. 70 on the west side of the causeway.

Sailing: North River is best sailed in a southerly wind and is a great place to learn how to jibe - mostly because you have to jibe alot. When the wind is southerly, it is also generally stronger here than at the flat water sites on Emerald Isle because of its exposure and the fact that it is a little further inland. On those days when the wind is due south and Emerald Isle is shallow and squirrely, this is the place to go.

The Circle:

Directions: Take Hwy. 70 to Morehead City and turn right over the bridge to Atlantic Beach. Go straight until you hit the ocean and park near the Jolly Knave.

Sailing: The Circle is an ocean launch best sailed in E, any southerly wind, and W. You''ll find ocean swell and waves here. Watch out for the surfers and the fishermen and get there early in the summer to get a parking spot.

Cedar Island, NC:

Directions: Take Hwy. 70 to Hwy 12 untill you get to the ferry toll booth area. To get to the launch look for a dirt road with a "camping area" sign just to the right as you enter the ferry toll booth area. Take the dirt road and bear left. Follow it along the Ferry area fence until you come to a gravel/sand parking area boat launch. Launch is just to the right on the beach through the gate in the fence. There is also a motel for anyone who wants to make an overnight trip in style, a restraunt, and gift shop and restrooms at the Ferry.

Sailing: If you want some of the finest NW wind sailing in the state of North Carolina, go to Cedar Island!! Its a long drive, about 50 minutes from Beaufort/Morehead City area, but if a good NW is blowing you will be rewarded with some fantastic "inland ocean" type conditions. The launch is immediately to the right of the Cedar Island / Ocracoke Ferry jetty. A NW wind provides a side on wind from the left and the Jetty smooths out the waves and chop to allow easy launching off a sandy beach. Once up and sailing you will find the waves progressively increase in size and you''ll get the full force of the wind outside the Jetty. Unlike other NW sites, the long fetch across the wide Pamlico sound allows the waves to build up into a more open ocean like state and not the generally short choppy conditions characteristic of other NW shallow water inland sites. A 25-30K NW will yield good size 6'' -8'' swells on the outside and rideable surf on the inside. The beach extends several miles down to the east so if you get blown downwind you can beach and walk back up.

Oriental, NC Area

Emerald Isle, NC Area Emerald Isle Area
- Park Street:
Directions: At mile marker 15.

Sailing: On Emerald Isle, right at mile marker 15 is a public bath house ocean side with a big parking lot, toilets, and showers (probably cold). Park Street has public sound access on the other side of Emerald Dr for beginners to advanced - wind dependent. Seems like E, N, W wind would be great, but I''ve been told S creates a wind shadow. The road has been paved almost up to the waterfront, sod has been laid from the road to the seawall, and a new seawall has been built. You can drive close to the end, unload your gear on the grassy side of the road, then park back at the bath house a couple hundred yards away. While the sod is still rooting, please choose to rig further back on the grassy side of the road which has better wind protection anyway. You can walk your gear over the sod and carefully climb down the seawall to set the gear in the sand. Be nice to the neighbors and respect the property lines (which aren'' t really obvious). You can walk your board out past the end of the piers to launch in knee deep water. Wear booties for clamshell protection. The sound here is mostly never more than neck deep (could depend on tides?), and I detected no noticable current. The huge transformer station makes a great landmark. Be aware of the white and red tipped marker posts in the sound when sailing fast. Others have warned of clam beds beneath the surface too. Start off slow and define some good boundaries, then crank it up!
- 15th Street:
- 3rd Street:
Rolling View State Park

Rolling View is state-operated park on Falls Lake ($6 entrance fee). It is located about 5 miles north of Hwy 98. Take Baptist Road north if your coming from the west and Southview Road North if you are coming from the east. There are two launch sites on a peninsula. Both are "improved"-- beaches, bath houses, shelters, picnic tables, outdoor showers (in warm weather). Wind direction determines which side of the peninsula you should use. Go to the western side of the peninsula if the wind is southwest, west or northwest. Go to the eastern side if there is any east in the wind. If the wind is SW, you can get out fine on the west side. The strongest winds will be about 150 yards out if it''s SW.

Both launches have excellent grassy rigging areas and ample parking. On the eastern side there is a boat beach (no swimming), which may be lined with boats in warm weather. Access to the water is very easy, particularly on the eastern side. On a recent July Saturday there was a medium sized crowd, 3 boats and 3 jet skis anchored, but still enough room to do some light wind sailing. They were letting some kids swim. On a recent July Thursday, the place was almost empty. Sunday afternoon in late August, there were only a few families there and no boats or jet skis.

