Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A surf lesson in Tenerife is a session led by an instructor in which you learn the basics: water safety, how to paddle, how to stand up and how to choose a wave. It is done on a soft board and in a wetsuit, both provided by the school, on beaches with a seabed and waves suitable for learning.
Most schools are in Playa de las Américas (Arona), and there is also a range of options in El Médano. This page helps you choose a format and know what a lesson should include.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Surf lesson with instructor, board and wetsuit included |
| Main areas | Playa de las Américas (Arona) and El Médano (Granadilla) |
| Duration | Usually about 2 hours, with theory on the sand and practice in the water |
| Group | At several schools, a maximum of 6 students per instructor |
| Formats | Single lesson, multi-day course, semi-private or private |
| Age | From about 8 years old at the schools reviewed |
| Requirement | Being able to swim and feeling comfortable in the water |
| Price | Depends on the format, duration and group size |
Where it takes place
| Area | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Playa de las Américas | The largest concentration of schools; several breaks close to each other, with areas for beginners and others that are more technical |
| El Médano | Wind sports atmosphere; waves as well as kitesurfing and windsurfing |
| Other beaches in the south and north | Some schools move depending on the day’s swell |
A reliable school changes beach if conditions are not good for learning.
Formats
| Format | What it includes | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Single lesson | One session of about 2 hours | You want to try it |
| Multi-day course | Progression with the same instructor | You really want to learn |
| Semi-private | Two or three students | You are a couple or a family |
| Private | An instructor just for you | You want to progress quickly |
| Equipment hire | Board and wetsuit | You already surf |
What happens in a lesson
- Introduction and equipment: wetsuit, surf booties and a board suited to your level.
- Theory on the sand: safety, currents, how to lie down and stand up.
- Warm-up.
- In the water: paddling, first whitewater waves and standing up with the instructor’s help.
- Corrections and, at some schools, photos of the session.
Who it suits
- Beginners from the minimum age set by the school.
- Families, in semi-private lessons.
- Experienced surfers who want to get to know the island’s breaks.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone who cannot swim.
- Shoulder or back problems: paddling is more tiring than it looks.
- Anyone expecting big waves on the first day: you learn in whitewater and small waves.
How to choose well
- How many students per instructor?
- Are the instructors qualified and does the school have insurance?
- What equipment is included? Board, wetsuit, surf booties.
- How long does the lesson last and how long are you in the water?
- Do they change beach if the sea is not right?
- Minimum age?
- Cancellation policy? In one offer we reviewed, free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before, and if the sea is not safe the lesson is rescheduled or refunded.
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Board and wetsuit | Included | Sizes |
| Surf booties | Common | — |
| Qualified instructor | Included | Qualification |
| Insurance | Common | That it is included |
| Photos | Extra at some schools | Price |
| Showers and lockers | At some schools | — |
Safety
- Listen to the safety briefing: currents, how to fall and how to protect your head.
- Do not move away from the area the instructor indicates.
- Water-resistant sun protection or a rash vest.
Season and waves
- Tenerife has waves all year round, but winter usually brings bigger swells and summer smaller waves.
- For learning, small and clean waves are ideal: that is why schools choose the beach according to the day.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Format: group, semi-private or private.
- Duration and number of sessions.
- Equipment included.
What to bring
- Swimwear on, a towel and a change of clothes.
- Water-resistant sun protection.
- Water.
- Sunglasses for afterwards.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Starting lying down, easier | Bodyboard lessons |
| Paddling standing up on calm water | Paddle surf in Tenerife |
| Wind sports | Kitesurfing course in El Médano |
| A new sport on a foil | Wingfoil lessons |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be able to swim to learn to surf?
Yes, it is a basic requirement at the schools.
Where do the lessons take place?
Mainly in Playa de las Américas and El Médano.
How long does a lesson last?
Usually about 2 hours between theory and water.
How many students are there per instructor?
At several schools reviewed, a maximum of 6.
From what age can children take part?
From about 8 years old at the schools reviewed.
What happens if the sea is not right?
The schools change beach or reschedule the lesson.