Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included

Playa de las Américas puts you close to the action from the start. Shaka Surf Tenerife sits about 30 meters from the waves, so after a short theory session and warm-up, you can carry your board straight to the beach and practice what you just learned.

I like the small groups of up to six, which give instructors such as Kaia, Juan, Martin, and Nacho room to correct your timing and stance. I also like that the $40 price includes the board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, insurance, a snack, a shower, and photos.

The main thing to keep in mind is the busy surf area. You may need to watch for other people in the water, especially when the beach is crowded, and one participant reported waiting for the promised photos.

Key points before you book

• A short walk to Playa de las Américas: The surf school is roughly 30 meters from the waves, keeping the lesson practical and simple.
• A real first lesson, not just board rental: You get about 20 minutes of instruction on paddling, positioning, and standing up before entering the water.
• Small groups help beginners: The class is limited to six people, allowing for personal tips and safety guidance.
• Equipment is included: Board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, insurance, water, a snack, and a post-surf shower are part of the price.
• Photos are included: You can take home pictures of the session, although delivery may not always be immediate.
• Several languages are available: Instruction is offered in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian.

Starting beside the waves at Playa de las Américas

This lesson works well because it cuts out much of the usual fuss. You meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife 15 minutes before the class, receive your equipment, and prepare close to the beach. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the school.

The school’s position, only about 30 meters from the water, matters more than it may sound. Carrying a surfboard over a long distance is awkward, especially when you are still learning how to handle one. Here, the transition from changing room to sand should be quick.

Bring swimwear and a towel. The school supplies the rest of the basic surf kit: a board, wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra. A shower is available afterward, which is useful if you have plans later in the day and do not want to remain covered in salt and sand.

The lesson lasts two hours. That includes preparation, instruction, warm-up, and time in the water. You should think of it as a guided introduction or technique session, not a full-day surf camp. Two hours is enough to learn the basic movements without making your first encounter with the sport feel like hard labor.

The 20-minute theory session that makes the water safer

Before you head into the sea, the instructor covers the basic mechanics of surfing. You learn how to paddle, where to position yourself on the board, how to paddle correctly, and how to perform the takeoff, the movement used to get from lying down to standing.

This dry-land section may be the most useful part of the class for a complete beginner. Surfing can look simple from shore, but a few small mistakes make standing difficult. The board needs to be positioned correctly, your hands must be placed in the right spot, and your feet need to land in a stable stance.

The instructors also adjust the lesson to your level. If you are starting from zero, the focus is on balance, timing, and getting comfortable with the board. If you already surf, you can tell the coach what you want to improve.

That flexibility is valuable in a mixed group. You are not forced through a one-size-fits-all script. Beginners can work on standing up, while more experienced participants can ask for help with technique. The available instructors speak seven languages, which can make the explanation easier to follow for an international group.

Warm-up first, then your first waves

After the theory comes a warm-up, followed by the move into the water. The order is sensible. You get a chance to loosen up, repeat the basic movements, and ask questions before dealing with the waves.

Your instructor’s job is not only to tell you how to stand. The coach also helps with timing, board position, and choosing when to paddle. Those details often decide if you catch a wave or watch it pass under you.

The school’s instructors are frequently praised for patience and clear explanations. Kaia is especially noted for helping first-timers stay calm and understand the movements. Martin and Juan are also singled out for helping beginners get from lying on the board to standing during the first session. That does not mean every person will stand up on the first attempt, but it gives you a good sense of the teaching style.

You should expect to fall. That is part of the lesson, not a sign that you have failed. The useful question is whether the coach can explain what went wrong and give you one clear adjustment for the next attempt. The feedback described for this school focuses on exactly that kind of practical correction.

Safety is another strong point. Instructors are certified, and insurance is included. The lesson is not suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women, so you need to be honest about your ability before booking.

What small groups of six really mean

A group limit of six is a good middle ground. You still get the social feel of a group activity, but the class is small enough for the instructor to keep track of each person.

For a beginner, this matters when the group returns to shore or gathers between attempts. The instructor can give a quick correction instead of shouting general advice across a large class. You also have other people around you who are learning the same basic skills, which can make a first lesson feel less intimidating.

The group size does not mean you will have the instructor to yourself. You may spend some time watching other people take their turn. That is normal in a shared lesson, and it can be useful because you see the movement before trying it again yourself.

The beach can be busy, though. One participant specifically noted having to look out for many people in the water. Follow the instructor’s directions, keep aware of nearby surfers, and do not treat a successful first wave as permission to ignore the people around you.

Equipment, snack, shower, and the $40 value

At $40 per person, this is a good-value introduction if you need the full setup. The price covers the board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, certified instruction, insurance, water, a snack, and a shower. You are not paying the lesson fee and then discovering that the basic equipment costs extra.

