Winter in The Outerbanks

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Just wondering if anyone has spent a winter in the OBX. I've heard the wind is great, obviously cold - but how cold? 6/4 wetsuit cold? I've been told the air temps are around 50 degrees & I've heard it's 30 degrees. Big difference. I have some business on the East coast this winter & thought about renting a house there for the winter. I can't seem to get a straight answer about the weather. Of course the real estate companies are gonna tell you what you want to hear...the kite places are a little vague. If it's like Hood River in early spring or Oregon Coast-esk. That's fine by me. Also - rain & gloom. Overcast if fine. But does it rain like 20 out of 30 days? Or does it dump 4 inches one day and then sunny for a few days? Any info would be great. Thanks.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USNC0029?role=

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Thanks Pete. I've seen that already & have looked up many weather sites & info on the OBX. Some info differs. Some say 30's, some say 50's. The rain is more challenging. Such as: averages 6 inches during January...so - is that a little bit all month? Or a few downpours a month? Nothing beats personal experience, which is why I posted in the first place.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

give tripp or anyone at real a phone call. I'm sure they can give you a straight up answer on what to expect for the winter in obx. the good news is its off season so rental costs are minimal.
some images of winter in hatteras on realwatersports flickr page.
check out the shot of tripp in front of the lighthouse in a wetsuit with snow on the ground. I think I saw that shot in the mag ad too.
crazy winter there last year.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/realwatersports/5390174839/in/photostream

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

Yup, you can kite it. Dec/Jan/Feb will be the colder window of course, but even then the temperature fluctuates a lot down there and the sound warms up very fast after a couple days of sunshine.

Also, you still have warmer ocean water south of cape point due to the gulf stream hugging the coast. You can look on the thermal satellite sites to get an idea of water temperature before making the trip down any weekend, and I think you can also see historical data.

I'd get the house, you'll get a lot of riding in and the locals will appreciate the company! I got down for a week in November every year around Thanksgiving. I can go from a 4/3 one day to a dry suit a couple days later. Some years it is sunny and warm, some years there is ice and snow. So, it will be tough to predict exactly what you'll get, but it is variable and if you bring some thick neoprene, and a warm hood and booties you'll get through anything.

Do it!

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

I used to live in Vermont and went to OBX every spring and fall.
I remember breaking down in November and spending 20 minutes in the water in the sound (was wearing a 5m suit). I nearly died from hypothermia.
It was similar to the Gorge in March or November (bitter cold).
I can't imagine kiting there in the winter..... just like I can't imagine kiting here in the gorge in winter.
Go to Charleston, South Carolina or Florida if those are options 4 u.
Or better yet - go to Burlington, Vermont and ski at Sugarbush or Mad River.

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Thanks...I have a ski house in Utah. 25 years of skiing & shoveling snow. A wee bit burned out...gonna rent it weekly this winter. Take a break. I have pets, so going to a tropical island wouldn't work for me. Plus, I'm cultivating business on the East Coast. I guess I'm thinking 50 degrees is pretty warm to me considering sub-zero temps in Park City. The difference between kiting winters in the Gorge & Hatteras is a hot tub on your deck next to the water?...This is the view from my possible rental.

kitemare · Since 23 Mar 2010 265 Posts Seattle, wa Obsessed

I spent 2 months (oct/nov) a few years ago in Waves on the outerbanks working as a kite instructor.

There are some really good things to be had there but there are also some serious drawbacks.

I brought my winter suit and did pretty well but there where days when the air temp got pretty cold. Other days it was warmish and pleasant. Pretty much kited every day though.

The major draw back is, since you are going off season, don't expect everything to be open. When I lived there, the closest grocery store was a 30 minute drive and all the restaurants closed down so eating out was slim pickings. It mainly just depends on where you end up staying.

Hope this helps.

PS BRING BOOTIES!!! Those oyster beds can be nasty.

Pepi · Wed Oct 19, 11 8:40 pm

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

I grew up in NC - not OBX but went down there some in winter. What everyone is saying about variability is exactly right. Can be everything & anything one day to the next. That's probably why you're reading such variability in the various weather links. Also Pepi's comment about the humid cold is very true. I feel like I'm typically warmer in MT when its 10 than I would be back in NC when its 40 due to the humidity. The air is just plain thick & when its cold it's chill-to-the-bone cold. Or so it used to seem. But that's when its nasty noreaster weather. The sunny days will be exceptional and the tranquility that happens without all the crowds and hassle may make for a great winter. Just take a good dry suit & your best winter gear & enjoy.

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

Hot tub? Waterfront? Book it!

Good thing is, yup, the weather changes a lot and quickly. You can check the weather before the weekend and decide if it is a good one to hit the beach or not. There are a lot more year 'round people down than there used to be so food stores and such stay open, but yes, a lot of businesses are closed and it is quiet down there, which isn't all bad.

If you can enjoy the beauty of an empty beach, taking a drive or walk out on the sand on a sunny cold day when you are dressed for it, is pretty rejuvenating...for me anyway. I think you know you aren't going for a party, but you do have year round kite operations like Best's new headquarters, Real and other businesses to make friends with and keep you entertained.

Plus, no french canadians. Wink

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Thanks for all the information! It really helps. I have plenty of cold weather gear - and closed stores are no big deal. I can focus on my PS3 Gaming (kidding...kinda..really addicted to Portlal 2). I cook and don't rely on restaurants. I'm looking forward to an adventure. I'll work on my Rosetta Stone language classes - Spanish & French - next to a cozy fire. I'm planning on going to Agualina in February - so that will help. I just want to kite when I can.

Cheers!

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

I missed that French Canadian bit... just went through & re-read the posts. So true about them. Funny, cause I like almost everyone. If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you - but Damn, Those French Canadians are not very nice at all. Smile & nod I guess.

I'm getting butterflies thinking about this OBX winter deal. I just got back to Park City to prep the house for renters and the weather here is amazing. The Mountain biking is superb! What am I thinking?! Oh well, it's not like it's going away...I can always come back. Confused

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed