Review · WORKSHOPS
Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class)
Famara is made for first waves. Calima Surf’s four-hour lesson gives you a full morning on one of Lanzarote’s best-known surf beaches, with warm-up work, beach instruction, water practice, and personal corrections. I especially like the long water session and the friendly coaching praised by students who worked with instructors such as Nikol, Eva, and Miky.
I also like that the price of $84.69 includes surf equipment, transfers between the school and beach, and civil liability insurance. The main point to consider is the early schedule: you meet at 9:15 a.m., and the full session does not finish until about 2:30 p.m. You should also bring your own drinks and snacks, since none are provided.
In This Review
- Key points before you book
- Why Famara is a good place to learn surfing
- What happens from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m.
- The first beach lesson: warm-up, theory, and practice
- The 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. break
- The second session: personal corrections from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- The instructors and teaching style
- What the $84.69 price includes
- Who should choose this Famara lesson?
- Practical details that affect your day
- Final verdict: should you book Calima Surf?
- FAQ
- Where does the surf lesson begin?
- What time should I arrive?
- How long does the experience last?
- Where does the activity finish?
- Is pickup available?
- Can one person use the pickup service?
- Is surf equipment included?
- Is transportation included?
- Are food and drinks provided?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?
Key points before you book

- Four hours of instruction: The session includes warm-up, stretching, theory, beach practice, water time, a break, and a second coached session.
- Famara beach setting: Lessons take place at Famara, a striking surf location on Lanzarote’s northwest coast.
- Personal corrections: The second part of the lesson focuses on individual mistakes and technique, not just general group advice.
- Equipment and insurance included: You do not need to arrange a board, surf gear, or civil liability cover separately.
- Pickup has limits: Transfers are available from selected towns only, and at least two people must book the four-hour surf option.
- Strong satisfaction record: The activity has a five-star rating from 173 reviews and is recommended by 100 percent of participants.
Why Famara is a good place to learn surfing

Famara gives this lesson a real sense of place. The beach is repeatedly praised for its beauty, and its broad setting makes it an appealing backdrop for a first attempt at surfing. You are not being taught in an indoor pool or a crowded resort facility. The lesson takes you from Calima Surf’s school to the beach, then back again after several hours in the water.
That setting matters when you are learning. Surfing is physical and sometimes awkward, especially during your first session. A memorable beach helps balance the inevitable tumbles, wet hair, and moments when the board seems to have a mind of its own.
The school is located at Av. el Marinero, 13, in Caleta de Famara. The activity begins at the school, and it also ends there. That makes the day easy to understand: arrive at the stated meeting point, get organized with the school, travel to the beach with the group, and return to the same place afterward.
You should pay close attention to the times. The formal start time is listed as 10:00 a.m., but the meeting point time is 9:15 a.m. That earlier arrival is important. It gives the school time to organize equipment and prepare the class before beach instruction begins. I would not treat 9:15 as an optional arrival time.
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What happens from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m.
You meet at Calima Surf at 9:15 a.m. The information provided does not promise a long orientation or a particular check-in process, so you should simply arrive ready to listen and allow time for preparation.
The school provides all surf equipment. That is useful for anyone flying into Lanzarote or packing light, since you do not need to rent a board and other gear elsewhere. Transportation from the school to the beach and back is also included.
If you arrange pickup rather than making your own way to Famara, check the details carefully. Transfers are offered from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Teguise, Tahiche, San Bartolomé, and La Santa. Pickup requires a minimum of two people booking four hours of surfing each, and there is no pickup for a single person. Other collection points may be possible, but you need to check directly with the school.
The activity is offered in English. It is also described as a private activity, meaning only your own group participates. The supplied details do not specify the maximum number of people in that group, so ask Calima Surf if group size is important to you.
The first beach lesson: warm-up, theory, and practice

At 10:00 a.m., the lesson begins on the beach. The first stage includes a warm-up, stretching, easy exercises, theory, and practical work before you head into the water.
That order is sensible. Surfing looks simple from the shore, but a beginner needs to understand how to position the body, handle the board, and respond to the waves before attempting to stand. Starting on the sand lets you repeat movements without the distraction of moving water.
The lesson then shifts into the water. This is the part most first-timers are waiting for, but the earlier exercises have a purpose. You get a chance to test the instructions in real conditions, and the instructor can see where you need help.
One beginner described the first lesson as safe, motivating, and clear, with the added reward of catching some waves. That is a useful expectation to carry with you. You may catch a wave during your first session, but surfing progress depends on conditions, balance, timing, and your own comfort in the water. The school’s role is to give you structured practice and useful corrections, not to guarantee a perfect run.
The strongest praise for Calima Surf concerns the instructors. Nikol is singled out for paying attention to everyone, offering advice, and caring about individual progress. Eva is praised for giving excellent feedback that helped improve technique. Miky is also described positively, along with the wider teaching team.
Those comments point to an important strength: this is not presented as a lesson where an instructor gives one talk and leaves you to figure things out. The coaching is built around watching you, identifying errors, and helping you try again.
The 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. break

The schedule includes a break from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. After a couple of hours of stretching, paddling, standing, falling, and getting back on the board, that pause is welcome.
No drinks or snacks are included. Pack water and something to eat, especially if you know you get hungry during active outings. This is one of the few areas where the stated price does not cover everything you might need during the morning.
The break also gives you time to reset before the second session. That matters more than it may sound. Beginner surfing uses muscles in unfamiliar ways, and a short rest can help you return to the beach with better attention and energy.
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The second session: personal corrections from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

