Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A windsurf lesson in El Médano is a session with an instructor in which you learn to position yourself on a board with a sail, raise the rig, orient yourself to the wind and sail. You start with wide, stable boards and small sails, in the most sheltered part of the bay.
El Médano, in Granadilla de Abona, is the go-to spot for wind sports in Tenerife. This page explains how you learn and how it differs from kitesurfing.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Where | El Médano (Granadilla de Abona) |
| Lesson duration | Usually about 2 hours |
| Equipment | Board, sail, wetsuit and buoyancy vest included |
| Instructors | Certified by the Real Federación Spanisha de Vela (Spanish Sailing Federation) at the schools reviewed |
| Requirement | Ability to swim |
| Levels | Beginner, improver and lessons for sailing in stronger wind |
| Hire | Available once you are independent |
| Price | Depends on the hours and the format |
Windsurf or kitesurf: how they differ
| Aspect | Windsurfing | Kitesurfing |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Board with the sail attached to the mast | Separate board and kite with lines |
| First steps | You stay on the board from the start | First you learn to fly the kite on land |
| Effort | Arms and back when raising the sail | The harness spreads the pull |
| Carrying the equipment | Bulky | More compact |
| Learning | Gradual progression on calm water | More sessions before riding |
How you learn
- Theory on land: parts of the equipment, wind direction and body position.
- Simulator or board in shallow water: raising the sail and turning.
- First sails in a sheltered area.
- Progression: sailing upwind, tacking and sailing in stronger wind.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want to start a wind sport with quick progress.
- Families and teenagers, depending on the school’s minimum age.
- Experienced windsurfers looking for improver lessons or equipment hire.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone who cannot swim.
- Back or shoulder problems: raising the sail takes effort.
- Very windy days: they may be unsuitable for beginners; the school decides.
How to choose well
- What qualifications do the instructors have?
- How many students per instructor?
- Equipment suited to your weight and level?
- Are radios used or is there support on the water?
- What happens if conditions are not right?
- Is insurance included?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Board and sail | Included | Right size |
| Wetsuit | Included | Sizes |
| Buoyancy vest or flotation aid | Common | — |
| Insurance | Usual | That it is included |
Safety
- Stay in the area the school indicates.
- If the wind carries you away, let go of the sail and wait for help: do not try to swim back with the equipment.
- Water-resistant sun protection.
Wind and when to go
El Médano is windy most of the year, with stronger winds in summer. For your first lessons, days with moderate wind are best.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Hours and number of lessons.
- Group or private.
- Equipment hire afterwards.
What to bring
- Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes.
- Water-resistant sun protection.
- Sunglasses with a strap.
- Water.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Kite instead of a sail | Kitesurfing course in El Médano |
| Handheld wing and foil | Wingfoil lessons |
| Waves without wind | Surf lessons in Tenerife |
| Calm water and paddling | Paddle surf in Tenerife |
Frequently asked questions
Is windsurfing difficult to start?
With wide boards and a small sail, most people sail a few metres in the first lesson.
Where can you learn in Tenerife?
Mainly in El Médano.
Do you need to be able to swim?
Yes.
Is equipment included?
Yes: board, sail and wetsuit.
How long does a lesson last?
Usually about 2 hours.