Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included

Your first wave may surprise you. This two-hour lesson at Playa de las Américas gives you a practical introduction to surfing, with a certified instructor, full equipment, and a small group capped at six people. The school sits about 30 meters from the beach, so there is little wasted time getting from the changing room to the water.

I especially like the small-group format, which gives the instructor a fair chance to watch your technique. I also like that the price includes a wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, board, snack, water, insurance, and photos. The main thing to consider is the beach itself: at busy times, you may need to watch carefully for other surfers while catching waves.

The lesson is aimed at complete beginners, but it also offers help for more experienced surfers who want to improve. Coaches including Kaia, Martin, Juan, Marco, Nacho, and others are praised for patient instruction and clear explanations. One practical warning: bring a towel and swimwear, and contact the school by WhatsApp before you go for the exact meeting details.

Key points to know before you book

• A short walk to the waves: Shaka Surf Tenerife is about 30 meters from Playa de las Américas, making the transition from theory to water quick and simple.
• A real beginner-friendly lesson: The 20-minute theory session covers paddling, board position, and the pop-up before you enter the sea.
• Only six people per group: This is a useful limit for an introductory class, especially when you need repeated corrections.
• Almost everything is included: Board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, snack, water, insurance, shower, and photographs are part of the $40 price.
• Several languages are available: Instruction is offered in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian.
• Not for non-swimmers: You need to be comfortable in the water, and the lesson is not suitable during pregnancy.

Starting at Shaka Surf Tenerife

You meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife 15 minutes before the scheduled class. The school is close to Playa de las Américas, about 30 meters from the waves, which is one of the strongest practical points of this outing.

That short distance matters. Surf lessons can become tiring when you have to carry a large board a long way through town or spend half the class waiting for transport. Here, you collect your equipment at the school, prepare there, and walk almost directly to the beach.

The staff provide a wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra. You need to bring your own swimwear and towel. A shower is available after the lesson, and a snack and water are included, useful after two hours of paddling and getting knocked off a board.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You are responsible for reaching the school, so check the meeting instructions carefully and send a WhatsApp message for more detail before the class. That small step can save you from wandering around Playa de las Américas in wet clothes, carrying a surfboard and wondering if you are in the right place.

The 20-minute theory session

The lesson begins on land with about 20 minutes of theory. This is not filler. Surfing looks simple from the beach, but beginners have several jobs to remember at once: lie in the right position, paddle with purpose, recognize the right moment, push up quickly, and place their feet correctly.

The instructors explain how to take off, how to paddle, where to position yourself on the board, and how to paddle correctly. You also receive a warm-up before heading into the sea.

I like this order because it gives you a few basic instructions before the water becomes noisy and distracting. A first lesson is not the place for a long lecture, but skipping the basics can leave you flapping on the board without knowing what went wrong. The theory section appears designed to keep things simple and useful.

The teaching style is one of the experience’s biggest strengths. Kaia is praised for making the theory session interesting, while Martin and Juan are noted for helping beginners progress from zero to standing on their boards. Several instructors are described as patient, friendly, and encouraging.

That does not mean every person will stand on the first attempt. Surfing depends on the waves, timing, balance, and your comfort in the water. Still, clear preparation gives you a much better chance of catching a small wave instead of simply falling off repeatedly.

Warm-up, equipment, and the walk to Playa de las Américas

After the theory section, you warm up and get ready for the water. The school supplies the main equipment, so you do not need to rent a board or wetsuit separately.

The included equipment is:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Water shoes
• Lycra
• Shower after the lesson
• Snack and water
• Insurance
• Photos from the session

The wetsuit and water shoes are especially helpful if you have never surfed before. A wetsuit can make a long session more comfortable, while water shoes give your feet some protection and grip around the beach and board.

The school’s location keeps this part straightforward. You are not loading onto a bus or traveling to several beaches. You prepare at the school, receive your equipment, complete the instruction, and head to the nearby shore.

The trade-off is that you are tied to the conditions at Playa de las Américas on that day. The activity description does not promise a change of beach if the waves are poor or crowded. One piece of feedback specifically points out that there can be many people in the water, so you should expect to share the surfing area and keep your eyes open.

Two hours in the water with a maximum of six

The main session takes place in a group of no more than six participants. For a surf lesson, that is a useful size. You still have company and the energy of a group, but the instructor can watch each person more closely than in a large class.

The coaches encourage you to explain what you want to learn. A complete beginner may need help with the first pop-up, while an experienced surfer might want to work on timing, paddling, or position. The instruction is described as personalized rather than one set of directions for everyone.

In the water, you can expect plenty of attempts. You may catch a wave, lose balance, reset, and try again. That repetition is the heart of the lesson. The instructors help with timing and body movement, then encourage you to keep working rather than treating every fall as a failure.

Safety is also given clear attention. The teaching team is described as checking on surfers, explaining the basics carefully, and helping people feel comfortable in the water. That is important because even small waves can feel powerful when you are lying on a board for the first time.

The experience is not suitable for non-swimmers. You should be able to manage yourself in the water and follow the instructor’s directions. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.

