Places to Paddle Board & kayak
Ocean Isle Beach has two public accesses with parking available where you can enter the Inter Coastal Waterway (ICW) to kayak or paddle board. We recommend the state boat ramp under the bridge to access both the canals and Jink's Creek as well as paddle the waterway. If you are staying on the east end of the island and wish to enter the waterway near Shallotte Inlet then the Old Ferry Landing at the end of Shallotte Blvd. is a better entry point.
For beginners looking for calm easy paddling conditions we recommend starting under the bridge and heading eastward to the natural & concrete canals. From the boat ramp you have a very short (50 yards) paddle to the 1st canal and additional canals can be reached approximately every 100 yards. The canals have the least amount of current and the houses serve as wind blocks unless the wind is directly form the North or direct South which is unusual. We recommend avoiding busy boat ramp times: i.e., Friday evenings and Saturdays.
If you have some experience and want to see more wildlife, in the water and on the banks, then we suggest heading west approximately 75 yards from the boat ramp and touring Jinks Creek... unlike the canals the creek does have a stronger current that can challenge less experienced paddlers and the creek doesn't have lines of houses down both sides to block the wind. Please use caution in the creek on lower tides as well as falling tides. Many areas dry up on the lower tides and you can find yourself stranded in mud or oysters that are not navigable on foot. Please do your exploring during the rising tide only. In the canals we have a minimum of 3' of water at the lowest tide so getting stranded here is not a concern.
If you decide to stay in the waterway you will experience currents similar to the Jinks Creek. Due to the openness of the waterway and the wind, it can become an issue on gusty days. In the waterway please stay out of the channel when possible to allow boats to navigate around you without issue. Like the creek it is a good idea to know what the tides are doing so you can predict the current direction and strength. If possible, plan your waterway or creek adventure when the you can make the tide (currents) work for you, not against you. If you are having trouble figuring all of this out, please swing by the shop and we will be happy to help. You can also check the tides here.
If you wish to paddle in the ocean and are not staying ocean front... We have many public accesses along the beach and a quick trip down 1st street and you will find the one closest to your house. Please use caution when entering and exiting through the waves. Our equipment is fine to use in the ocean but many models we rent are not designed to be used in any sizable surf. For more information on riding waves on a paddle board or kayaks please stop by and talk to us about the particular models and what degree of expertise is needed for each in various ocean conditions. Please make a point to know the present & predicted future conditions (sea and wind) before heading out.
And as always, if you have questions concerning any of the issues mentioned above... please swing by the shop and ask for help.
For bike, kayak, paddle board, or surfboard rentals please visit our RENTALS page.
For beginners looking for calm easy paddling conditions we recommend starting under the bridge and heading eastward to the natural & concrete canals. From the boat ramp you have a very short (50 yards) paddle to the 1st canal and additional canals can be reached approximately every 100 yards. The canals have the least amount of current and the houses serve as wind blocks unless the wind is directly form the North or direct South which is unusual. We recommend avoiding busy boat ramp times: i.e., Friday evenings and Saturdays.
If you have some experience and want to see more wildlife, in the water and on the banks, then we suggest heading west approximately 75 yards from the boat ramp and touring Jinks Creek... unlike the canals the creek does have a stronger current that can challenge less experienced paddlers and the creek doesn't have lines of houses down both sides to block the wind. Please use caution in the creek on lower tides as well as falling tides. Many areas dry up on the lower tides and you can find yourself stranded in mud or oysters that are not navigable on foot. Please do your exploring during the rising tide only. In the canals we have a minimum of 3' of water at the lowest tide so getting stranded here is not a concern.
If you decide to stay in the waterway you will experience currents similar to the Jinks Creek. Due to the openness of the waterway and the wind, it can become an issue on gusty days. In the waterway please stay out of the channel when possible to allow boats to navigate around you without issue. Like the creek it is a good idea to know what the tides are doing so you can predict the current direction and strength. If possible, plan your waterway or creek adventure when the you can make the tide (currents) work for you, not against you. If you are having trouble figuring all of this out, please swing by the shop and we will be happy to help. You can also check the tides here.
If you wish to paddle in the ocean and are not staying ocean front... We have many public accesses along the beach and a quick trip down 1st street and you will find the one closest to your house. Please use caution when entering and exiting through the waves. Our equipment is fine to use in the ocean but many models we rent are not designed to be used in any sizable surf. For more information on riding waves on a paddle board or kayaks please stop by and talk to us about the particular models and what degree of expertise is needed for each in various ocean conditions. Please make a point to know the present & predicted future conditions (sea and wind) before heading out.
And as always, if you have questions concerning any of the issues mentioned above... please swing by the shop and ask for help.
For bike, kayak, paddle board, or surfboard rentals please visit our RENTALS page.
Make sure to check the tides!