On the western side of the peninsula is the swim beach. To the right of the swim beach the water is shallow for a long way out. Walk very carefully as they left a lot of stumps in the water. A little further to the right of the swim beach, there is a grassy path for windsurfers. Mark has cleared some of the stumps from the water there.

We had our annual picnic at Shelter 12 on the western side. Even though the eastern side is usually better for east winds, the north side of the Shelter 12 point worked well for the N/NE winds that day.

Conditions are good, but not quite as good as at Ebenezer Point. The fetch is not quite as long as at Ebenezer. There are fewer power boats on Falls Lake in summer than on Jordan Lake, so Falls is a good warm-weather alternative. The biggest disadvantage to Rolling View is that most of your windsurfing buddies won''t be there. You might meet some long-time sailors who don''t go to Ebenezer, however. Be careful not to sail into one of the coves there because you might not get enough wind to sail out. In short, Rolling View is an interesting alternative to Ebenezer, particularly if 1) you just want variety in your sailing or 2) you want to avoid the powerboat traffic at Ebenezer.

Sandling Beach State Recreation Area

Directions: From Raleigh, take Hwy. 50 towards Creedmoor. The entrance to Sandling Beach is on the left, 4 miles north of Hwy. 98. There is a park entrance fee of $6 from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Sailing: The boat beach faces SW. The best wind directions are S, SW, N, W, and SE. This place is an undiscovered gem nowadays due to park improvements. Shelter 5, north of the swim beach, allows you to park 25 yards from the boat beach where you can launch easily. If you live closer to Falls Lake or want to avoid summer traffic at Jordan, this is the place on a S or SW. Shelter 5 has restroom facilities if you need that sort of thing.

Topsail

Topsail is a pretty quiet place, and a great place to kick back if you and your family all enjoy hanging out on the beach. There''s a kayak center just north of the bridge where you can rent a sit-on-top which is a blast in the waves, or rent sea kayaks which are nice to paddle around in the sound with, see egret nests and other water birds, big fun and something the whole family might enjoy. (Morning is best, to beat the heat and see more biology. But you have to plan the tides.)

When the shore break isn''t too high, sea kayaks can be great fun in shore surf. I first saw this on PBS, some guys sea kayaking in shore surf in Scotland or Wales. The old local guy showed the young PBS guy how it''s done: you put the kayak parallel to the waves (sideways, not like surfing), and high-brace on the wave. And go like hell!

Turns out it''s really easy to do. When you put the end of that paddle on top of the wave, the water is rushing under it so fast, it''s like putting it on a rock. You lean well into the wave and brace. As the wave peters out, you eventually slip over the top of it -- after which the water no longer acts like a rock, so the first time you''re buns up, practicing your eskimo roll. Wink

With shore break of 3'' waves, it''s easy and anyone with the temerity to windsurf should have no trouble. (Assuming you''re comfortable strapped into a vehicle upside down in the water for a moment or two -- some folks just don''t like that, silly as it sounds!) At 4'', I find it a bit dicey, but I''m more timid than the average wave sailor. At 5'' I think you''d get a serious pounding and risk breaking your neck (wave sailor heaven).

There''s a pier that''s (IIRC) $1 to go out on, and worth a buck even if you just stroll out & back. A different crowd there day versus night, kinda fun just for people watching. That''s in Topsail Beach. (There are probably others too.)

Kids, as well as older kids like my wife and me, enjoy finding sharks'' teeth in the sand.

If your main objective is windsurfing, there are much better places to go. If you want a fun but relatively quiet family vacation where you can steal away a couple times and get a good sail in, it should be perfect. If you hope to keep your board on the beach and jump in any moment ... I don''t think so. Not unless you''re a lot hardier than I am, anyway.

Beach

Sailing: Shore break can be challenging..

North end

Sailing: You can drive up pretty close to the water to put in if your vehicle is good in soft sand. 2WD park in the little lot and lug my gear. It''s not too far, maybe 100 yards.

South end

Sailing: Drive to the sound side to the south to the little lot. Stop in the no-parking spot to unload and then move to park, and then lug the gear quite a few hundred yards up the soundside beach along the channel to where you can put in. The lower the tide is, the farther up the beach you have to go. The island is at a 45 degree angle from NW to SE, and the wind comes in pretty much due East or ESE. As you approach the south end of the island, it''s very flat and you can get nice laminar wind with very flat water, fun for speed. As you approach the inlet it gets bumpier, but probably not choppy enough for good bump & jump, more just freestyle sailing. Wind is usually pretty dependable, 15-20 mph onshore thermal.

You have to watch the tides and water depth carefully to avoid breaking a fin. In most cases you can pretty easily see the shoals and avoid them, and there are some channel markers to help. Be extra careful on an ebb tide of course. The water flows out quite fast through the inlet.