Surf Forecast  Ginsu

Ginsu surfspot characteristics

More about Ginsu surfspot

Ginsu is the main spot on the north coast. Haiti’s original surfers, brothers Russell and Vadim Berhmann, named it after a famous brand of American cutlery. “If the lip doesn’t catch you, the razor reef will,” says Russell. Although more of a regular to the south coast waves, Russell states that “few spots in the country have the energy and consistency of Ginsu.” This is fast and very ripable right. At low tide, once past the dry reef section, the takeoff can throw out some nice short and intense tubes. Then the wave starts to curve and bowl. Watch out for the so-called “chopping board rock” on the inside. Look out for morning and evening glassy conditions. The reef is so shallow and urchin-covered that it is best to paddle out from the next cove west from the break at low tide. At high tide it’s possible to paddle out in front of Ginsu. There are other potential lefts and rights nearby, depending on swell direction, size and period. The light goes early due to the looming and spectacular Bonnet mountains. At size Ginsu can be spectacular. But the spot will also break almost daily in the NE trade winds between November and March.

Park on the dirt roadside next to the break, or walk from Cormier Plage.

The main attraction for tourists is Labadee Beach, operated by Royal Caribbean Cruiser Lines, who anchor huge ships in the deepwater bay, while most of the 2,000 passengers have no clue that they’re in Haiti. There is a small fishing village called Habitation Labadie, a mix of traditional Haitian dwellings and prosperous hill perched villas. Best to stay at Cormier Plage, a short walk to Ginsu. Cormier Plage is a small fishing village with a good beach hotel. There are a few bars, and typically men playing dominoes, the loser covered in clothes pegs as ritual humiliation. Cap Haitien and the Citadel are good nearby day trips for cultural experience.