Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
Bodyboarding means riding waves lying on a short, flexible board, propelling yourself with fins. In a lesson with an instructor you learn how to position yourself, how to kick with the fins and how to choose the moment to catch the wave.
It is a more accessible way to start than surfing, because you do not have to stand up. This page helps you decide whether it suits you better than a surf lesson.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Catching waves lying on a short board with fins |
| Areas | Southern beaches with whitewater waves, such as Playa de las Américas |
| Duration | About 2 hours, depending on the school |
| Equipment | Board, fins, wetsuit and sometimes a wrist leash |
| Age | From younger ages than surfing, depending on the school |
| Requirement | Being able to swim and feeling comfortable in the water |
| Price | Depends on the format and duration |
Bodyboard or surf: which to choose
| Aspect | Bodyboard | Surf |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Lying down | Standing up |
| Initial learning | Faster | Slower |
| Equipment | Short board and fins | Large soft board |
| Effort | Legs (fins) | Arms (paddling) |
| Feel | Speed close to the water | Gliding standing up |
| Who it suits | Children, beginners, anyone with little balance | Anyone who wants to stand up |
What happens in a lesson
- Equipment: wetsuit, board and fins in your size.
- Theory on the sand: position, grip and safety.
- In the water: first whitewater waves with the instructor’s help.
- Progression: catching the wave earlier and steering the board.
Who it suits
- Children and families.
- Beginners who want quick results.
- People with little balance or who do not want to stand up.
- Anyone who wants to try before committing to surfing.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone who cannot swim.
- Days with rough seas: lessons are rescheduled.
- Anyone who wants to learn to surf standing up: a surf lesson is a better choice.
How to choose well
- How many students per instructor?
- Are fins and a wetsuit in your size included?
- Minimum age?
- Qualified instructor and insurance?
- What happens if the sea is not right?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Board and fins | Included | Sizes |
| Wetsuit | Included | — |
| Instructor | Included | Qualification |
| Insurance | Common | That it is included |
Safety
- Use the leash if the school provides one.
- Be careful with your fins when walking among other people.
- Water-resistant sun protection or a rash vest.
Season
There are waves all year round. For learning, small and clean waves are ideal; the school chooses the beach according to the day.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Format and duration.
- Group or private.
What to bring
- Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes.
- Water-resistant sun protection.
- Water.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Standing up on the board | Surf lessons in Tenerife |
| Calm water and paddling | Paddle surf in Tenerife |
| Seeing the seabed | Snorkellingling in Tenerife |
Frequently asked questions
Is bodyboarding easier than surfing?
To start with, yes: you do not have to stand up and you catch waves sooner.
Do you need to be able to swim?
Yes.
From what age?
It depends on the school, but they usually accept younger children than for surfing.
What equipment do you need?
Board, fins and wetsuit, provided by the school.
How long does the lesson last?
About 2 hours.