Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for Kids in Las Americas

Two hours, one child, and a first wave. This Tenerife kids surfing lesson takes place on Playa de Las Americas, with the Teide volcano in view and real, hands-on coaching from start to finish.

I like the one-on-one instruction approach because it keeps things focused on your child’s pace. You’re not just watching from the beach, you’re learning the basics alongside them as the instructor works through paddling, surfing fundamentals, and the first stand-up attempts.

The main consideration is that every student must know how to swim, and the lesson timing depends on weather and sea conditions.

Private group time means your child gets more attention than they would in a bigger class

Gear included covers reef boots, wetsuit, and a softboard

Safety-first coaching comes before anyone is trying to catch waves

Teide views keep the experience scenic while you practice fundamentals

Spanish and English instruction includes a guide like Raffa, who’s noted for being great with kids

Why Playa de Las Americas Works for Kids Learning Surf

Playa de Las Americas sits in a great “first surf lesson” setting. It’s a beach where kids can get comfortable with the feeling of the ocean, while still having a structured lesson format that prioritizes safety and technique. The best part for your family is the setting itself. You get ocean time, plus a stunning backdrop that includes the peak of Teide volcano, so the lesson feels like an actual adventure, not just a class.

For a kid, the first hurdle is usually confidence. They need to understand what the water will do and what they’re supposed to do next, in simple steps. That’s exactly what you’re paying for here: an instructor guiding your child from paddling basics toward actually standing up on a wave, at an appropriate pace.

The lesson is also framed as a start point for beginners and those still building fundamentals. That matters if your child is curious but has never surfed, or if they’ve tried once and need correction. You’ll get a session tailored to abilities, instead of a rigid routine that assumes everyone starts at the same level.

What Happens in Your 2-Hour Private Lesson Session

This is a 2-hour private lesson for children, led by instructors who teach in Spanish and English. The session is designed to move through key surfing skills in a logical order, starting with getting comfortable, then practicing the motion, then using that motion to catch real waves.

Here’s the flow you can expect in practical terms:

First, you meet at the local starting point by the big stairs next to BBVA bank. Go straight, then turn right. The place is at the end of the corredor. This sets you up to arrive ready and not waste lesson time hunting for the right door.

Next comes gear setup. You’ll use provided reef boots, a wetsuit, and a softboard. The point is to reduce friction, keep your kid comfortable in the water, and support safe practice. Softer boards are often the difference between a kid getting stuck trying to balance instantly and a kid progressing because they can focus on technique.

Then the instructor leads the land and water learning segments, typically starting with water comfort and safety. After that, you’ll work on paddling technique and core surfing basics. The goal is to get your child to understand how to manage the board, how to respond to incoming waves, and how to prepare for the moment they’ll stand up.

The final push is catching their first waves with confidence. The description specifically calls out standing up on that first epic wave moment. For many kids, that is the story they’ll tell for the rest of the trip.

Time can shift based on weather and sea conditions, so build in flexibility.

Safety-First Coaching With Raffa and Kind Instructors

Safety isn’t a “check box” here. It’s the structure. The lesson is built around expert surf guides leading children step by step, with a focus on catching first waves with confidence. That approach helps kids avoid the common beginner problem of panicking in the water or rushing into standing before they’re ready.

One standout detail is the emphasis on personal attention. This is a private group, so your child gets coaching that matches their ability level. If they’re a brand-new beginner, they’ll start with foundational skills. If they’re older or already tried surfing, the instructor can fine tune basics instead of repeating everything from scratch.

The vibe also sounds warm and encouraging. Raffa is mentioned as nice, competent, and great with kids. That’s exactly what you want in a surf lesson, because kids learn faster when they feel comfortable and when instructions are delivered clearly, not harshly.

In real terms, a safety-first lesson gives you less stress. You’re not constantly worried that your child is being pushed into bigger water than they can handle. You’re also more likely to get real progress, because your child stays in the learning zone long enough to try again, adjust, and succeed.

Gear That Helps Kids Progress Faster Than You’d Expect

You get the equipment, and that’s a big value lever. Included gear is reef boots, wetsuit, and a softboard. For families, this removes a hassle and cuts down on what you have to pack. It also matters for performance. Reef boots help with traction and comfort in the sand and shallow areas, while a wetsuit supports warmth and makes kids more willing to stay in the water long enough to learn.

