Surfing in Ghana is one of the most exciting and best travel experiences you can get in West Africa. But it can sometimes be annoying, especially when the waves are gone. Honestly, the waves are not strong as compared to South Africa or other European countries. If anyone or any blog tells you, Ghana has a strong wave, believe it a little and don’t set your expectation so high especially if you are coming from South Africa or Europe. But it is also fun to surf with friendly locals who are very good at surfing and others who want to learn more from you. I don’t know what time you will be reading this post. But as I’m writing this article right, I enjoy watching people surf in Ghana and I want to learn surfing. I haven’t had the chance to learn and don’t know when to learn. But if I do, I will share my experience in the comment section. Well, this is not about me though.
Surfing in Ghana is still a young sport, but it’s a sport that is growing fast. Now there are more surfing schools and more locals are attending to learn the game. Now young surfers in Ghana don’t see it as a game anymore but rather a lifestyle. With its long coastline and world-class, surf waves, Ghana may very well be the next big surf destination in West Africa. One of the best things about Ghana is the abundance of surf places that are appropriate for all levels of surfers. This is especially true for novices who don’t like to compete for waves with hundreds of other surfers.
In this article, Mrpocu.com will outline all you need to know about surfing in Ghana. From top surfing places in Ghana to the climate in Ghana and all you need to know.
Climate in Ghana
Ghana has a tropical climate because of its location on the Gulf of Guinea, which is only slightly above the Equator. The highlands have milder temperatures, the coast is more humid, while the north is hotter and dryer. Sea temperatures range from 24 to 25 °C/75 to 77 °F, making the water warm enough to surf all year round in board shorts.
Best Time To Do Surfing In Ghana
Since Ghana is so close to the equator, you may go surfing there at any time of the year. The water’s temperature never falls below 24 to 25 degrees Celsius, even during the winter. This also means that a wetsuit is not required! It is best to visit during the peak season, which is from the months of April to August if you want to catch the best waves. At this time of year, the waves are typically shoulder-high and may grow larger when certain point breaks exist.
How Can You Be Prepare For Surfing In Ghana
If you are serious about surfing in Ghana and want to be ready for that session, find out what you need to know in the run-up to arriving at the beach. The better you prepare, the more fun you will have: you’ll be fit and ready, have the right gear and be at the right place. To get the most out of your surf, take some time to prepare yourself thoroughly. The more preparation you do, the better you will enjoy your surfing experiences here in Ghana.
There’s plenty that you can do in readiness, well in advance of heading to the beach. Surfing is a physically demanding sport, so it’s important that you are in reasonable shape. A reasonable shape means, good physical health, good mental health and all the important health factors. Enjoying surfing here can’t be just a day. It is best to get time for yourself and be in a good shape before you start.
Make sure you have the right equipment. There are lots of different types of surfboards, wetsuits, and surf gear, plenty of which will not be suitable for you and the wave. If you want to save yourself from needless frustration, let locals around or surf schools at the beach help you with the preparation. You can be an expert and still not know your way around surfing at a new destination. In addition to a surfboard, you will need a number of other surf gear to make the best use of your time in the water.
Where To Surf In Ghana
Choosing the right place to surf is one of the most important decisions for you to make in Ghana. You will likely find yourself tempted to surf the most crowded spots — after all, if everyone is out there, it must be good! But good for everyone else is not necessarily good for you. There are surf destinations in Ghana with a lot of crowds and others with fewer crowds. These waves aren’t great for advanced surfing. These waves are best for surfing, You need to check and see all this before you plan your surf trip.
Budget For Surfing In Ghana
What To Eat
A simple meal of Jollof rice will cost around $2 USD. Midrange meals in restaurants range from $8-10 USD with beers. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $10 to $17-22 USD. I don’t think it is best to surf all day on an empty stomach and I don’t think you need to eat much when surfing.
Surf Gear Rentals
There are a couple of surf rental shops, boards cost $17 for a day to $70 USB for a week. You will often see them at the most popular surfing beaches. If you are not so sure, I will add a few rental companies’ details so you can call and rent any gear you like.
Transport System
For International Tourists.
It depends on your type of travel. But one can get a car or bus to any surfing destination even for once. Tro tros (minibuses) are reasonably priced and have set routes and fixed rates. Be prepared to wait because they almost never operate at capacity. Tro-tros are not as comfortable or dependable as buses, which are better for longer trips. Ghana’s taxis offer a quick and secure means of transportation. In order to get a good deal before getting in, drivers will not hesitate to quote higher prices for lengthy trips. Another option is to hire a driver and 4WD car For $100 /+. Due to economic crises, I can’t give the right amount. Prices may change anytime.
