Playa de Las Américas: Premium Surf Equipment for Rent

Playa de Las Américas makes it easy to turn a beach day into a surf day. At Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School, you choose from softboards, hardboards, longboards, bodyboards, SUPs, and surf accessories, then walk about 100 meters to the beach with your kit. The setup is simple, and it works well if you want water time without buying or carrying bulky gear.

I like two things right away: the wide board selection gives beginners and experienced surfers room to choose, and the practical facilities make the day more comfortable. Lockers with keys and CCTV, changing areas, reef shoes, and hot showers are useful extras, not fluff. The main point to consider is that beach and class availability can affect your start time, so contact the school ahead of time if your schedule is tight.

Key points to know

• Choose the board that fits your ability: Softboards favor stability, while shortboards and hardboards suit surfers who want more control.
• Reef shoes are included: They help with the rocky entry into the water, which is an important detail at this beach.
• The beach is close: Expect roughly a 100-meter walk from the meeting point under the blue BBVA sign.
• Your belongings stay on site: Lockers with keys and CCTV let you leave valuables while you surf.
• The short rental can be good value: A two-hour Surf Pack is advertised at €25, while the general activity price is listed at $28 per person.
• You can add instruction: A group lesson costs €20 extra, while a private instructor session with insurance costs €70.

Getting started under the blue BBVA sign

Your meeting point is under the blue BBVA bank sign, next to Beer Spa Tenerife. This is a useful landmark in Playa de Las Américas, but I would still allow a few extra minutes to find the exact entrance and get settled.

At the school, the staff helps match you with equipment. You can choose a softboard or a hardboard, depending on your experience and comfort in the water. The leash comes with the board, and the basic rental also includes a wetsuit and reef shoes.

That first equipment choice matters. A large softboard is stable, buoyant, and easier to paddle, so it is the sensible pick if you are new to surfing or have only tried it a few times. A hardboard offers sharper handling and better performance, but it demands more balance and control.

The school also carries shortboards, epoxy boards, longboards, bodyboards, and stand-up paddleboards. If you are not sure what suits you, ask before choosing. The staff can help you avoid renting a board that looks exciting but is too demanding for your current skill level.

Choosing between softboards, shortboards, and longboards

The range of equipment is one of the strongest reasons to use a dedicated surf school rather than simply finding a board on the beach. You are not limited to one generic model.

Softboards are the safest starting point for most beginners. Their buoyancy helps with paddling and wave-catching, and their softer surface is more forgiving during falls. They are also practical for families with older children, although this activity is not suitable for anyone under 13.

Hardboards are aimed at more experienced surfers. A shortboard gives you speed and tighter control, while an epoxy board is light and durable. These boards make more sense when you already know how to position yourself, paddle into waves, and handle a less stable platform.

Longboards suit a slower, smoother style. Their length helps with wave-catching, making them a good choice for surfers who enjoy relaxed rides rather than quick turns.

You can also rent a bodyboard for smaller waves and easy fun, or a SUP for time along the coast rather than traditional wave riding. Surfskates are available for practicing surfing movements on land. That is useful if you want to work on balance and turns before entering the water.

The short walk to the water

From the school, the beach is about 100 meters away. That distance is short enough to keep the rental practical, especially since you do not need to transport the equipment across town.

The walk may still feel different depending on your board choice. A longboard or SUP is more awkward to carry than a bodyboard or softboard, so the nearby beach is a real advantage. You can focus on the sea rather than hauling gear through Playa de Las Américas.

Reef shoes are included, and you should use them. The entry area has rocks and uneven surfaces, so footwear protects your feet while you get into and out of the water. This is one of those small details that can affect the whole day. A board rental without suitable footwear can leave you worrying about every step before you even start paddling.

The activity does not include wax, so experienced surfers who prefer a particular grip should plan for that. Water is not included either, so bring your own bottle.

What the rental includes in practical terms

The basic package is more than just a board handed over at a counter. You receive:

• A softboard or hardboard with leash
• A wetsuit in a range of sizes
• Reef shoes
• Access to changing areas
• Secure lockers with a key and CCTV
• Restrooms and showers

The wetsuit helps you stay warm and comfortable in the water, while also providing some protection from minor scrapes. Ask for the right fit before leaving the school. A suit that is too loose can let in water and feel cumbersome. One that is too tight can restrict movement.

You also get access to clean restroom facilities and separate bathrooms for men and women. The site has a ramp and an accessible toilet and shower for people with reduced mobility. The provided information does not explain the beach access or water-entry conditions in detail, so anyone with mobility needs should contact the school before booking.

Towels cost €1 extra. Bring your own if you can, along with beachwear and a change of clothes. That saves a small fee and makes the post-surf routine easier.

From a two-hour Surf Pack to a longer rental

The advertised Surf Pack costs €25 for two hours. The general activity price is listed as $28 per person, and the school also offers multi-day packages. Since the price information uses both euros and dollars and the final cost depends on the rental length, confirm the current rate and exact duration before you pay.

