La Madrague is a surf spot located just north of Sables d'Or. It's a long stretch of sand that has become popular among surfers due to its accessibility. There’s a large car park nearby, making it easy for people to get to the beach. However, be ready for some crowds, especially in the summer when the conditions are decent.
This beach works best with a Northwest swell, with waves coming in from the West and North. It handles swell sizes from about 4ft (1.2m) to 12ft (3.6m), but generally, it's more manageable on smaller days. The surf peeks offer fun lefts and rights, especially at low to three-quarter tide. During good conditions, the waves can be punchy and hollow, though larger swells can lead to closeouts and make things challenging. A light breeze from the East or ESE is preferable for the best surf experience. While it can be a decent spot for an intermediate surfer, paddling out can be tough when the swell picks up, so be prepared for a workout.
In terms of seasonality, La Madrague tends to be more reliable from September to November. The waves can be different day by day, so you’ll want to check conditions regularly. The local vibe is pretty chilled, but keep in mind it can get competitive out there, especially when the surf is good. With various boards like shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, and even bodyboards in play, there's room for everyone in the lineup.