Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included

The best part of this Tenerife surf lesson is how quickly you get from the Shaka Surf Tenerife school to the water. The shop sits about 30 meters from Playa de las Américas, so you are not hauling a board across town before the class even begins. In two hours, you receive equipment, a short theory lesson, a warm-up, and guided time in the sea.

I like the small groups of up to six and the patient teaching style reported by many people who worked with Kaia, Juan, Martin, and other instructors. I also like that the $40 price includes the board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, insurance, a snack, water, shower, and photos. The main thing to consider is that Playa de las Américas can have plenty of other people in the water, so you will need to watch your surroundings as well as your board.

Key points to know before you book

• Only 30 meters from the beach: You spend less time carrying equipment and more time getting ready to surf.
• Twenty minutes of theory first: You learn how to paddle, position the board, and stand up before entering the water.
• Small groups capped at six: This gives the instructor room to offer individual corrections.
• Good for complete beginners: Several first-timers managed to stand on the board during their first lesson, though results depend on the sea and your timing.
• Photos are included: They give you a way to remember the day, but allow some time for delivery after the class.
• Not for non-swimmers: You should be comfortable in the water, and the lesson is not suitable during pregnancy.

Starting at Shaka Surf Tenerife

You meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife school 15 minutes before the scheduled start. The school is close to the waves at Playa de las Américas, which makes the meeting point practical, especially if you are staying in the southern resort area.

Send a WhatsApp message before you go to confirm the exact meeting details. That small step matters because the instructions specifically ask you to use WhatsApp for more information about the meeting point. Bring swimwear and a towel. The school supplies the rest of the main surf kit.

Once you arrive, the staff provide a surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra. You also receive access to a shower after the lesson, plus a snack and water. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the school.

The 20-minute surf lesson on land

The class begins with about 20 minutes of theory. This is not filler. For a beginner, it is where the confusing parts of surfing start to make sense.

You learn how to paddle, where to lie on the board, how to position yourself, and how to perform the takeoff, the move from lying down to standing. The instructors also explain how to paddle correctly and how to work with the wave instead of fighting it.

I appreciate this order. A first surf lesson can feel like a jumble of board, water, arms, feet, and timing. A short explanation on land gives you something to remember once the sea starts pushing you around. Several people specifically praised the clear instructions and the way instructors made the theory session interesting rather than dull.

The teaching is adjusted to your level. If you are starting from zero, your focus will be balance, paddling, and standing safely. If you have surfed before, tell the coach what you want to improve. The class is not presented as a one-size-fits-all demonstration.

Warm-up, equipment, and the walk to the waves

After the theory section, you warm up before going into the water. The wetsuit helps keep you comfortable, while the water shoes and lycra add useful protection and make the gear feel more complete than simply borrowing a board.

Because the school is roughly 30 meters from Playa de las Américas, the move from the shop to the beach is short. That is a real advantage in a two-hour activity. You are not spending a large part of your booking on transport or a long equipment walk.

The school supplies the board, but you should still wear swimwear underneath the wetsuit and bring a towel for afterward. The included shower is useful, especially if you have plans later in the day and do not want to remain coated in saltwater.

What happens in the water

The practical lesson is the heart of the activity. Your instructor helps you choose how to approach the waves, gives corrections, and keeps an eye on safety while you try the basic movements from the land session.

The strongest pattern in the feedback is patient instruction. Kaia is repeatedly singled out for being friendly, calm, and good at explaining the movements. Juan, Martin, Marco, Nacho, Jose, Fred, and other members of the team are also praised for encouragement and clear help in the water.

That personal attention matters more than fancy equipment for a first lesson. You need an instructor who can spot why you are missing the wave, remind you when to paddle, and correct your stance without making you feel foolish. People who had never surfed before described standing up after several attempts, and some groups managed to get onto the boards during the first class.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Standing during a first session is possible, but it is not guaranteed. Ocean conditions, your balance, your comfort in the water, and the timing of the waves all make a difference. The lesson is designed to help you learn safely, not promise a perfect ride.

One useful point comes through clearly: you are not left to figure things out alone. Instructors offer repeated advice and encouragement, and they adjust their help to individuals in the group. That is especially useful if one person in your party learns faster than another.

Playa de las Américas and the question of crowds

Playa de las Américas is convenient for learning because the surf school is right by the beach, but convenience also means activity in the water. One person noted that there were many people to watch out for while surfing.

Take that seriously. You need to pay attention to other boards and surfers, follow the instructor’s directions, and avoid assuming that the water belongs only to your group. A small class helps, but it does not remove the wider beach crowd.

The location is best for someone who wants a straightforward introduction to surfing while staying near Tenerife’s southern resort center. It is less suited to someone seeking a quiet, isolated beach session. The setting is active and shared, and the amount of room around you can change with conditions.