The included wetsuit is useful in two ways. It keeps you warmer in the water and gives you some protection from rubbing against the board. Water shoes and lycra add to that basic comfort, especially when you are still learning how to move around the equipment.

The snack and water are small additions, but they make sense after physical activity. The shower is perhaps more useful than either one. Surfing leaves you wet and salty, and having a place to rinse off makes the rest of your day easier.

The price does not include transport. You must reach the Shaka Surf Tenerife school yourself, and the activity ends back there. This is simple if you are staying near Playa de las Américas, but you should allow time to find the school and arrive 15 minutes before the lesson.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also helps if your schedule is still shifting.

The photo package is a nice extra, with one practical caveat

Photos are included, giving you a record of the session without adding a separate charge. Surfing is a hard activity to photograph from the beach because your best moments happen quickly, so having the school handle the pictures is a useful extra.

The photos also let you see your technique. You may think your feet landed in the right position, then notice in a picture that your knees were too straight or your shoulders turned the wrong way. That can make the lesson more memorable and help you understand the instructor’s advice.

There is one caveat: photo delivery may not be instant. One participant had still not received the pictures when writing about the experience. If the photos matter to you, ask the staff when and how they will be sent before leaving, and keep the school’s contact details.

Who will enjoy this lesson most

This is best for a first-time surfer who wants a guided introduction rather than an independent rental. You receive the essential explanation, equipment, safety support, and time in the water in one package.

It also suits friends or couples who want to try something active together. The class has enough structure to keep the session moving, while the small group size leaves room for individual help.

Families may also find it appealing. A 10-year-old and an 11-year-old were able to take part in first lessons with close attention from the instructors. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, so confirm the age policy before booking a child.

More experienced surfers can use the class to sharpen a specific part of their technique. Tell the instructor what you want to work on rather than waiting for a general beginner lesson. The school says the teaching is personalized for different levels.

This is not the right choice if you cannot swim, dislike shared activities, or expect hotel transport. It is also not suitable during pregnancy.

Languages and the human side of the lesson

The school offers instruction in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian. That is helpful in a sport where body position and timing can be hard to explain, even before language enters the picture.

The teaching style appears friendly and encouraging rather than stern. Instructors such as Kaia, Martin, Juan, Nacho, and others are repeatedly praised for patience, warmth, and clear demonstrations. That matters for surfing because beginners often need several attempts before the movements feel natural.

A good instructor also knows when to focus on safety instead of chasing a perfect wave. The coaching described for this class combines encouragement with close attention in the water. If the conditions feel challenging, listen carefully and do not rush beyond your ability.

The lesson is still a group activity, so the exact instructor and group mix can vary. You may receive more attention at one point and wait your turn at another. That is the tradeoff for the lower price compared with a private lesson.

Booking details that affect your day

Check the available starting times before booking because the lesson schedule varies. Arrive 15 minutes early at Shaka Surf Tenerife, not at the shoreline, so there is time to meet the guide and receive the equipment.

Send a WhatsApp message to the school for more details about the meeting point. This is especially useful if you are unfamiliar with Playa de las Américas or need to confirm the exact entrance.

Wear swimwear under the gear and bring a towel. You do not need to bring a board, wetsuit, water shoes, or lycra, since those are supplied.

The activity lasts two hours and returns to the same meeting point. Plan the rest of your day around that fixed return, particularly if you have a separate booking or need time to change and dry off.

Should you book the Playa de las Américas lesson?

I would book this if you want an affordable first taste of surfing with the practical details handled for you. The strongest reasons are the short walk to the beach, small groups, patient multilingual instructors, and equipment included in the $40 price.

You should book with realistic expectations. Two hours will not turn you into a surfer, and a busy beach may require extra attention around other people. The included photos are worthwhile, but ask about delivery if they are important to you.

For a first lesson, this package gives you a clear introduction, a safe structure, and a fair amount of time in the water. If you can swim, enjoy learning by trying, and can reach the school on your own, it is a sensible choice in Tenerife.

FAQ

How long does the surfing lesson last?

The lesson lasts two hours. This includes a theory session, warm-up, and time in the water.

Where does the activity meet?

Meet at the Shaka Surf Tenerife surf school 15 minutes before the class begins. The school is about 30 meters from the waves at Playa de las Américas.

What equipment is included?

The price includes a surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra. It also includes instruction, insurance, water, a snack, and a shower after surfing.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos from the surfing session are included in the price. Photo delivery may take some time, so ask the school for details before leaving.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instruction is available in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian.

Can non-swimmers or pregnant women take part?

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