Some conditions are outside the school’s control. Waves may be larger or more demanding than expected, and one account describes a session with fairly big waves. The instructors helped keep the group calm, but you should understand that surfing is an active sport, not a gentle sightseeing activity.

What beginners can realistically expect

The strongest pattern in the feedback is first-day progress. Several people say they managed to stand on the board during their first lesson, sometimes after only a few attempts. A parent also describes a successful first lesson with a 10-year-old son, while another family account mentions an 11-year-old who loved trying the sport.

Those examples are encouraging, but they should not become a promise. Your result will depend on the sea, your balance, your fitness, and how quickly you respond to instruction. A better goal is to learn the basic movement, catch at least a few small waves, and leave knowing what to practice next.

I like the way the instructors seem to focus on confidence as well as technique. Kaia is repeatedly praised for patience and helpful corrections. Martin, Juan, Nacho, and other coaches receive similar praise for explaining movements clearly and staying attentive during the water session.

The lesson also suits friends or family members who want to try something active together. You can share the novelty of learning a new sport without paying for a private class. Just remember that the small-group structure does not make it a private lesson, and the instructor’s attention will move between participants.

Photos included, with one small caution

Photos are included in the $40 price. That is a nice touch because surfing is difficult to photograph yourself, particularly when you are concentrating on standing up. Images can give you a record of the day and may help you see your stance or balance afterward.

There is one point to keep in mind: one person reported still waiting for the photos. I would not treat that as proof of a regular problem, but I would ask the staff when and how the images will be delivered before leaving the school. If the photos matter to you, confirm the process through WhatsApp in advance.

The photos add value, but they should not be the main reason to book. The real value is the instruction and the chance to practice in the sea with equipment included. Think of the images as a useful extra rather than a guaranteed instant delivery.

Is $40 good value?

At $40 per person, this is a fair price for a two-hour group lesson when you count what is included. You receive the board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, instruction, warm-up, snack, water, insurance, post-surf shower, and photos.

The small group is particularly important to the value calculation. A lesson with six or fewer people gives you more useful contact with the coach than a crowded class, though you will still spend some time waiting for your turn or resetting after a wave.

You are also paying for a low-effort setup. The school is close to the beach, supplies the equipment, and handles the basic safety structure. You do not need to buy surf gear for a single holiday attempt.

The price is less attractive if you already own equipment and only want independent time in the water. It is also not the right choice if you dislike group activities or expect a private coach focused only on you. For a first introduction, though, the package is easy to justify.

Languages and teaching style

Instruction is available in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian. That gives you a good chance of receiving explanations in a language you understand comfortably.

The exact instructor can vary, but names that come up repeatedly include Kaia, Martin, Juan, Marco, and Nacho. The most praised qualities are patience, warmth, clear explanations, and encouragement. One coach was described as making the class fun without losing the safety points.

That balance matters. Surfing instruction can become either too technical or too casual. You need enough detail to understand what to do, but you also need a relaxed atmosphere so you are willing to try again after falling.

Who should book this Playa de las Américas lesson?

I would choose this experience if you:

• Have never surfed and want a structured first attempt
• Want to practice with a certified instructor rather than learn alone
• Prefer a small group to a large class
• Are comfortable swimming and being active in the sea
• Want equipment and photos included in the price
• Are staying in or near the south of Tenerife
• Want a two-hour activity that fits neatly into a holiday schedule
• Speak English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Slovenian, or Croatian

I would think twice if you are a non-swimmer, pregnant, uncomfortable in open water, or hoping for complete privacy. You should also be ready for a busy beach and accept that the day’s waves will shape the lesson.

The activity can work for families, but the supplied details do not state a minimum age. If you are booking for a child, confirm the age requirement and suitability with the school first.

Useful booking advice before you go

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Wear your swimwear underneath your clothes, and bring a towel. Since there is no hotel transfer, allow enough time to reach Shaka Surf Tenerife without rushing.

Message the school on WhatsApp before the class to confirm the meeting point and any final instructions. This is especially useful if you are unfamiliar with Playa de las Américas or your booking confirmation does not make the location clear.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability before choosing the activity.

Should you book it?

I would book this lesson if you want a friendly, well-organized first taste of surfing in Tenerife. The combination of certified instructors, a six-person limit, a school close to the waves, and full equipment makes the $40 price sensible.

Go in with a realistic aim: learn the basics, catch a few waves if conditions and timing cooperate, and enjoy the process. Do not book it if you cannot swim or if you need a private, uncrowded surfing area. For most active visitors staying in southern Tenerife, this looks like a strong way to spend two hours, especially with instructors such as Kaia, Martin, and Juan helping you get upright.

FAQ

Where does the surfing lesson take place?

The lesson takes place at Playa de las Américas in the south of Tenerife. You meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife, located about 30 meters from the waves.

How long is the activity?

The surfing lesson lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at Shaka Surf Tenerife 15 minutes before the class begins.

What equipment is included?

The price includes a surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra. A shower, snack, water, insurance, and photos are also included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You do not need to bring a surfboard or wetsuit.

Is the lesson suitable for beginners?

Yes. The class teaches basic surfing techniques from the beginning, including paddling, board position, and taking off. It can also be adapted for more advanced participants.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Which languages are available?

The instructors can teach in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian.