REAL Slick

Real Slick is a shallow lagoon system located on North Carolina's Outer Banks, oriented with the shoreline facing east toward Pamlico Sound. The spot features a protected brackish water environment separated from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands and sandy beaches. Numerous shallow banks, marshes, and partially submerged features create a complex water geography typical of Atlantic coast lagoons. The lagoon offers calm, protected conditions with minimal wave development due to limited fetch and surrounding land masses. Wind reliability of 42.4% and average speeds of 11.6 knots indicate this is a light-wind destination suited primarily to beginners developing foundational skills. Side-shore winds from the north (0°) are ideal. The shallow water (averaging under 1 meter) reduces drowning risk but increases entanglement hazards with vegetation and shallow obstacles. Water temperatures around 17.6°C require seasonal thermal protection. Best suited for early-stage kiters seeking protected conditions to practice technique without ocean swell exposure.