Best places to paddle in North Carolina?

[SUPlakes]

What are the best places to paddle in NC?

Has anyone paddled out to the Core Banks?  The distance isn't far, but the conditions (wind + swells) could make it quite challenging.

[dabigkahuna]

What are the best places to paddle in NC?

Has anyone paddled out to the Core Banks?  The distance isn't far, but the conditions (wind + swells) could make it quite challenging.

I've surfed Cape Lookout and took my RIB to Shackleford Banks and Core Banks, does that count?    We lived in Morehead City for a while, lots of spots to paddle.  Just be aware of tides, currents and weather.  We used to launch our RIB from the Beaufort bridge (there's a small public access area there) and motored to Shackleford.  There's a launch area on Harkers Island if you want to go to Cape Lookout.  Beautiful scenery, wild horses, and lots of empty shoreline.  Keep an eye out for oysterbeds and avoid the banks the first few days after a rain.  The mosquitos will eat you alive!

[SUPlakes]

Thanks for the info.  I've camped on the cape lookout but took a ferry over from Harker's Island.  It was a real small ferry so I'm not sure they allow paddle boards.  Maybe it's a good reason to buy a RIB?

Are there any places to rent boards out there?  I'd probably do that instead of hauling my board out there.  I only have an inflatable rack so I avoid highways while traveling with it.

[dabigkahuna]

Talk to Michael at blownkiteboarding.com .  He rented paddleboards the last I checked.  They also rent paddleboards at a couple of the surf shops in Atlantic Beach.  Check around to get the best price.

A lot of people launch kayaks (maybe paddleboards too now) from the US park station on Harkers Island (where the ferry landing is) and then venture towards Cape Lookout from there.  I don't recall the distance but you can see the lighthouse from the launch.  We launched from the Beaufort lift bridge public access and then motored up the channel to Sand Dollar island and Shackleford Banks.  Michael can give you the scoops.  He also has a big pontoon boat that he uses for kitesurfing lessons, so maybe you can catch a ride to someplace interesting that way?