Ghana surf season and weather conditions
Ghana, which means “warrior king” in the Soninke, is now recognized as a super fun surf and stay location. Specialized camps, tours, hostels and entertainment districts are popping up nationally to cater to the growing international surf market.
Ghana is blessed with even temperatures throughout the year. Dead winter averages 75 degrees Fahrenheit while summer peaks at around 85 degrees. The water mirrors air temps (within a few degrees) and with the excessive humidity, it’s sometimes difficult to tell if you’re in the ocean or on land.
The best surf forecasts come in April to October during the cyclone season as surf is generated by both far off Antarctic storms and local tropical disturbances. Conditions this time of year follow the classic “hot and glassy” scenario and frequently are perfect for beginners. November to May it’s a bit dryer thanks to the Harmattan winds, but surf is not as consistent. A good surf report this time of year, while not totally rare, calls for three-foot peaks and light wind. Ghana is now open for Canadian travelers. By the way PointsBet is coming to Canada, but take a break from sports betting bonanza and go travel.
Ghana surfing spots and beaches
The main surf spots in Ghana include Busua Beach, a left and right reef/sand combo, Kokrobite an exposed very consistent beach break and Cape Three Points, a right point that picks up heaps of swell and really turns on when the winds blow offshore. All spots love a south/southwest swell and spring seems to be the favoured time of year.
Ghana surf schools and lessons for beginners
Kofi Surf School boasts expert instructors to help in the beginning stages of learning as well as with your personal progression in surfing. The school books lessons through a web form. Contact them for schedule and pricing.
Ahanta Waves offers surf camps, bed and breakfast stays and guided surf tours from their base camp at Busua Beach. Private lessons start at CA$20 for 90 minutes and group lessons of 2-8 students start at CA$15. The school also rents equipment and advises beginners to explore the November to March months as the surf is smaller and more gentle.
Mr Brights surf school has beginner lessons, weekend packages, coaching and advanced surfer lessons. The company is very flexible in terms of offering exactly what each student needs as opposed to a cookie-cutter approach to teaching surfing. Private lessons are available through online reservations.
Good surf camps and hotels in Ghana
The Ahanta Eco Lodge has laundry services, surf camps, surf lessons and yoga. Their rooms are classic Ghana-meets-modern design with open showers and furniture made of reed-wound frames and heavy African hardwood. Shared rooms start at CA$20 and a double room with indoor shower and bathroom starts at CA$40 per night. Best thing here is the lodge’s restaurant which is worth a trip on its own. They prepare fresh, local food and cater to do individual’s dietary needs. So if you’re vegan, it’s no worries.
The lodge at Escape Three Points is built on the beach at the famous break of the same name. Nestled between two rivers and surrounded by jungle, it’s as close as you can get without camping out. They’ve been open for 10 years with huts constructed of earth, thatch, wood and bamboo along with recycled materials wherever possible. Each unit is designed to maximise the natural cooling breeze as they don’t run air conditioning. Rooms are group dorm style or varying sizes of “chalet” from single to family. Meals are local and prepared fresh. The family chalet will set you back CA$70 per night while a stay in the dorm is CA$20.
Big Milly’s Backyard is a central meeting point for surf travellers through Ghana. Their garden camp has comfortable clay huts with thatched roofs scattered through the grounds. Each comes with a fan (some have air-conditioning) and each accommodates a different number of guests. Try the big guest house which sleeps eight (CA$75) or the double which will set you and a friend back CA$30 per night. They also welcome tent campers and backpackers.
Ghana is a great vacation place for water sports activities.
Ghanas surfing guide and tips prepared by Bryan Dickerson (wavepoolmag.com) for Dailystoke.com’s travel destination guides.
Photo by Kobe Subramaniam
