Sound-Side · Multi-Direction Workhorse
🟢 Beginner to 🟠 Advanced · ⚠️ Can Get Extremely Crowded · 🪁 Kiteboarding · 🪂 Foiling · 🎪 Freestyle · All Disciplines
Sandy Bay — universally called The Washout, a name from a road washout years ago that stuck — is one of the most popular and versatile wind sports destinations on Hatteras Island. Its position and geography allow it to handle N, NE, and NW wind effectively, making it one of the most reliable spots on the island when northern winds shut down options elsewhere. When the forecast is right, this place fills up. Embrace the energy or arrive early — the conditions are worth it.
| 📍 Location | NC Highway 12 at Milepost 69.5 — between Frisco and Hatteras Village, sound side |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Best For | All levels · Multi-direction versatility · Freestyle · Foiling · NE/NW/N wind sessions |
| 💨 Best Wind | N, NE, NW — when other sound spots fail, The Washout delivers |
| ✅ Also Works | E, W — cross-shore, workable for experienced riders |
| 🚫 Avoid | S, SW, SE — passes over land, arrives gusty and turbulent |
| 🌊 Water | Flat to moderate chop · Knee to waist depth · Expansive riding area · Sandy, clean bottom |
| 🏖️ Crowd Level | Busy to very busy · Can be extremely crowded on good N/NE/NW days |
| 🚗 Access | Easy — large paved NPS parking lot off Highway 12 · No permits required |
| 💰 Fees | Free public access · No fees |
| 🚻 Amenities | No restrooms · No fresh water · No showers · Services in Frisco and Hatteras Village nearby |
Most sound-side spots along Hatteras work in SW and S wind but struggle when the wind shifts north. The Washout is different — N, NE, and NW all work here. This makes it one of the go-to alternatives when northern winds make Kite Point, the Turnouts, or other spots marginal or offshore. When riders across the island are looking for somewhere to go on a NE day, many of them end up here. Plan accordingly.
The combination of versatile wind directions, excellent conditions, free access, and a large parking lot makes The Washout immensely popular. On a prime N or NE day, you may see dozens of kites and wings sharing the water. The riding area is genuinely expansive — there is physically room for many riders — but the beach and rigging area compress under real peak conditions. Arrive early. Rig efficiently. Launch deliberately (mind the power lines along Highway 12). Once you are on the water, the large sound gives you room.
Like Kite Point and several other sound spots along NC-12, power lines run parallel to the highway behind the launch. Position yourself facing the water so your kite launches toward the sound, not back toward the road. This is standard operating procedure at Hatteras sound spots — if you are new to it, watch a few launches before rigging.
Frisco Woods Campground: $20 day-use fee · similar conditions · far fewer riders · worth every dollar on a packed day
Hatteras Village spots: Continue south toward the Ferry Docks area for different access options
Frisco Bath House: Use only as downwinder logistics point — not for sessioning
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.