Excursions at Cedar Point Recreation Area

Flat Water Paddling the Sound

Hot Wax Surf Shop is privileged to be permitted by the US Forest Service to launch half day excursions (single kayaks, double kayaks, and paddle boards) at the Cedar Point Recreation Area, only five miles from the shop.  We offer sit on top or sit inside single kayaks, sit on top double kayaks, hybrid kayak paddle boards, fishing kayaks, and Starboard stand up paddle boards, and you can mix and match!

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This park is a part of the Croatan National Forest and includes three bays near the mouth of the White Oak River.  The salt marsh grasses and oyster reefs create a nursery area for the ecosystem.  The maritime forest and surrounding islands shield the bay from the winds and currents.   Wildlife abounds, including several pairs of nesting osprey, bald eagles, dolphins, deer, herons, kingfisher, egrets, songbirds, crabs, skates, and innumerable fish.

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The park features a gently sloping concrete boat launch area, with an adjacent soft area for kayaks and paddle boards to enter the water. There is a short fishing dock, bathrooms, parking, picnic tables, a campground, and two miles of walking trails with boardwalks over the bay.

For a half day paddle, we suggest a two mile route traveling through all three bays, while staying protected from the wind and tides.  Paddle out along the right side of the first bay to the island, noting the gazebo as a landmark, continue around the furthest bay, stopping at the benches for a lunch break, you are half way through your paddle, or follow the stream back into the marsh grass if you want to paddle further.  Continue along the perimeter into the small middle bay, stay aware to avoid oyster reefs.  Paddle back into the first bay, using the gazebo as a landmark to guide you back.  Don’t forget to check out the osprey nest down the stream next to the boat launch.