Canadian Hole

On the west side of NC 12 between the villages of Avon and Buxton on Hatteras Island, is a mecca for wind surfers and kite boarders. Canadian Hole was so named for the large number of windsurfers from Canada who began to flock to the site in the 1980s. The warm, shallow water of the Pamlico Sound, combined with the steady Outer Banks winds create unparalleled conditions for wind surfing and kite boarding.

On breezy days scores of colorful sails can be seen dotting the water for miles. Others visit Canadian Hole to enjoy the sound beach, which is perfect for wading. The site was originally known as "the haulover," a term for a very thin stretch of an island where it was easy to haul a boat from the ocean to the sound. Canadian Hole has a paved parking area and restrooms. There are several local outfitters that rent wind surfing and kite boarding equipment and also provide lessons.