Windsurfing near Bay River
- Dolls Creek (11 km)
- Lowland (15 km)
- Fulford Point (17 km)
- Goose Creek West (17 km)
- Oyster Creek (18 km)
- Styron's (20 km)
In sparsely developed Pamlico County on the western shore of Pamlico Sound lies one of most ideal windsurfing destinations that caters to all levels of abilities...
Welcome to Bay River, a premier NC coast windsurfing location less than 3 hours from Raleigh and metropolitan areas west.
Actually more of a bay than a river, this body of water offers sailing possibilities from nearly every wind direction with both flat water and challenging bump and jump action.
Here are some of the reasons more and more NC windsurfers are including Bay River as one of their regular destinations when headed to catch some wind on the coast:
There are numerous access points and campgrounds where grassy rigging and sandy, waist high water abounds - along with great sailing conditions from almost any wind direction.
The boat traffic around these areas is less than 1/10th of what is seen out in Beaufort inlet on a slow day! A majority of the boat traffic comprises sailing vessels and the jet ski traffic is almost non existent.
The natural topography of Bay River runs the predominant wind directions of SW to NE, creating uninterrupted fetches of 3 to 6 miles long. Many of the roads from the metro areas have improved or are in the process of being improved.
For the kayaking crowd, paddle trails are mapped extensively in these areas as well.
Most IBX sites are at least an hour and half less in driving than going to the OBX - the distance & time is quite similar or a little less than going from Raleigh to Emerald Island.
There are a number of launches that blow sailors back onshore from their original starting point.
Launch Sites
Main Street *No Fee (no facilities) Please park on side of public streets and be mindful of local homeowners. Public property is ONLY on the opposite side of the road end turnstile. Be careful climbing down riprap with equipment. Best wind directions S, SW. Small rollers on NE 2 miles across Bay. Good place to sail when N is too intense at Lookout - small chop. Safe for beginners, but still challenging for intermediate windsurfers and above.
Camp Vandemere *$5.00 day fee (rest rooms, hot showers) Good for family and non windsurfers. Please respect rules of Camp. Best to call ahead and let Camp Manager know you are coming - occasionally other events may be going on and the camp will not be open to the public. Reasonable overnight camping rates as well. Best wind directions S, SW. Small rollers on NE 2 miles across Bay. Good place to sail when N is too intense at Lookout - small chop. Very safe for beginners, but still challenging for intermediate windsurfers and above.