At 12:30 p.m., the class starts again with another warm-up, stretching, and a set of easy exercises. There is also a second theoretical and practical section on the beach before more time in the water.
The most useful part of this afternoon stage is the stated focus on individual errors. Your instructor watches how you handle the board and offers corrections aimed at your own technique. That could be especially valuable if you managed to stand but struggled with balance, timing, or board position during the first session.
A four-hour lesson gives you more room to improve than a short introductory class. You have time to hear an instruction, try it, make a mistake, and try again. The break separates the two parts, so the day has a clear rhythm rather than becoming one long, tiring block.
Students who spent several days with Calima Surf describe noticeable progress over repeated lessons. You should not expect the same result from one day as from a full week, but the structure of this session gives you a proper introduction and a useful base for another class.
The lesson returns to Calima Surf at about 2:30 p.m. Since the activity ends at the meeting point, you do not need to arrange a separate return from the beach.
The instructors and teaching style

The strongest pattern in the feedback is the attitude of the staff. The instructors are described as friendly, encouraging, prepared, and good at correcting mistakes without making the experience feel intimidating.
That balance is important for beginners. Surf instruction can easily become either too casual, with little useful advice, or too technical, with so much information that you stop enjoying yourself. The comments about Nikol and Eva suggest that Calima Surf aims for a practical middle ground: clear guidance, personal attention, and encouragement to keep trying.
Parents may also find the experience appealing. One student specifically praised the way an instructor helped a son correct errors and learn more than expected. The provided information says most people can participate, but it does not give a minimum age, child policy, or specific youth class details. If you are booking for a child, ask the school about age and ability requirements first.
The school atmosphere also receives positive attention beyond the beach. People who stayed for a week praised the shop staff, housekeeping, apartments, and Calima Guest House. Those extras are not part of this four-hour booking, but they suggest the company can be useful if you are planning a longer surf stay in Famara.
What the $84.69 price includes
At $84.69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Lanzarote. It is also more than a quick one-hour introduction. The fair comparison is a four-hour coached session with equipment, school-to-beach transportation, and civil liability insurance included.
That package makes the price easier to justify. You are paying for a substantial block of instruction rather than only access to a board. You also avoid arranging equipment transport and separate beach transfers.
The value is best for you if you want to learn properly, not simply pose with a surfboard for a few minutes. The lesson includes instruction on land and in the water, a break, and a second round of corrections. Those details give you more chances to practice and more opportunities to understand what went wrong.
Still, remember the extra costs. Drinks and snacks are not supplied, and the information does not mention hotel accommodation, meals, photographs, or any other add-ons as part of this experience. If you need pickup, confirm that your location qualifies and that at least two people are booking the four-hour session.
Who should choose this Famara lesson?

I would recommend this class to first-time surfers who want a full introduction rather than a rushed sample. The beach-based theory and practical work should help you feel more prepared before entering the water, while the later individual corrections give you a chance to improve.
It also suits people who have tried surfing once or twice and want clearer feedback. If you already surf confidently, this beginner-focused format may feel too basic unless you confirm that the school can match the lesson to your level.
It is a good fit for solo visitors who can make their own way to the school, but solo visitors cannot use the pickup service. Couples, friends, and small groups have an easier time arranging transfers because the pickup rules require at least two people.
You should be comfortable with a long, active morning. The session includes four hours of class, not four hours of effortless beach time. If your feet, legs, or back tire easily, bring suitable clothing and be ready for a physical workout. One student enjoyed the experience so much that sore feet were the only reason they did not stay longer, which is a cheerful reminder that surfing can work muscles you forgot you had.
Practical details that affect your day
Confirmation is received at the time of booking. The activity is near public transportation, which may help if you are not using the pickup option.
Most people can participate, but the supplied details do not list specific accessibility arrangements, swimming requirements, age limits, or skill levels. Contact Calima Surf with those questions before paying if any of them affect your decision.
The experience depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.
The school provides civil liability insurance, but you should still follow every safety instruction. Insurance is useful protection, not a substitute for listening carefully in the water.
Final verdict: should you book Calima Surf?
I would book this lesson if you want a serious first try at surfing in Famara, especially if personal coaching matters to you. The four-hour format, included equipment, beach transfers, and repeated praise for instructors such as Nikol and Eva give the experience real value at $84.69.
I would hesitate only if you want a short, low-effort activity, need a pickup for one person, or dislike arranging your own food and drinks. For everyone else, this looks like a well-structured introduction with enough time to catch a few waves, learn from mistakes, and leave Famara with a better idea of whether surfing is for you.
FAQ
Where does the surf lesson begin?
It begins at Calima Surf, located at Av. el Marinero, 13, 35558 Caleta de Famara, Las Palmas, Spain.
What time should I arrive?
The meeting time is 9:15 a.m. The beach lesson begins at 10:00 a.m.
How long does the experience last?
The activity lasts about four hours, ending at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Where does the activity finish?
It ends back at the Calima Surf meeting point.
Is pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Teguise, Tahiche, San Bartolomé, and La Santa. Check with the school about other possible collection points.
Can one person use the pickup service?
No. Pickup requires at least two people booking four hours of surfing each. There is no pickup for a single person.
Is surf equipment included?
Yes. All surf equipment is included in the price.
Is transportation included?
Transportation between the school and beach is included. Pickup from selected towns is available under the stated minimum booking conditions.
Are food and drinks provided?
No. Drinks and snacks are not included, so you should bring your own.
What happens if bad weather cancels the lesson?
You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.
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