Best Surfing Destinations in Ghana
Busua
The most well-known beach in Ghana is this one. Locals can be found in the fishing community that surrounds the crystal-clear blue waters. The shallow, nearly transparent waters make it easy for beginners to learn how to surf on the many gentle waves that move both left and right. This location is excellent for you if you are a beginner and are afraid of strong waves.
If you are an experienced surfer looking for a little more challenge, you can check out the waters where the tide is known as Black Mamba. If you go kayaking, it is approximately 20 minutes from the beach. On the beach are a lot of fantastic restaurants, hotels, and even surfing schools. You can have the chance to go surfing at Busua Beach.
Kokrobite
If you want to go surfing in Ghana Accra, this is a highly popular beach. There are numerous courses available from surrounding surf shops and local teachers who are happy to assist you. People travel from all over the world to this beach to participate in the International Surf Day Contest. Around sunrise, when the waves are calm and clear, is when you should go surfing.
Mr Bright is a skilled surfer who has established his own business on the beach. He offers lessons all day, and it would be a good idea to go see him since he can advise you on when to leave according to your skill level and what to do when you are one with the waves.
Muuston
Kokrobite surfers have been riding these waves for a few years, and several surf breaks, such as the well-known “Joshua’s Point,” are named after notable wave riders. The currents and surf breaks are closer to Big Milly’s Backyard and, assuming the weather holds, are better suited for more experienced surfers. It is a sort of graduation for new surfers to be taken to Muuston; it signifies that you are strong enough to paddle out farther. Some lessons are held here.
Tills
There is a more sedate surfers’ paradise on the route to Kasoa after Kokrobite. You must hire a board from Kokrobite if you don’t already have one because there isn’t a surf school or community nearby. Since Tills Beach Resort is the sole accommodation nearby, there are rooms of all sizes and price ranges available if you want to stay overnight. On the other side, a lot of surfers congregate and pay a nominal charge to set up camp on the beach, adding to the atmosphere of a surf trip. Within an hour and a half of Accra, you can find this cleaner, less crowded beach with bigger, more consistent waves.
Cape Three Points
It takes six hours to get here from Accra, but it is definitely worth the effort. Serious surfers, families, and surf schools all travel to the spot where a tranquil, lonely beach sits in front of the best break in the nation, just up the beach from Escape 3 Points Ecolodge (itself a slice of paradise where many surfers stay and boards are occasionally available for rent). Although it takes quite a bit of paddling out, the long ride more than makes up for it. If you don’t go, you haven’t really surfed Ghana, and the journey is definitely worthwhile.
Dixcove Point
A little fishing community not far from Busua is this one. To get to the settlement, you can either take a day trip from Busua or a tro tro (a shared van). Everyone can surf here, and it’s quite simple to find. The point break points in the right direction, and the waves come in fairly frequently. The waves typically reach a height of 150 meters, but during the rainy season, they can reach a height of 300 meters. To reach the break, you will need to paddle for around 5 minutes, but be cautious of the rocky bottom when you arrive!
Achenim
To get here, you’ll need to drive for two to three hours. As soon as you arrive, you must travel through a forest. The second cove you cross will feature a beach break. Here, the waves are steady but gentle, making them perfect for novices. You will need to carry your board with you because there are no stores in the area. For beginners though, the calm environment and the clear break come close to being a surfer’s paradise. The fact that the waves here are less dangerous than those at the Black Mamba makes them perfect for beginners. You don’t need to travel very far to get to the break either.
List Of Surfing School In Ghana
- Kofi Surf school, Phone: 054 452 5229
- Mr Brights surf school, camp and tours, Phone: 026 431 6053
- Surf Camp Ghana, Phone: 020 912 0888
- Surfin Busua Surf Camp & School, Address: Ahanta West Busua
- Ahanta Waves Surf School & Camp
- Mr Brights Surf School (Kokrobite)
Surfing Safety in Ghana
It’s important to be aware of any dangers before going surfing because the ocean can be a very dangerous place. Make sure to use sunscreen in accordance with the UV rating for the day by checking your weather forecast. Additionally, see if any jellyfish or other creatures that can sting or bite are predicted.
Call any of these surfing schools if the waves are good to go for surfing. Finally, observe the conditions to see where the waves are breaking and in which direction the current is flowing, then decide accordingly where the safest place is to paddle out. While in the water, keep an eye on your fellow surfers, and make sure that there is always someone within sight or at least within hearing distance, in case you find yourself in trouble. Finally, if possible, always surf with a buddy.