Tom Wakeman
The Ghana Experience: Akwaaba!
Ghana is undoubtedly a great place to learn how to surf. Yet Ghana offers much more as it is also well regarded as a great first time African destination. The people are immensely friendly, the roads and infrastructure are well developed, transportation is reliable, and the country is peaceful and safe, leading many a seasoned traveler to jokingly refer to Ghana as “Africa Light”. We see this label as a testament to the people of Ghana’s hard work towards improving their lives and in creating a climate of peace and stability throughout the country. As you will notice in your conversations with locals during your stay in Ghana, this makes for a proud and peaceful people with a rich knowledge of their dynamic African history and culture.
Ghana is also blessed with natural beauty and offers a whole range of outdoor experiences. Many places can be reached within a day and include Mole National Park, which is perhaps one of the best national parks in West Africa and boasts safari tours where elephants, lions, baboons, warthogs, monkeys, antelope, and other exotic African animals are commonly sighted. The country is blessed with a network of over 15 national parks and reserves that offer a wide-range of outdoor adventures. Ghana also has an abundance of other tourist destinations that highlight the unique cultures found throughout the country. These destinations include a canoe trip to visit stilt villages, a walk through a monkey sanctuary where people and monkeys co-exist peacefully, a scenic boat ride up Lake Volta, as well outings to one of the vibrant artisan villages or markets to buy beautiful artwork, carvings or clothes. Another spectacular attraction is the series of slave forts that are found along Ghana’s “Gold Coast” (one of which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site). Guided tours are available at almost all of the more than twenty forts.
Black Star Surf Camps wants your trip to Ghana to be an unforgettable experience. Therefore we recommend that before or after you participate in one of our fun and unique surf camps, try to plan some extra time to take advantage of the other extraordinary things that Ghana and its people have to offer- you won’t be sorry that you did!
Now for the surfing! Learning to surf is a physically demanding yet exhilarating experience and the perfect way to challenge yourself while having a great time. Below you will find a description of our surf camps and the options that are available to you. We are always available to answer any questions you may have regarding our surf camp packages at peter@blackstarsurfshop.com. So take a look and we hope to see you soon!
The waves
The Southern Hemisphere ocean swells that hit the Western coastline of Ghana travel great distances to reach our beaches producing some of the cleanest, most orderly and thus rider-friendly waves on earth. The combination of perfect waves, warm water and no crowds, as well as the endless activities to see and do in and around the picturesque fishing village of Busua, creates the ideal place for learning how to surf.Surf camp group size
We limit our surf camps to a maximum of nine people. The small maximum number will ensure that each participant receives individualized attention from our surf instructors and that transport is readily available for our camp activities and excursions.
Stephanie Copetto, USA, December 2007
The surf instruction
Surfing is relatively new to Ghana, yet our experienced group of local and international surfers has provided surf lessons in Busua for over a year now with great results. As a show of confidence in our ability to teach the brave and curious how to surf, we offer a money back guarantee for standing up and surfing after only one lesson. As of yet, we have not had to give anyone their money back!
We can’t offer this same guarantee for our week-long surf camp packages- as it may encourage some misguided academy award performances, but our high instructor-to-student ratio of 1-to-3 allows for extensive individualized attention and the best results. We are confident that after a week at our surf camp you will not only stand up and ride the waves straight into shore, but that we will have you riding and carving down the face of the waves yelling, “Awesome wave dude!”
Camp activities
As part of our Black Star Surf Camp experience we offer a variety of activities that will introduce you to the local culture, history and natural beauty that surrounds us. All of these activities are within a short walk or drive from Busua. Some of these activities are included as our camp activities, such as a tour of Fort Batenstein. Other activities can be arranged from our surf shop including a tour of nearby Fort Metal Cross, a visit to see local fisherman bringing in their catches and bartering prices at Dixcove fishing village, a river canoe trip, a visit to Cape Three Points Forrest Reserve (the only coastal rain forest reserve in Ghana), or a kayak trip to Abokwa Island. Black Star Surf Camp participants also receive a 20% discount on drum lesson offered by local musicians on the Djembe or any of a wide variety of drums native to Ghana.
