Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included

Tenerife surfing, paced for real beginners. This small-group lesson on Playa de las Américas (right near the water at Shaka Surf Tenerife) is designed so you can start from zero or sharpen what you already know. What I like is the way the session mixes simple instruction with hands-on coaching, so you are not just watching from the shore.

Two things I love here are the included photos and the structured flow. You get a theory chunk first, then a warm-up, then time in the water, and the team captures your best moments so you can remember the day. Instructors you may be taught by include Rodri and Gabriele, both praised for staying calm and focused when conditions get challenging.

One consideration: it is not for everyone. The lesson is not suitable for non-swimmers, and pregnant women are also not recommended, so be honest about your comfort in open water before booking.

Key Things to Know Before You Paddle Out

• You’re close to the waves at Playa de las Américas, with the school located about 30 meters from the water.
• Small group size (max 6) means more attention and quicker feedback when you’re learning.
• Theory first, then practice, including a 20-minute basics segment on paddling, positioning, and how to take off.
• Coaches are hands-on in the water, with guidance like step-by-step tips and help to build confidence catching waves.
• Photos are included, and multiple recent lessons mention the shots are high quality and genuinely useful as keepsakes.

Playa de las Américas: Why This Spot Works for Learning

Playa de las Américas is one of Tenerife’s go-to areas because it is built for tourists, which usually means easier logistics and a steady setup for water sports. For a surfing lesson, that matters. You want a place where the day feels organized, where you can focus on learning, and where the school can adjust when the ocean changes.

Another practical win is how close the surf school is to the beach. You are meeting at Shaka Surf Tenerife, and the location is only about 30 meters from the waves. That short walk means less waiting around in the wrong weather, less gear juggling, and more time actually surfing.

Also, this lesson is aimed at all levels, not just first-timers. So if you already surf and feel stuck with a specific skill, you are not stuck in a beginner-only routine. You can tell the coach what you want to learn, which is a big deal when you are trying to fix something specific instead of relearning everything from scratch.

The 2-Hour Flow: Gear, Theory, Warm-Up, Then Real Water Time

The schedule is simple, and that is part of the value. You will start with equipment, move to a short classroom-style basics session, then transition into land warm-up before you get in the water.

Here’s what the lesson looks like, in plain terms:

1) Show up and get kitted out

You meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife, ideally 15 minutes before the start time. Then the team provides everything you need for the water: a wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra. Having all of that included removes one of the biggest beginner headaches, which is figuring out sizing and whether you’ll freeze or slip.

2) Theory, about 20 minutes

The lesson includes a theory part. You go over basics like:

• how to paddle effectively
• how to position yourself on the board
• how to take off
• where to focus so you do not waste your effort on the wrong movement

This is not meant to replace practice. It just gives you mental rails, so when you’re out there, you understand what the coach is telling you and why.

3) Warm-up on land

Before you hit the surf, there is a warm-up. You can think of it as a quick body prep so your first attempts are smoother and safer, especially if you are not used to paddling or balancing on a board.

4) In the water with certified instructors

This is the main event. The instructors guide you through the moves, and they stay involved rather than sending you off with a few gestures. In reviews, you’ll see repeated praise for instructors who give calm, clear directions and who help you feel safe when the conditions feel bigger or less predictable.

There is also flexibility in how the session plays out. One review notes that when the waves were big, the group went to a quieter spot, which is smart if you’re learning and the goal is to build reps, not just survive the ocean.

Coaching That Builds Confidence, Not Just Board Time

You can learn technique from a book. You cannot learn surfing that way. What makes this lesson work is the coaching style described in the feedback: patient, hands-on, and focused on keeping you safe while you figure out how waves and your board meet each other.

When you are a total beginner, the hard part is not only balancing. It is dealing with the ocean itself: uncertainty, cold water, and the feeling of being knocked around. In multiple reviews, instructors are praised for making that moment manageable. One beginner learning as a hijabi and a first-time ocean swimmer credits Rodri for helping her feel safe when waves hit repeatedly and for guiding her professionally. Another review highlights Gabriele’s patience and friendly approach, which is exactly what you want when you are nervous but still trying.

