Chiasson Office (Lagoon Side)

Situated in the north of the island, Miscou Lighthouse is a scenic, isolated spot with no infrastructure and little company but the seals. On its day it offers challenging soul sessions in pure wilderness, just watch out for strong currents. On the road back to town is a venue you can camp at, Camping Gionnet charges a $3 entry fee per vehicle and has a grocery store nearby. The stronger the wind, the bigger the waves – breaking progressively further offshore and producing loads of rip. Over Miscou Bridge onto Lamèque Island, Campbell Point is a popular spot for teaching beginners in easterlies. It offers amazing kiting conditions on a large sandbar when the tide’s out and it’s just a short drive to a shop and restaurant. Strong rip currents make Pigeon Hill Harbour an expert-only venue, but it’s a good place to embark on the 10km downwinder to Ste-Marie-St-Raphael. The locals call this place 'Jaws’ because the outer reef can top mast-high and only maniacs brave the difficult launch and strong rip in front of the pier. The beach-break at Chiasson Office (Ocean Side) is somewhat less challenging as it’s protected by a sandbank. The water’s clear but the wind’s gusty and only members of the local club can access this or the neighbouring spot, Chiasson Office (Lagoon Side), which is very shallow with heaps of weed at low tide. South of Shippagan at the end of a rough track to the tip of a sandbar is Petit- Pokemouche playground where you can frolic in the waves and slide through flat-water channels into the lagoons beyond. It’s harsh terrain though, and there’s no-one to help if your car breaks down. Heading back onto Isle Lamèque, Petite Lamèque La Bloc sees a huge horseshoe sandbar exposed at low tide. It’s just like a private pool with perfectly flat water and usually much stronger winds than elsewhere as the coastline promotes a local venturi effect. There’s a café/pub on site and a kite/windsurf store too – and what’s more, you can even camp or lodge here. For a $4 fee, all levels of kiters enjoy good conditions at Camping Jeannot where a huge sandbar is exposed at low tide. It also boasts warmer waters in summer – and some facilities too! Finally, one of the nicest beaches in the area is Point Canot, Grande Batture on Pointe Canot. At low tide, a huge sandbar is exposed with smooth green ocean on one side and clean breaking waves on the other – always a favourite in north-west winds with windswell.