Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included

Your first wave may surprise you. This two-hour group lesson at Playa de las Américas gives beginners a clear, safe introduction to surfing, while more experienced surfers can ask for help with timing, paddling, or board position. The school sits about 30 meters from the beach, so you spend little time hauling wet gear around town.

I like the small groups of up to six people, which gives the instructors room to offer personal corrections. I also like the useful all-in price: board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, snack, water, shower, insurance, and photos are included. The main consideration is the beach itself. One participant found there were many people in the water, so you need to pay attention to other surfers and follow your instructor’s safety advice.

The lesson is especially strong for first-timers. Instructors such as Kaia, Martin, Juan, Marco, Nacho, and others are repeatedly praised for patience, clear explanations, and encouragement. Several beginners managed to stand on the board during their first class, though you should treat that as a welcome possibility, not a promise.

Key points to know before you book

• A short walk from the waves: Shaka Surf Tenerife is located roughly 30 meters from Playa de las Américas, making the change from classroom to ocean quick and simple.
• A real beginner-friendly structure: You get about 20 minutes of theory, followed by a warm-up and supervised practice in the water.
• Small groups matter: With no more than six participants, the instructor can watch your technique and offer corrections.
• Everything needed for the lesson is supplied: Board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, snack, water, shower, insurance, and photos are included.
• Several languages are available: Instruction is offered in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian.
• The photos are a useful extra: They give you a record of the session, though one person reported still waiting for the images.

Starting at Shaka Surf Tenerife, close to Playa de las Américas

You meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife 15 minutes before your scheduled class. The school’s location, only about 30 meters from the waves, is one of the practical strengths of this activity. You do not need hotel transport, and you are not facing a long walk from a distant meeting point while carrying a board.

You should bring swimwear and a towel. The school provides the main surf gear, including the wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra. That saves you from renting separate items or guessing what kind of equipment you need for a first lesson.

The meeting point is also the finishing point. After the water session, you return to the school for a shower and can collect yourself before heading back into Playa de las Américas. The activity does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the school.

A useful tip is to send the provider a WhatsApp message before the class. The instructions specifically ask you to do this for more details about the meeting point. That small step can prevent the classic holiday problem of standing on the wrong side of a busy beach with a towel over your shoulder.

The 20-minute theory session makes the water time count

The lesson begins on land with about 20 minutes of theory. This is not filler. Surfing asks you to coordinate several things at once: paddling, body position, timing, standing up, and keeping the board pointed in the right direction. A short explanation before you reach the water gives you a better chance of remembering the basics when a wave approaches.

You learn how to paddle, how to position yourself on the board, how to paddle correctly, and how to perform the takeoff, often called the pop-up. The instructors explain the basic technique before asking you to try it under pressure.

This is where the teaching style receives its strongest praise. Kaia is often singled out for making the theory understandable and fun. Martin and Juan are also praised for helping complete beginners go from no experience to standing on the board in one lesson. The comments about the instructors are consistent: they explain clearly, remain patient, and keep helping in the water instead of leaving you to work it out alone.

I would still keep your expectations sensible. Standing up once is a great first goal, but surfing is not mastered in two hours. The value of this lesson is that it gives you a safe first taste and shows you what to practice next.

Warming up before the first wave

After the theory, the group does a warm-up before entering the water. This helps you shift from listening to moving, and it gives the instructor a chance to see how the group is feeling before the more active part begins.

The warm-up also matters because surfing uses movements that may feel unfamiliar, especially the quick transition from lying on the board to standing. You will have a clearer idea of the body position before attempting it in the sea.

The class is personalized for the ability level of each person. Complete beginners receive help with the basic sequence, while more advanced participants can tell the instructor what they want to improve. The activity is not limited to people who have never touched a surfboard, though the strongest evidence of its success comes from first-time surfers.

The small group size, limited to six, is helpful here. A large class can leave you waiting for attention while your technique develops bad habits. Six people still gives the lesson a social feel, but it is small enough for an instructor to keep an eye on individual progress.

In the water, patience and timing matter most

The ocean session is the heart of the class. You take your board into the water with the instructor and begin working on the skills introduced on land. The coach helps you with paddling, board position, timing, and the takeoff.

The repeated praise for the instructors is important because first-time surfing can be both exciting and awkward. You may paddle too early, miss the wave, stand too slowly, or lose your balance just as everything seems to be working. The instructors are praised for offering encouragement and making people feel safe rather than embarrassed.

Kaia receives particular credit for working hard to help participants catch waves and correcting their timing and movements. Juan, Martin, Marco, Nacho, and other members of the team are also praised for friendly, attentive instruction. One parent highlighted the special care given to a 10-year-old son, while another family said an 11-year-old enjoyed a first lesson enough to want to return.

