Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for Kids in Las Americas

Kids get a proper introduction to surfing here, not a quick splash in the shallows. At Playa de Las Americas, an instructor works privately with your child on paddling, board control, and the big first step: standing up on a wave. The view toward Mount Teide adds a fine backdrop.

I like the one-on-one format, especially for a child who needs calm, direct coaching. I also like the strong safety focus and included gear, which keeps you from packing a surf shop in your suitcase. The main catch is that the lesson depends on sea and weather conditions, so timing may change or the session may be postponed.

Key points at a glance

• Private two-hour lesson: Your child receives personal instruction rather than sharing attention with a large class.
• A real first-surfing lesson: Paddling, basic technique, and standing on a wave are all part of the session.
• Safety comes first: Instructors provide guidance, and accident insurance is included.
• All main equipment supplied: Your child uses a softboard, wetsuit, and reef boots.
• Spanish and English instruction: Rocky Point Surf Experience can teach in either language.
• Swimming ability is required: This activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and sea conditions can change the schedule.

A first surf lesson at Playa de Las Americas

The appeal is simple: your child gets to try a real ocean sport in a lesson built around personal attention. Rocky Point Surf Experience presents this as a private session for children who are new to surfing or just beginning to build confidence on a board.

The two-hour length gives the instructor time to explain the basics, get the equipment on, practice technique, and work toward catching a wave. That matters with children. A shorter session might feel rushed, while two hours allows for pauses, corrections, and a second attempt after the first wobble.

The exact starting time depends on availability, and the lesson time can shift with the weather and water conditions. That is normal for surfing, but it means you should avoid placing this activity beside an important fixed-time plan.

What your child learns on the sand and in the water

The lesson covers paddling techniques, basic surfing skills, and standing on the board. Those steps sound modest, but they are the right building blocks for a beginner. A child who learns how to lie on the board, paddle with control, and position the body properly has a better foundation for later lessons.

The instructor gives step-by-step guidance rather than expecting your child to work it out alone. That is especially useful for a first-timer who may not know how to read a wave or how to react when the board moves beneath them.

The goal is not to create a polished surfer in two hours. It is to introduce the mechanics of surfing and help your child experience the thrill of getting upright on a wave. Some children may reach that point quickly. Others may spend more time learning balance and timing. The private format gives the instructor room to adjust the lesson to the child’s ability.

One instructor who has received specific praise is Raffa, described as both kind with children and competent on the water. A separate private lesson for a 14-year-old was also described as safe, friendly, and a good introduction to surfing basics. That makes this a sensible option for parents who want personal instruction rather than a loud, crowded class.

Why private instruction matters for children

A private lesson changes the feel of the activity. Instead of waiting while an instructor moves between several students, your child can receive direct corrections throughout the session. That can help a nervous beginner settle in, and it gives a confident child the chance to progress without being held back by a slower group.

It also lets the instructor match the pace to the student. A child may need extra help with paddling, getting onto the board, or understanding when to try standing. Another may be ready to repeat the exercise several times. The supplied information does not promise a particular number of waves or a guaranteed stand-up, so keep expectations sensible.

Private does not mean the experience is risk-free. Your child still needs to swim, follow instructions, and cope with changing ocean conditions. The school’s safety-first approach and included accident insurance are reassuring, but they do not replace attention from the child or parent.

The setting, views, and beach atmosphere

The session takes place at Playa de Las Americas, one of Tenerife’s well-known coastal areas. The setting gives the activity a clear holiday feel: surf instruction on the beach, ocean views, and the peak of Teide visible in the distance.

That view is more than a photo detail for parents. A child may remember the mountain behind the water as much as the first wave. It gives the lesson a strong sense of place and makes this feel like a Tenerife experience rather than an indoor sports class that happens to be on holiday.

The description presents the area as having some of Europe’s best waves, but wave quality varies with conditions. Your child’s lesson is shaped by the sea on that day, so you should think of the session as an introduction to surfing, not a promise of dramatic waves.

Weather can cause the lesson to be postponed or canceled. This is a drawback if your schedule is tight, but it is the correct call for a water activity. Keep some flexibility around the booking and do not treat the original time as immovable until the conditions are confirmed.

Equipment supplied, and what to bring

The price includes the main equipment your child needs for the lesson:

• Softboard
• Wetsuit
• Reef boots
• Accident insurance

The softboard is a practical choice for beginners. It gives children a board designed for learning basic balance and control. Reef boots protect the feet and make moving around the shore more comfortable, while the wetsuit helps your child stay comfortable in the water.

