Canadian Hole
Points of Interest

Canadian Hole

One of the East Coast's premier windsurfing and kiteboarding spots, soundside in Buxton

(8)
Buxton, NC

About

Canadian Hole is one of the best-known windsurfing and kiteboarding spots on the East Coast, set along the soundside of NC-12 in Buxton within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The name comes from the Canadian windsurfers who started showing up here in numbers back in the 1980s, drawn by wide, waist-deep water that runs out a long way into the Pamlico Sound and wind that blows dependably enough to plan a trip around.

Why It Draws a Crowd

  • Shallow, flat water far from shore makes it forgiving for beginners and ideal for freestyle tricks for advanced riders
  • Consistent summer thermal winds in the afternoons, plus strong frontal wind through fall and winter
  • Wide-open sound with room to rig, launch, and sail without the crowding of a typical beach

Getting There

Look for the paved pull-offs along NC-12 on the sound side in Buxton — there's no single storefront or address, just a stretch of shoreline riders have used for decades. Because it sits inside the national seashore, conditions can shift with weather and with the NC-12 closures that happen here from time to time, so it's worth checking current conditions before making the drive, especially outside of summer.

Reviews (8)

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4.6

8 reviews

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Wendy Switzer
Wendy Switzer

4 months ago

Really pretty, calm wonderful for kids and pets!!

Alex Radovic
Alex Radovic

10 months ago

Kiteboarding paradise on the Outer Banks! Canadian Hole is hands-down one of the best spots on the East Coast for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The water here is shallow and clear, — perfect for all skill levels, from beginners learning their first tacks to seasoned riders boosting big airs. The setup is fantastic: there’s easy parking, clean bathrooms, and even outdoor showers to rinse off after a long session on the water. The location between the Pamlico Sound and the ocean means you can kite one side and surf the other in the same day! Even if you’re not kiting, it’s an incredible place to relax. The sunsets over the sound are absolutely breathtaking — golden skies reflecting off glassy water. Bring a picnic, your board, or just your camera — you’ll leave smiling either way. A true Outer Banks gem and a must-visit if you love wind, water, and wide-open skies. 🌅🪁🌊

Samantha Sthisel
Samantha Sthisel

3 weeks ago

It’s a small stretch of beach right next to the road; it isn’t very clean, and the water isn’t very clear, it’s rather dark. There were no waves when I visited. It’s not a good beach to visit.

Stephy
Stephy

2 months ago

We met our photographer, David Pullen, at Canadian Hole for photos on the beach and the sound. The lighting was perfect and the scenery was stunning!

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