African Drumming Lessons
Black Star Surf is teaming up with long time African drumming instructor, Francis Abby, to bring African drum lessons to Busua. You can’t always be surfing the awesome waves of Busua, so this is an opportunity to take some time to experience traditional African culture and learn to drum!
Drum classes are two hours per day and it will be expected that you will spend some time each day practicing on your own.
Also, a very good hand selected Djembe or Kpanlogo drum is included with the price - and we're giving you a €10 discount from the normal price!
Below is some useful information to help you visualize what your week at Black Star Surf Camp will look like:
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Busua |
| Day 2 | 1st Surf Lesson, surf beach break |
| Day 3 | 2nd Surf Lesson, surf beach break |
| Day 4 | 3rd Surf Lesson, surf beach break |
| Day 5 | 4th Surf Lesson, surf beach break |
| Day 6 | Travel to Akwidaa, surf secret spot |
| Day 7 | 5th Surf Lesson, surf beach break or Dixcove |
| Day 8 | 6th Surf Lesson |
Accommodations
Black Star Surf Camp has partnered with local hotels, inns and hostels to offers a variety of surf camp options to meet your surfing, accommodation, and cuisine needs. All of our surfing accommodations are within a one minutes walk to the surf school and shop, with four of the five being a close neighbor.
Here are some pictures of the different accommodation options for our surf camp. You can also visit the website of African Rainbow (www.africanrainbowresort.com) for a much more detailed description of their rooms and cuisine. The Dadson Lodge will soon also have a website. Unfortunately, there is no website for the bungalows at Kobi’s. The rooms are basic and on the beach — perfect for the backpacker or adventure traveler on a budget!
Prices
Black Star Surf Camp package options are represented below by the colors of the Ghanaian flag (Red, Green, and Gold). Each of these packages are guaranteed to keep you well rested and well fed so that you can get the most out of your surf camp experience. The three packages that are presented below include breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the Red & Green Packages, all meals are at the The Okorye Tree restaurant. The Gold Package breakfasts and dinners are at the African Rainbow Resort. Gold Package lunches are served at The Okorye Tree restaurant.
Our surf camp packages reflect prices for rooms with double occupancy. Upgrades and single rooms are available.
Surf Camps are available year-round
| All Packages Receive: 7 Nights Stay in Busua, 7 days of meals, 6 Surf Lessons & 7 Days Board Rental |
TRANSPORTATION TO BUSUA IS NOT INCLUDED (arraignments can be made for pick-up)
** Click here for terms and conditions of Black Star Surf Camps
*** You are entitled to a full return on your deposit if you cancel your surf camp or tour 120 days or more prior to trip departure. For more information see “Summary of deposit and full payment cancellation policies”
Black Star can accommodate any custom camp requests, including extended stays. Because we are of the community, we usually can offer discounts on lodging, meals, lessons, etc. Please contact Peter if interested.
Other important information
Transportation To/From Airport to Black Star
It is a four to five hour drive from Accra Airport to Black Star Surf located in Busua. We do have a shuttle van that is available for groups up to 8 people for a flat fee of €100 Euro per trip (€75 if traveling alone). If you prefer a different means of travel, we are happy to assist you with other travel options available in Ghana.
Visa
With few exceptions, you will need a Visa to enter Ghana. To get your Visa contact the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate. Give yourself at least 6 weeks to complete the process for receiving your Visa. Please contact us if your Visa requires contact information for your stay in Busua.
Flights
Black Star Surf Camps does not make flight bookings for travel to Ghana. However, we do have some experience in finding the cheapest and most suitable flights and will give you recommendations to help you with your search.
Travel Insurance
It is highly recommended that you purchased a comprehensive medical travel insurance, one that will fly you home in an emergency. There are medical facilities throughout Ghana and very near our surf camp- there is a District Hospital in the next village over- that can provide adequate care for most illnesses and minor injuries. However, in case of a more serious injury or sickness requiring specialized attention, the care and access to technology in Ghana, in our opinion, is not adequate.
Vaccinations
Malaria is widespread in Ghana so it is necessary to take a prophylactic malaria medicine. The most common pill forms are for Mefloquine (Lariam), Malarone, and Doxycycline. A yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers. It is also recommended that that your vaccination be up to date for tetanus, polio, diphtheria, hepatitis A and typhoid.