Overview
Cap Rouge is a wedging right-hand reef that peels into long, curving walls with oily shoulders. It sits just outside the sprawling rivermouth boulders and weekend markets of St Louis du Nord, on a stretch of coast carpeted in mahogany, pine and mango trees. Getting into position means a paddle of around 200 metres offshore.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from northeast (NE) through east, with northeast (NE) the best match. It fires on both short-fetch northeast trade-wind swell and longer-period northeast groundswell, and it stays moderately consistent. Once you're out, the outer section gives an easy ride before the wave hits a lively, shallow end section over a flat, dead-coral reef. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for south (S) offshore wind. The reef works across low, mid and high tide, so the window is wide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate-friendly wave, and the lineup stays quiet. The local farmers and fishermen are extremely welcoming, and the surrounds run to cattle grazing beside banana fields and strips of millet down by the beach.
Access
Park on the wide coast road between St Louis du Nord and Anse à Foleur. For a base nearby, Hotel Toi et Moi in St Louis du Nord is the local option.