The softboard is especially relevant for kids and early learners. The lesson is meant for children starting their surf journey, and softboards are easier to handle, which lets your child focus on technique rather than fighting balance from the first second.

There’s one small downside to having gear included: you still need to plan what you’ll wear underneath. The lesson requires swimwear, and you’ll also want something easy to change into after. Bringing flip-flops for before and after water time is the practical move.

Also note what is not included. Photos from the lesson aren’t included, so if you want images for the big moment, plan to bring a phone you’re comfortable using in beach conditions, or decide in advance that you’ll document it yourself.

Swim Skills and Weather Timing: The Real-World Stuff

Here’s the essential requirement: every student must know how to swim. The lesson is not suitable for non-swimmers. This is non-negotiable and should factor into your decision quickly, especially if your child is still building basic water comfort.

The other real-world factor is conditions. The lesson time depends on the weather and sea conditions. The surf session can be postponed or canceled based on what the ocean is doing that day. That doesn’t mean it’s poorly run. It means the instructors are prioritizing safe conditions for learning.

If you’re visiting Tenerife and have a tight schedule, keep some buffer time around this lesson. If you’re staying flexible, you’ll find it easier to accept a delayed start or a shift in the schedule.

Languages are another practical point. The instructor speaks Spanish and English. If your child freezes when they hear new words, it helps to know the instructor can communicate in the language you’re most comfortable with.

Price and Value: Is $93 Worth a Private Kids Surf Lesson?

At $93 per person for a 2-hour private lesson, the value depends on what matters most to you: equipment, coaching, and results.

You’re not just paying for someone to supervise. The price includes all necessary lesson equipment: reef boots, wetsuit, and a softboard. Those items can cost real money if you had to buy or rent them on your own. You also get insurance in case of accident, which adds another layer of reassurance for families.

Most importantly, the format is private for children. With kids, one-on-one or small attention makes a difference because children need quick feedback and encouragement to stay engaged. A private setup also tends to reduce waiting time, which helps the child get more tries during the 2-hour window.

Photos are not included, so if you want professional-style pictures, you’ll need to plan for that separately. Still, for a family trying to create a memorable, skill-building day in Tenerife, this price often feels more reasonable than it first looks, especially because you’re getting both instruction and the gear.

Who This Tenerife Kids Lesson Is Best For

This surf lesson is best for children who want to start surfing, learn basics, and build confidence in the water. It’s tailored to different abilities, so it can work for true beginners and for kids who have tried before and need the fundamentals taught clearly.

It also can make sense for teens. One documented example includes a 14-year-old boy learning the basics with a kind, safety-focused team. If your child is on the older side of “kids” and wants a real structured lesson, a private format is often a good match.

You’ll want to skip this if your child cannot swim. Since swimming is required, there’s no option here to treat it like a water introduction class.

If your family values structure, coaching, and safety, you’ll likely enjoy the experience more. If your child is easily overwhelmed by new environments, the private attention should help them stay calm and progress step by step.

Should You Book This Kids Surf Lesson in Las Americas?

If your child can swim and you want a real chance at a first-wave win, I’d book it. The combination of private instruction, included gear, and a safety-first approach makes it a smart way to turn a beach day into something your kid actually learns from.

Pick this lesson especially if you care about personalized guidance rather than a group scramble. It’s also a nice choice for families who want a scenic experience, with Playa de Las Americas and the Teide volcano in the background, not just sand and seawater.

If you want photos, plan to take your own since photos aren’t included. And if your schedule is inflexible, remember the ocean controls the exact timing.

Overall, this is a focused, family-friendly surf start that prioritizes getting kids safely into the rhythm of surfing, then rewarding them with those first successful moments.

FAQ

How long is the kids surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts 2 hours.

Is this a private group lesson?

Yes, it is a private group lesson.

What equipment is included?

You get reef boots, a wetsuit, and a softboard.

Do kids need to know how to swim?

Yes. It is essential for every student to know how to swim, and it is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should my child bring?

Bring flip-flops and swimwear.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the big stairs next to BBVA bank. Go straight, then turn right, and the local is at the end of the corredor.

What languages are spoken by the instructor?

The instructor speaks Spanish and English.

Are photos from the lesson included?

No, photos from the lesson are not included.

Is there insurance for accidents?

Yes, insurance in case of accident is included.