The instructors place safety at the center of the lesson, but safety is a shared job. Listen closely, keep control of your board, and tell the coach if you feel unsure. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and pregnant women should not book it.

Equipment, insurance, and photos for $40

At $40 per person, this is a strong package if you want to try surfing without buying or renting each piece separately. The price includes:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Water shoes
• Lycra
• Theory lesson
• Certified instructor
• Snack and water
• Shower after surfing
• Insurance
• Photos from the session

The value comes from the bundle. You are paying for instruction, equipment, and the practical support around the lesson, not only access to a board. The two-hour duration also gives the class enough time for an introduction on land and practice in the sea.

The photos are a nice extra, especially if this is your first attempt and you want a record of the day. One person had not received the photos yet at the time of writing, so I would not treat instant delivery as guaranteed. If the pictures matter to you, confirm the delivery process with the school before leaving.

There is no hotel transfer. That keeps the price down, but it means you must arrange your own transport to Shaka Surf Tenerife. If you are already in Playa de las Américas, the location is especially convenient. If you are staying elsewhere in Tenerife, check your route and allow time to arrive 15 minutes early.

Who will enjoy this lesson most

This is a good choice for a first-time surfer who wants a friendly introduction without committing to a longer surf course. The clear theory section, included equipment, and close beach location remove several common barriers.

It also suits improving surfers who want to work on a specific point. Tell the coach what you want to learn, then use the water time for focused corrections rather than repeating only the basics.

Families can consider it too, provided each participant meets the activity requirements. A 10-year-old and an 11-year-old were described as enjoying their first surf lessons, with special attention given to the younger participant. That does not establish a universal minimum age, so ask the school about your child before booking.

The class works well for solo visitors, couples, and small groups of friends. With only six places, you are less likely to disappear into a large crowd of students. The group still shares the beach with other surfers, so it is not a private lesson.

The language list is unusually broad for a short activity. Instruction is available in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian. Confirm your preferred language when booking if that is important to you.

What the class does particularly well

The instructors receive the strongest praise. The repeated comments describe them as patient, friendly, attentive, and encouraging. That combination is important because surfing can feel awkward at first, especially when your first attempts end with a splash rather than a clean stand.

Kaia receives especially strong recognition for careful explanations, positive energy, and close attention in the water. Martin and Juan are also praised for helping beginners move from zero to standing on the board. Marco is noted for arranging lessons and responding quickly.

The school also handles the emotional side of learning well. You may be nervous before your first attempt, but the instructors focus on useful corrections rather than making the session feel like a test. That makes this a better fit for a cautious beginner than a lesson built around speed or competition.

The included snack and water are small touches, but they are useful after physical work in the sea. Insurance and a post-surf shower add practical value, too. You can finish the lesson, rinse off, and continue your day without having to pack a full set of surf supplies.

A few limits to keep in mind

Two hours passes quickly. The theory and warm-up take part of the session, leaving less time in the water than you might expect from a two-hour booking. That structure is sensible for beginners, but experienced surfers looking for a long practice session may want a more advanced or extended option.

Your result depends heavily on conditions. Some beginners stand during their first lesson, while others may need more time. Do not book this expecting a guaranteed perfect wave or a polished surf style by lunchtime.

The shared beach can also feel busy. Keep your eyes open and follow the coach’s safety instructions. If you want complete privacy or a quiet stretch of coast, this is not the right type of lesson.

Finally, the class is not for non-swimmers. The school provides instruction and insurance, but those features do not replace basic comfort in the water. Pregnant women should also choose another activity.

Should you book the Playa de las Américas surf lesson?

I would book this if you want an affordable first try at surfing in Tenerife, especially if you are staying near Playa de las Américas. The $40 fee covers the important extras, the school is close to the beach, and groups are limited to six.

Book it for the teaching and the chance to learn a new skill, not only for the photos or the promise of standing immediately. You should be comfortable swimming, ready for an active class, and willing to share the water with other people.

If those conditions suit you, this is a practical introduction with supportive instructors and a good amount included in the price. Send the WhatsApp message before arrival, bring swimwear and a towel, and arrive 15 minutes early. That simple preparation lets you focus on the part that matters: catching your first wave.

FAQ

Where does the surfing lesson take place?

The lesson takes place at Playa de las Américas in the south of Tenerife. You meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife school, located about 30 meters from the waves.

How long is the activity?

The full activity lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How much does the lesson cost?

The price is $40 per person.

Is the lesson suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The class teaches basic surfing from the beginning, including paddling, board position, and the takeoff. It also accepts participants with more advanced experience.

What equipment is included?

The school provides a surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos from the surfing session are included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the group private?

No. It is a small group activity limited to six participants.

Which languages are available?

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

Can non-swimmers or pregnant women join?

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