That makes this a good option for families with children who already meet the swimming requirement and are comfortable in the sea. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, so families should confirm age details before booking.

You also need to stay alert around other people in the water. One participant found the beach crowded and said it was necessary to watch out for others. That is a fair warning, especially during a group lesson when several boards and surfers may be moving at once. Listen closely to the instructor and avoid treating the beach like a private training area.

What the equipment package adds to the $40 price

At $40 per person, this is a strong value if you need the full set of equipment. The price includes:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Water shoes
• Lycra
• A 20-minute theory session
• Certified instructors
• Snack and water
• Shower after surfing
• Insurance
• Photos from the day

The equipment saves you the cost and trouble of arranging separate rentals. The wetsuit is especially useful if you are not used to the feel of Atlantic water, while water shoes and lycra provide extra comfort during the session.

The snack and water are modest additions, but they are practical after physical activity. The shower is another small benefit that improves the whole outing. You can leave the beach without carrying saltwater and sand through the rest of your day.

The included photos give the price a little more appeal. Surfing is difficult to photograph yourself, and a picture of your first successful ride can be more valuable than another generic beach snapshot. Still, one person said the photos had not arrived yet, so I would treat this feature as a bonus and check with the school if delivery is delayed.

At $40, the lesson is not simply paying for two hours of board time. You are paying for instruction, equipment, safety support, changing and shower facilities, and a keepsake. If you already own suitable gear and only want to rent a board, a lesson may not be the cheapest choice. For a first attempt, though, the bundled price makes sense.

A multilingual school with a relaxed teaching style

Instruction is available in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian. That is useful in an international resort such as Playa de las Américas, where a clear explanation can make a real difference to your confidence.

The instructors are repeatedly praised for friendliness and positive energy. That may sound like a minor point, but it matters in a sport where many people feel clumsy at first. You need a coach who can correct you without making the session feel like a test.

The strongest comments focus on patience, safety, and simple explanations. People who had never surfed before were able to understand the first steps and, in several cases, stand on the board during the opening class. The lesson appears designed to make you feel supported without removing the challenge.

If you are already comfortable surfing, tell the coach what you want to work on. The lesson is described as suitable for all levels, but the exact advanced content is not specified. You should explain your goals at the start so the instructor can tailor the session as much as possible.

Photos, showers, and the end of the class

The activity ends back at the surf school. After the water session, you can use the shower, return equipment, and collect the included snack and water if these have not already been provided during the outing.

The photos are intended to capture the day and your time on the waves. This is a nice touch for a first lesson, especially if family members or friends want something more memorable than a wet selfie. Since delivery timing is not spelled out, ask the school when and how the images will be sent.

The two-hour duration includes the organized lesson from preparation through the water session. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want. Arrive 15 minutes early rather than cutting it close. Surf schools need time to fit equipment and organize the group before the theory begins.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Who will get the most from this Tenerife surf lesson?

This experience is best for you if:

• You are a first-time surfer and want a structured introduction.
• You want equipment included rather than arranging rentals.
• You prefer a small group instead of a large beach class.
• You are staying in or near Playa de las Américas.
• You want instruction in one of several European languages.
• You would like photos of your first session.
• You are a family with a child who can swim and is comfortable in the ocean.

It is less suitable if you cannot swim, are pregnant, or want a private one-to-one lesson. The group is limited to six, but it is still a shared class. You should also be ready for other people in the water and for conditions that may make catching a wave harder than it looks from the beach.

The activity is not a sightseeing tour of Tenerife. You will spend the time focused on surfing at Playa de las Américas, not moving between several attractions. That focused format is exactly why it works well for an active half-day plan.

Should you book Shaka Surf Tenerife?

I would book this lesson if you want to try surfing without buying gear, arranging transport, or guessing where to begin. The combination of a beachside school, 20 minutes of useful theory, certified instructors, six-person groups, and included equipment gives you a lot for $40.

The best reason to choose it is the teaching. Kaia, Martin, Juan, Marco, Nacho, and the wider team are praised for patience, safety, and clear help in the water. Just remember that crowded conditions can require extra attention, and the photos may not arrive immediately.

Book it if you are a swimmer who wants an encouraging first session and a real chance of standing on a board. Skip it if you need private instruction, cannot swim, or are looking only for a quiet beach activity.

FAQ

How long does the surfing lesson last?

The activity lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Where does the lesson meet?

Meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife, about 30 meters from the waves of Playa de las Américas. Arrive 15 minutes before the class begins.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the surf school.

What equipment is provided?

The price includes a surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra. A shower after surfing is also included.

Is the lesson suitable for beginners?

Yes. The class begins with about 20 minutes of theory covering paddling, board position, and the takeoff. It is also suitable for more advanced surfers who want to refine their technique.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos from the day are included in the price. One participant reported a delay in receiving them, so contact the school if your photos do not arrive.