Im considering moving to Charlotte, NC and am curious about what the kiting is like in OBX, Wilimngton, DC, etc...

If you have lived near Charlotte, Im curious about your thoughts about the area. I am loking at it because it would be something new and different that would get my family close (ish) to the beach and in an area that I think mountain biking would be good...

I like all kite sports, and am equipped for all of them if that matters...

I can only speak to OBX (from Nags Head south). It is about 7-8 hours from Charlotte. I've gone there probably 20 times or so for windsurfing. Kitesurfing is king in OBX perfect conditions and plenty of schools and shops. One a good day you can see dozens of kites in the air. The water is shallow for miles and wind is very consistent and steady.

Static flying it is also great on the ocean side. For buggy it is not impossible, but that is about all. I ridden kite+ATB a few times on the beach at Salvo (which was difficult and not very good), but in most places the beach is too narrow and the sand too soft. Further north there are some good beaches (Virginia Beach), for kite buggy. Weldngod or Riffclown can address that better than me.

Looks like Lake Norman is where watersports take place. Seems like these guys could be of help.

http://www.hardracing.com/WATER.htm

BTW - Jekyll Island is only about 5-6 hours (340 miles) for kite buggy. There may be some other good beaches even closer.

thats not near the beach...
jusayin

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

thats not near the beach... jusayin

Not everyone has a beach in their back yard

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

thats not near the beach...

its nearer than denver is... just sayin

So Brandon. Need a pass to "the beach" might not get wbb this year. Bragger.. that beach looks amazing.... are you sharing?

Need 7hrs notice.. lol

Quote: Originally posted by flyhighWNY

So Brandon. Need a pass to "the beach" might not get wbb this year. Bragger.. that beach looks amazing.... are you sharing?

as long as cheese says its ok...i can make it happen

Jekyll Island is outstanding for kiting, and if it's not too far, it's tha bomb.

I live in north myrtle beach. I kite buggy at the end of cherry grove beach when the winds are S, SW, SE. I have never seen another kite buggier there and it is pretty open at low tide. I have a mountain board but have not tackled that yet. I also have a carbrinha switch blade kite and board but have not tried that either. There are some friendly water kite rider that start at cherry grove and were willing to help me out but so far I have been chicken. North myrtle beach is about 3.5 hours from Charlotte. If you are ever in my area let me know I would like to meet and learn from fellow land kiters. I moved here 2 years ago - prior to that my only spot was in a wheat field in NW Oklahoma. Beach winds (on shore) are much night and day compared to the winds I experienced in OK.

Google HULK mountain bike trail in myrtle beach - have not tried it yet but plan too

Jason

i googled the living situation and discovered Charlotte is one of the worst places in the country for mosquitoes... that said, im not moving there... thanks for the wisdom, though, guys...

Actually it's 9th worst, Raleigh is tenth. All those wings flapping is the reason for the janky wind here.
Sorry you won't be moving, we could use help slapping the beasts.

Quote: Originally posted by Ed Cline

Actually it's 9th worst, Raleigh is tenth.

currently in houston (5th), so i guess it would be an upgrade, but id rather just move off the list completely

It's not so bad. The skeeters and g nats only come out in the lulls.
Just fly into the swarm, and if you get enough of them underneath you can wait it out.

Yikes, I just found Atlanta is No. 1. However, I mainly ride buggy in the winter on cold miserable days so they aren't a problem.

not so many mosquitos at the beach...

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

not so many mosquitos at the beach...

worst (and funniest) mosquito attack ive ever had was in the dunes at san luis pass (aka the beach)... lets just say it was a mistake to try to fly a fixed bridle kite in high winds whilst attempting to pee

I got one of the these a Lowes. At Glacier last summer some of the park staff were using these kind of things to keep them at bay. Looked like fun anyway.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/BLACK-FLAG-0-09-Watt-Battery-Powere...