Sound-Side · NW Wind Gem
🟡 Intermediate / 🟠 Advanced · Maximum 3–4 Riders · NW Wind Only · 🎪 Freestyle · 🪁 High-Performance Flat Water
Buxton Slicks is a hidden gem — a boutique, intimate session that experienced Hatteras riders keep as their opportunity spot. A series of low-lying grass islands creates natural barriers that block chop and produce exceptionally glassy water, rivaling even The Slick for flat water quality. The catch: it only fires in northwest wind, it holds a maximum of 3–4 riders, and the tight launch demands competent kite control. When all three conditions align — NW forecast, space available, and you have the skills — the sessions here are some of the best flat water freestyle on the East Coast.
| 📍 Location | NC Highway 12, just south of Kite Point between Avon and Buxton — roadside |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Best For | Freestyle · High-performance flat water · Trick progression · Intimate sessions |
| 💨 Best Wind | NW — this is when the Slicks truly shine · Clean and steady |
| ✅ Also Works | N — experienced riders, tends to be side-offshore and gusty · W — variable |
| 🚫 Avoid | S, SW, SE — passes over land, gusty and turbulent · E, NE — offshore |
| 🌊 Water | Ultra-flat, glassy · Protected by grass islands · Knee to waist depth |
| 🏖️ Crowd Level | Quiet — maximum 3–4 riders · If full, Kite Point is minutes away |
| 🚗 Access | Very limited — 2–3 vehicles roadside only · If full, go to Kite Point |
| 💰 Fees | Free · No permits |
| 🚻 Amenities | None · No restrooms · No fresh water · Kite Point has more space if needed |
Southerly winds (S, SW, SE) pass over land before reaching the Slicks, arriving gusty and turbulent — unpredictable and not enjoyable. When the forecast shows south wind, experienced locals head to Kite Point where the wind comes clean off the water. Buxton Slicks is a northwest wind destination. On a crisp fall or winter day after a cold front, 18–25 knots of NW wind over glass-flat protected water is what this spot was built for.
The low-profile grass islands are what create the magic here — they block wind chop while allowing wind to pass over cleanly. Stay in the protected water channels and avoid riding too close to the islands. Grass can snag lines if you crash nearby, and shallow muddy areas surround them. Bottom conditions vary year to year depending on sand movement and vegetation growth. Helmet is strongly recommended despite the shallow depth.
The tight launch area and nearby power lines mean this spot demands competent, precise kite handling. You need to be comfortable with small-space launches and confident kite control before attempting the Slicks. If you are not sure, go to Kite Point and build that confidence first. There is no room for errors here — the limited space means a mistake affects other riders immediately.
Make it your opportunity plan, not your primary plan. Check it when NW wind is in the forecast and you are in the area.
If there is space when you arrive — you have hit the jackpot. Set up efficiently and respect the other riders already there.
If it is full, do not try to squeeze in. Kite Point is minutes north with excellent conditions and room for everyone.
Arrive, assess, decide quickly. Do not block the limited parking space while deliberating.
Conditions, access rules, permits, and fees change. Always check current conditions, posted signs, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore rules before you ride, and ride within your ability. This guide is general information, not a substitute for your own judgment or professional instruction. Last updated November 2026.
On a Soundfront Experience week, you launch from the property onto the sound in Avon — no parking on the shoulder, no packing up between sessions, and an air compressor and gear storage by the rigging area. Still learning? Our Immersion weeks start where you are.
© 2026 Adventure Travel Company | All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 Adventure Travel Company | All Rights Reserved.