If you already have some surf time, you’ll likely appreciate that coaches do not just teach the same script. The lesson is personalized, and you can ask for what you want to improve. That is also why small groups matter. With up to 6 participants, you are less likely to disappear into the background.

Gear, Comfort, and What You Should Bring

One of the easiest ways to ruin a surfing lesson is to show up unprepared. Here you have a lot of the essentials covered, but you still need to show up ready.

Included gear:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Water shoes
• Lycra
• Shower after surf

Included support:

• Snack and water
• Insurance
• Certified instructors
• Theory part (20 minutes)

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

Two small practical notes from the way people talk about their experience:

• Bring a towel you do not mind getting salty. You will want it after the session for a quick reset.
• If you are wondering what to wear under the wetsuit, one review specifically suggests wearing underwear under the rented wetsuit. It is a simple comfort and fit tip.

Also remember there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You will handle getting yourself to the meeting point at Shaka Surf Tenerife.

Value Check: What You Get for Around $50

$50 for 2 hours can sound either reasonable or steep, depending on what’s included. Here, the value is not only the lesson time. It is the whole package around it.

You are getting:

• the surfboard
• wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra
• a 20-minute theory segment
• certified instructors
• time in the water guided step by step
• snack and water
• shower after surfing
• insurance
• and included photos

The photos are a big deal. Surfing is one of those sports where you are busy thinking, paddling, and falling off the board. You rarely feel like you are capturing the day in the moment. Reviews repeatedly mention the included photos are a key part of the experience, so you can keep proof you actually tried, and improved, without needing to bring waterproof camera gear.

Small group size (max 6) also raises the value. If you pay for a lesson and you end up stuck waiting while others get coaching, the cost feels higher. With a tighter group, you typically get more direct attention.

Who This Lesson Suits Best on Tenerife

This is a strong choice if you fit one of these categories:

• First-timers who want a clear path from basics to standing up, with instructors who stay supportive.
• Intermediate surfers who want technique refinement and personalized guidance, not just general tips.
• People who get nervous about the ocean but still want to try, since the coaching emphasis is on safety and confidence building.

It is not a match if:

• you are a non-swimmer
• you are pregnant

If you are booking for kids or teens, the data you provided does not specify a minimum age, so you would need to ask the school directly. The same goes for any specific medical concerns beyond the stated non-recommendations.

A Realistic Expectation for Your First Waves

Learning to surf is hard in a very physical, humbling way. You will paddle, you will fall off, and you will reset. That is normal.

The lesson is built to get you past the first mental block. Reviews often mention how beginners managed to kneel on the board and some even stood for short moments during the lesson. Even if you do not stand immediately, the session still has value because you learn the basics: where to position yourself, how to paddle, and how to take off safely.

One useful mindset: treat the first lesson as training reps, not a performance. If you want more wave-catching and more consistent takeoffs, doing a second session is the way people tend to level up fast.

Should You Book Shaka Surf Tenerife?

I’d book this lesson if you want a focused 2-hour start with gear included, a small group, and instructors who are known for patience. The combination of theory plus in-water coaching makes it feel structured, and the included photos make it feel like more than just a workout.

I would think twice if you are not comfortable in open water, since the lesson is not suitable for non-swimmers. I’d also plan to communicate what you want to learn, because the lesson is designed to be personalized and you’ll get more out of it when the coach knows your goals.

If Tenerife is on your trip calendar and you want one memorable day that is active, social, and genuinely hands-on, this is one of the simpler ways to make surfing happen without getting lost in gear rentals and guesswork.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the surfing lesson?

You meet at the Shaka Surf Tenerife school. You should arrive about 15 minutes before the start so you can get ready for the session.

How long is the surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, a 20-minute theory part, certified instructors, snack and water, a shower after surfing, and insurance. Photos from the day are also included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is the lesson suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and pregnant women are also listed as not recommended.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 6 participants.