Nowhere else on the southeast coast will you encounter an uninterrupted barrier island chain in such pristine condition on the magnitude of Cape Lookout National Seashore.

The islands of the seashore lie between two and three miles from the mainland. At this distance even the most novice paddlers can cross the open waters of Core Sound and Back Sound under good conditions. While everyone can enjoy exploring the marshes and shallow waters of the sounds, the more ambitious kayaker can continue out the inlets into the surf.

In recent years, kayak fishing has become a popular activity in the shallow waters of the seashore. With the ability to reach beyond casting range, into the marshes inaccessible by powerboats, the kayak has become a powerful tool in the angler's bag of tricks.

Planning your paddle:

Tides-

1. Proper consideration of tides at the seashore will make or break a trip. Learning how to read and use a tide can make the difference between paddling with or against a 3 knot current. The best bet for most people is to leave the mainland at high tide and work with the current towards the banks, returning as the low tide rises.

   Most paddlers will want to avoid the rage tide, the time when the current flows the hardest, as ½ of the total water volume passes through inlets during the 3 and fourth hours of tide flow. During this time, flatwater will turn to whitecap waves and intermediate terrain can become expert.

   Pick-up a tide chart from local marine stores, or search for one on the internet, just remember the tides shown for Cape Lookout indicate levels on the ocean side, not the lighthouse area (sound side).

Weather

1. Weather moves quickly and often unexpectedly on the coast. Kayakers should monitor weather reports and carry a marine radio.

   Check the latest local weather reports including boating conditions and wind advisories. 

 Safety

1. 1. Wear a PFD. There are two kinds of kayakers; those who have flipped and those who will!
   2. Kayak with a group or guide. There is safety in numbers and experience.
   3. Be familiar with rescue techniques and equipment such as paddle floats, bilge pumps, tow lines, rescue stirrups, etc.
   4. Carry a spare paddle.
   5. Carry a flashlight or headlamp and keep it accessible from the cockpit. You may need to signal powerboats to alert them of your presence.
   6. Carry extra food and water; you can always take home excess.

Routes

1. Paddle maps are available free from local kayak outfitters and may be ordered online through the Crystal Coast Canoe and Kayak Club.

Camping
Extend your stay and reach the far stretches of the seashore on a multi-day camping trip. Beach camping