glil Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 Has anyone done any paddling at Cape Hatteras and have any suggestions for paddling ideas and/or camping in the area? Also, has anyone rented kayaks there? I will be there for a family reunion and want to fit some kayaking in. Thanks, Gay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedious Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hi Gay - I have done just a tiny bit of kayaking in Avon, just north of the elbow of Cape Hatteras - borrowed a two-place sit on top from a house we rented to spend a week windsurfing. I don't know if you are familiar with the area, but you basically have your choice of the ocean (outside) or the sound (inside). The surf is extremely heavy - does not seem all that big, but it is deceptively powerful. So unless you are very experienced in such conditions, that leaves the sound. The sound is basically flat water, although it can get windy and choppy. Depending on where you are, the shoreline can be anything from sandy to muddy to marshy. At many places (such as Avon) the water is not consistently deep until you get past the sandbar, which is a couple of miles offshore. Inside the bar the depth can vary from several inches to over your head; average depth is probably 4 feet. The bar itself can be a fun place to visit - it's only ankle deep in many places and is a fun place to play around. So if you're there anyway, kayaking would be fun, although I would not make a special visit. Sunsets are spectacular! T. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedious Posted January 26, 2007 Share Posted January 26, 2007 Gay, on the subject of camping, from what I have seen the campgrounds are not really tent-camping places, but more of the "pull up the RV, hook up the sewage line, fire up the generator, set the TV under an awning and crack open a beverage" variety. Thought I'd mention that as I suspect most NSPN folks are more of the tent-camping style. Also, on the subject of beverages, all of Dare County (the Outer Banks) is dry except for beer and wine. So if you absolutely have to have a gin & tonic, bring your own or it's a long, long drive. T. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glil Posted January 27, 2007 Author Share Posted January 27, 2007 Thanks for the information. Found some camping options in the AAA camp book and found a Guide to Sea Kayaking in North Carolina book which will be helpful. Gay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnHuth Posted January 27, 2007 Share Posted January 27, 2007 There used to be a campground at Oracoke - which is just before the ferry to the mainland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PageD Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Check out Bell's Island campground in Currituck, NC. Last Summer I went down and paddled around the sound and would like to go back. The launch is steps from the tent site. Have a look at the pics at http://www.letsgo2sea.com. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PageD Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I camped at False Cape State Park on the VA/NC border in December. Great paddling spot. On the way in, there are a couple outfitters renting boats. Also, at our campsite there were a bunch of rentals. So you wouldn't even need to transport the kayak. My pics are coming at letsgo2sea.com. Check back soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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