You need to bring swimwear and flip-flops. Put the swimwear on before arrival if that makes changing easier. Flip-flops are useful for walking between the meeting point and the beach, though you should follow the instructor’s directions about where to leave them.

Photos are not included. If you want pictures of the lesson, ask about the arrangements before the session rather than assuming a photographer will be present. The supplied information gives no promise of an included photo service.

Finding the meeting point in Las Americas

The directions are short but slightly awkward, so read them before you arrive. Look for the large stairs beside the BBVA bank. Take the stairs, go straight, then turn right. The local is at the end of the corridor.

This is the kind of meeting point where a few extra minutes can save stress, particularly with a child carrying swimwear or waiting to get started. Use the BBVA bank and the large staircase as your main visual markers. The directions refer to a corridor, so do not assume the lesson office will be directly on the main street.

No transport is listed as included. You should plan to reach the meeting point on your own and allow time to find the staircase and corridor. Since the lesson start depends on conditions, check the confirmed time before setting out.

Is $93 a fair price for two hours?

At $93 per person, this is not the cheapest way to put a child on a surfboard. The value comes from the private format, the two-hour duration, the instructor’s personal attention, the supplied equipment, and accident insurance.

A group lesson may cost less, but the child would likely receive less individual attention. For a first lesson, that difference can matter. A beginner who feels unsure may benefit more from a dedicated instructor than from a lower price in a larger class.

The cost makes the most sense if your child genuinely wants to try surfing and you value a structured, safety-focused introduction. It is less appealing if you are simply looking for a low-cost beach activity or if your child may lose interest quickly.

The experience has a perfect 5 rating from the three ratings supplied, including strong comments about kindness, safety, and value for a private lesson. That is a small sample, so I would not treat it as a guarantee. Still, the repeated praise points to the parts of the experience that matter most: how the instructor handles children and how safe the lesson feels.

Who should book this lesson?

This suits children and young teenagers who can swim and are curious about surfing. It is especially useful for a child who prefers direct attention, needs encouragement, or wants to try the sport before committing to more lessons.

It may also suit families who want a memorable activity with a clear result. Your child may not become an expert surfer in one session, but they can learn the basic movements and perhaps stand on a wave for the first time.

You should think twice if your child cannot swim, dislikes changing sea conditions, or is uncomfortable following water-safety instructions. The activity is specifically not suitable for non-swimmers.

Parents should also be ready for the possibility of a changed schedule. The school can postpone or cancel the session when weather or sea conditions are unsuitable. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but inconvenient if you have built a tightly timed day around it.

Practical planning for a smoother session

Book with some space around the lesson. Avoid scheduling a meal, excursion, or transport connection immediately afterward because the start time may change and the ocean can affect the pace of the activity.

Make sure your child has swimwear and flip-flops ready. The school supplies the surf equipment, so you do not need to bring a board, wetsuit, or reef boots.

Tell your child that the lesson is about learning, not performing. The first attempt may involve falling off the board, missing a wave, or needing several tries to stand. A calm attitude makes the session more enjoyable and helps the instructor teach effectively.

If language matters to your family, instruction is available in English or Spanish. If your child has a particular concern about water or balance, it is sensible to explain it to the instructor at the start.

Should you book the Rocky Point Surf Experience?

Book it if your child can swim, wants a genuine first taste of surfing, and would benefit from private coaching. The strongest reasons are the personal instruction, included equipment, clear focus on safety, and the chance to learn beside the ocean with Teide in view.

I would choose this over a cheaper group option for a child who is nervous or easily distracted. I would skip it for a non-swimmer, or for a family that cannot cope with a weather-related schedule change.

The price is reasonable for a private two-hour lesson with equipment and insurance included, though it is a deliberate splurge rather than a bargain. Keep your plans flexible, bring the right basics, and let the first wave be the reward rather than a guaranteed target.

FAQ

How long is the kids surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts two hours.

Where does the surfing lesson take place?

It takes place at Playa de Las Americas in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, Spain.

Is the lesson private?

Yes. The activity is offered as a private group experience, with personalized instruction for the child.

What equipment is included?

The lesson includes a softboard, wetsuit, reef boots, and accident insurance.

What should my child bring?

Your child should bring swimwear and flip-flops.

Does my child need to know how to swim?

Yes. Every student must know how to swim, and the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What languages does the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in English and Spanish.

Can the lesson be changed or canceled because of weather?

Yes. The lesson time depends on weather and sea conditions, and the session may be postponed or canceled when conditions are unsuitable. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.