For a first attempt, two hours is a sensible amount of time. You need time to get fitted, choose a board, walk to the beach, and get comfortable in the water. Two hours gives you a real session without committing your entire day to surfing.

A longer rental makes more sense if you already surf or plan to practice over several days. The value improves when you use the equipment repeatedly, especially because the board, wetsuit, reef shoes, and storage are handled in one place.

If you want instruction, a group lesson can be added for €20. A private instructor session with insurance costs €70. The private option costs much more, but it may suit you if you need focused help with balance, paddling, or board choice. The school notes that availability depends on the surf classes scheduled that day, so do not assume an instructor will be available without checking first.

A useful setup for first-time surfers

This rental is not a full lesson by default. You receive equipment and initial guidance, but you are responsible for choosing the right level of support. If you have never surfed, a group lesson is worth considering rather than treating the board as self-explanatory.

The staff provides a calm introduction and helps with the equipment. That matters when you are learning the basics, since a poor board choice can make the first session frustrating. A softboard, wetsuit, reef shoes, and a short lesson create a much easier start than arriving with no plan.

I would also ask about the conditions before walking down to the beach. Surfing depends on the day, and the school’s class schedule can affect rental availability. The staff speaks English and Spanish, so you can ask practical questions about the board, timing, and water entry before setting off.

For intermediate and advanced surfers, the main attraction is choice. You can use an epoxy board or shortboard instead of being limited to beginner equipment. Still, the school does not promise a particular model or size in advance, so contact them if you need a very specific board.

Lockers, hot showers, and the post-surf routine

The facilities make this rental more convenient than a casual beach hire. You can leave your belongings in a secure locker with a key and CCTV while you are in the water. That means you do not need to keep a phone, wallet, or room key beside your towel.

After surfing, you can use the changing areas and hot showers. This is especially welcome if you are staying in a hotel and do not want to return covered in salt and sand. The shower also makes the €1 towel fee easier to understand, though you still need to bring beachwear and a change of clothes.

The school operates from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in summer. These hours give you useful flexibility, but the available start times may change with scheduled classes. If you have a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another booked activity, leave a buffer after your rental.

Who will get the most from this experience

This rental suits several kinds of visitors:

• Beginners who want a stable board and the option to add a lesson
• Intermediate surfers who want to try a different board without bringing one to Tenerife
• Experienced surfers looking for a shortboard, epoxy board, or longboard
• Couples and small groups who want a simple beach activity
• Longer-stay visitors who can make use of a multi-day rental
• People who value facilities such as hot showers, changing rooms, and secure storage

It is not suitable for children under 13, people with back problems, people with altitude sickness, or people over 95. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The school also lists the experience as unsuitable for anyone with certain health concerns, so take those restrictions seriously rather than treating them as routine fine print.

Timing, cancellation, and small costs to plan for

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. That is useful in Tenerife, where weather and daily plans can shift.

Bring beachwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. A towel is available for €1, but wax and water are not included. If you have special preferences for wax, bring your own.

The school is open year-round on a seasonal schedule, but rental availability depends on the day’s surf classes. Contact Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School before arriving if you want a particular board, a group lesson, or private instruction.

Should you book Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School?

I would book this rental if you want easy access to surf equipment in Playa de Las Américas and care about the details after the session. The nearby beach, included reef shoes, lockers, changing rooms, and hot showers make the process simple. The broad board selection also means you can choose something suited to your ability instead of accepting whatever happens to be available.

For a complete beginner, add the €20 group lesson if a class is available. For an experienced surfer, confirm the exact board type and rental price first. The two-hour €25 Surf Pack offers a clear starting point, but the dollar price and longer rental options mean you should verify the current total before booking.

This is a practical, well-equipped choice for a short surf session, especially if you want to surf more and carry less.

FAQ

Where is Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School located?

The school is under the blue BBVA bank sign next to Beer Spa Tenerife in Playa de Las Américas, Tenerife.

How far is the beach from the meeting point?

The beach is about 100 meters from the meeting point.

What equipment is included?

The rental includes a softboard or hardboard with leash, wetsuit, and reef shoes. Lockers, changing areas, restrooms, and showers are also available.

Are longboards and shortboards available?

Yes. The school offers softboards, shortboards, epoxy boards, longboards, bodyboards, SUPs, and surfskates, subject to availability.

How much does the two-hour Surf Pack cost?

The Surf Pack is advertised at €25 for two hours. The general activity price is listed as $28 per person, so confirm the current rate and rental duration before booking.

Can I add a surf lesson?

Yes. A group lesson costs €20 extra. A private instructor session with insurance costs €70. Availability depends on the surf classes scheduled that day.

Are towels included?

No. Towels cost €1 each, and you can also bring your own towel.

What are the opening hours?

The school is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in summer. Start times depend on availability.