Onslow Bay is a large coastal bay in North Carolina, running over eighty miles from Cape Lookout to Cape Fear. Its geography is defined by ten different inlets that feed into the bay, providing numerous potential access points and routes for paddlers. One specific location for paddler access is near Jacksonville, North Carolina, where the New River empties into Onslow Bay. At this location, a kayak rental kiosk operates, offering a self-service option for obtaining a kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device. The rental process is managed via a smartphone app, with pricing at ten dollars for the first hour and five dollars for each subsequent hour. The bay's extensive shoreline and multiple inlets, such as Masonboro Inlet at the south end of Wrightsville Beach, suggest a variety of launch sites, though paddlers should research specific public access points. The bay's open coastal nature means paddlers must be prepared for conditions typical of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, including exposure to wind, waves, and significant boat traffic, particularly around the inlets and near-shore artificial reefs. The area supports a diverse marine ecosystem, and paddlers may observe surface activity from species like bonito, Spanish mackerel, and cobia, especially from spring through fall. Given the bay's size and connection to the open ocean, tidal currents are a primary consideration, and paddlers must be skilled in navigating inlets, crossing channels, and understanding the local tide stages to plan safe routes. There are no indicated restrictions specific to paddling, but standard safety practices, including wearing a provided PFD, checking equipment, and avoiding other boats, are emphasized at the rental location.