Now that I finally have a boat, just wondering what some good places to launch soundside are in the Outer Banks? Is the sailing down near Canadian Hole any good? How about near Kitty Hawk Watersports, in that area just north of the bridge?

I think you are talking about the Harvey Public Sound access...that is where I launched a couple weeks ago. I noticed some people leave their boats there, but I am not sure whether you need to call someone to get permission. You'll want beach wheels to launch from there since there is no ramp. Before I had wheels I launched a couple times at the ramp near the bridge across from pirates cove.

There was a hobie 18 (stored on the dune)that was launching in the ocean across from Winks (~MP2.5)...there is an emergency vehicle access right there so I assume that would be how to get your boat on the beach.

Thanks for the info, my folks have a ramp/launch for their street, but because its in a faily shallow river I'm afraid that I couldnt get out, or more importantly get back in after sailing. It would be nice to be able to rig the boat at their house, store it stick up for the weekend and just trailer it the couple hundred yards down to the launch.

Its here
Launch

Most of the places you mentioned are too shallow.It'll be a long slog with your rudders up. Look for regular public boat ramps, like your folks(carry a paddle). The one next to the bridge across from pirates Cove Marina would work. The seaplane ramp (The old swimming hole) next to the aquarium and the airport is where I launch, but keep it a secret.
Tawd

Norbanks Sailing in Duck.

'nuff said

Yeah, but the owner's a dork.

Before you tow your boat with the mast up make sure you check for overhead obstructions. The safety of your boat and life could be in danger. Look twice and save a life. Safe sailing

I never said that he wasn't :P

He's got dork friends too :P

I tried to launch from the ramp on kitty hawk bay just north of there two years ago and had to turn back because the sea grass was so thick. I agree it would be convenient for you to launch there.

There's also some place down in Nag's Head you can launch from I think.

Its where my H17's mast met its end :P

They're not exactly public.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Its a clear path from the parents driveway to the launch, I checked it last time I was out there. Looks like it might be one of the better places to launch from for me.

I sailed my Hobie 18 out of Canadian Hole a few years ago. It was good. The parking lot is right next to the beach, so you don't need to drag your boat far (assuming you get a good spot). You could actually probably back your trailer onto the sand right to the water's edge. Depth wasn't an issue when I was there, but the water level in Pamlico sound varies. Depending on wind direction, it can be blown into or away from the island side. If it's a nice day, there'll probably be a good number of windsurfers to the north and kiters to the south as its a very popular spot for boarding.

When the wind is out of the south or south west, the water stays pretty flat and you can go on nice long reaches.

sm

I launched from there because I never had to worry about running into any of those crazy Roanoke Island sailor dorks. The fact that it's private pretty much scares all of them away.

Lotsa stuff scares them away.

Like

Deodorant.

Shampoo.

you get the idea :P

Where is this mystery launching spot in nags head? This the one right next to Kitty Hawk Watersports?

Village at Nags Head's sound access. I kept my boat there for about four sailing seasons. There used to be 4 or 5 H16s, a Prindle 16 and a Prindle 19 that all stayed on the beach.

Awesome, and though its 'private' no one seems to mind if you pull in and launch from there?

Be careful. I'm not sure how it's patrolled, but I used to have some connections there. I think you wouldn't have anything to worry about if it was just for day use. There are tourists in and out of there all the time in the summer.