The Slick / North Carolina / United States

This is a great spot for kite surfing, though it’s probably a bit too much for beginners. If you’re into long-distance, this is a brilliant place to try.

The beach is more scrubby grass than sand, but it’s flat and smooth with plenty of room for launching, landing and setting up. The area is humid and sub-tropical, so expect temperatures around 8 -12c in December and maybe 10-14c by the time March rolls round.

It’s a thermal wind here, blowing mostly (and at its best) from the southwest, and it comes in at easily over 25 knots. It’s a side-shore wind and is pretty consistent, never varying by more than a knot or two in summer. The best time to be out here is in the mornings and afternoons between March and December. It’s always empty during the week, but it’s a very popular spot and will get extremely crowded at weekends. Water quality is excellent, it’s very clean and clear and there is no current to worry about.

There is a great set up here, too. Loads of room to park, there is also a campsite and a hotel for anyone wanting to stay. Equipment wise, there are shops selling gear, repairing it or hiring it out, and there is even a school if you want a proper lesson with an instructor.

There can be a lot of other people out on the water here, so keep your eyes open. You’ll also need to watch out for submerged rocks.