Downwinds | Carolina Beach Run

Carolina Beach Run

The Carolina Beach Run a 10 Km downwind that starts at Fort Fisher and finishes at Carolina Beach or in the Carolina Beach Inlet. This run takes advantage of the the prevailing south/southwest winds that run throughout the summer.


  • Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28428, United States

    Distance in KM
    11
    Estimated Time to complete
    1 Hr 20 mins
  • Wind Direction
    South
    SW
    SSW
    Best months
  • Average Rating
    5.0

    No of Followers:
    1
  • Created
    about 4 years ago
    Last updated
    over 2 years ago
    Kindly shared by:
    downwindfun downwindfun



  • The launch is directly off the beach at Fort Fischer, there is often a surf break to navigate. Head out about a mile offshore and then turn for downwind times!
    Beach at Fort Fischer


    Kure Beach Pier is the first real landmark after about 4 Km's into the downwind.
    Kure Beach Pier


    This is a podcast on YouTube by Nick at TC Surfski with 2 local paddlers Rod & Barry who go the downwind in a lot of great details, worth watching before doing this downwind -  25 mins 10 seconds into the podcast


    And these are YouTube videos from The Paddle Channel of an OC and surfski doing the downwind.


    For the finish the option of either finishing on Carolina beach or in the inlet further along, both have their pros and cons which are discussed in detail during the podcast. However the inlet is not recommended for novice paddlers or first time doing this downwind as local knowledge is required due to narrow channel and shifting sands in this inlet.

    The finish is just after the Carolina Beach Pier, make sure you give it a wide berth  as it is no longer used and is coming apart, hen come straight in as it will mean a short walk to the public car parking.
    Carolina Beach Pier (no longer is use)



    After paddle best meal is Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn,  recommended by Rod & Barry of The Paddle Channel


    Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn



    The biggest challenges are in launching and landing. Finishing  in the inlet further along from Carolina Beach is not recommended for novice paddlers or first time doing this downwind as local knowledge is required due to narrow channel and shifting sands in this inlet.
    Carolina Beach Inlet


    Have fun and please stay safe!
    Some Basic Safety Guidelines

    - It is very difficult to spot someone in the water especially in strong wind conditions, so please make sure you can be seen - use bright colour clothing. Wear a brightly coloured PFD Wear a brightly coloured rash vest ( luminous green or orange is best)

    - Use a buddy system - doing a downwind with someone else is always safer than on your own.

    - Have a VHF Radio, mobile/cell phone in a waterproof bag ( test that you can use this in all conditions)

    - Know who to call for help and be sure that your family know who to call. Be sure that someone knows where you are and when you should return. And that they will call for help if this time is exceeded.

    - Other useful tips - Use a leash from the craft to your body. Have a signal flare (hand held are best) or pencil flares. Carry a reflector / mirror. Have a whistle that works when wet. Have your name and landline number on your craft. Leave a card with your name and phone number (mobile/cell and landline) on your vehicle dashboard.


    This run takes advantage of the the prevailing south/southwest winds that run throughout the summer. There aren’t any points, bays, shoals, or other factors to greatly influence the wave conditions along the route, so conditions remain pretty consistent.


    1 review

    5
    markjking99

    I’m pretty green to downwinding (only a few years in). Took my Stellar S14S G2 out and ran the route at sunrise. Definitely fun riding the bumps from Kure Beach north to Masonboro (turned around at the inlet marker buoy) but the paddle back was grueling when the wind kicked up. Went about 15 miles. Really just wanted to give Rod & Barry a plug on this site. Very fun run, with lots to look at on shore.
    Reviewed over 2 years ago
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