Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included

Playa de las Américas is a fine place to try surfing without making a full day of it. Shaka Surf Tenerife’s school sits about 30 meters from the beach, so after a short lesson on land, you carry the board to the waves and put the advice to work. The two-hour class costs $40 and includes the board, wetsuit, water shoes, rash guard, snack, water, shower, insurance, and photos.

I like the small groups of up to six and the practical 20-minute theory session. Instructors such as Kaia, Juan, Martin, and Nacho are often singled out for patience, clear explanations, and hands-on help in the water. I also like that beginners are not pushed aside: several first-timers, including children aged 10 and 11, managed to stand on the board during their first lesson.

The main consideration is that Playa de las Américas can be busy, with other surfers and beach users around you. One person also had not received the photos yet, so confirm how and when those will be delivered. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women.

Key points to know before booking

• Start close to the beach: The Shaka Surf Tenerife school is about 30 meters from Playa de las Américas.
• Learn the basics on land: The 20-minute theory lesson covers paddling, board position, and the pop-up.
• Keep the group personal: No more than six participants share an instructor-led session.
• Bring very little: Swimwear and a towel are all you need. Board, wetsuit, water shoes, rash guard, snack, and water are supplied.
• Suitable for several skill levels: You can start from zero or tell the coach what you want to improve.
• Photos are included: They are part of the price, though you should confirm the delivery details before leaving.

What the two-hour surf lesson is really like

This is a compact introduction to surfing, not an all-day beach school. You meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife 15 minutes before the class begins, get fitted with the supplied gear, learn the core movements, warm up, and spend the remaining time practicing in the sea.

That short format works well if you want to add an active morning or afternoon to a Tenerife holiday. You do not need to arrange transport to a distant surf break or rent equipment separately. The school is close to the water, which cuts down on carrying time and leaves more of the session for instruction.

The pace depends on your group and the day’s sea conditions. A complete beginner can expect to work on the basic standing movement, while a more experienced surfer can tell the coach what needs attention. The activity description promises personalized instruction, and the limited group size gives the instructor a better chance to watch each person.

Meeting the team at Shaka Surf Tenerife

Arrive 15 minutes early at the surf school. You should send a WhatsApp message beforehand for more detail about the exact meeting point, particularly if you are unfamiliar with Playa de las Américas.

The school supplies a wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra, which is a rash guard worn under or over the wetsuit. You bring your own swimwear and towel. A shower is available afterward, a small but useful touch when you have sand and saltwater to deal with before continuing your day.

The instructors work in several languages: Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian. Names that appear repeatedly in the experience feedback include Kaia, Kaja, Juan, Juanito, Martin, Nacho, Marco, Jose, Joshua, and Fred. Your instructor may be someone else, but this gives you a sense of the multilingual team available at the school.

The staff’s strongest quality is their teaching style. Kaia is praised for making the theory portion interesting and for patiently correcting timing and movement. Martin and Juan are noted for helping beginners get from lying on the board to standing. That matters in surfing, where a small change in foot position or timing can make the difference between catching a wave and sliding off.

The 20-minute lesson before the water

The first formal part lasts about 20 minutes and covers the basic mechanics of surfing. You learn how to paddle, where to position yourself on the board, how to paddle correctly, and how to take off, meaning the movement from lying down to standing.

This land-based instruction is more valuable than it may sound. Surfing gives you very little time to think once a wave reaches the board. Practicing the sequence on land lets you focus on the order of the movements before the water adds speed and balance.

Pay close attention to the pop-up. Keep the instructions simple in your head: paddle with purpose, wait for the right push, place your feet carefully, and rise in one controlled motion. The instructor will also explain how to position yourself on the board, a basic skill that prevents unnecessary wobbling.

You should use this time to say what you want from the session. If you are completely new, tell the coach. If you have surfed before and want help with timing, balance, or paddling, say so. The lesson is designed for several levels, but the instructor can only tailor it if you explain your goal.

Warming up and walking to Playa de las Américas

After the theory session, you warm up before heading into the sea. This is a sensible step for an activity that uses your shoulders, arms, legs, and core. It also gives the instructor a chance to repeat the safety points before everyone reaches the water.

The beach is only about 30 meters from the school. That short walk is one of the practical strengths of the setup. You are not spending half the class transporting equipment, and the transition from instruction to practice is quick.

Playa de las Américas is a popular place, so do not expect an empty private stretch of water. You may need to watch for other people in the surf, as one participant specifically noted that there were many people to look out for. Stay close to the instructor’s directions and give other surfers room.

Conditions can also affect how much you stand up during the lesson. Some people have reported standing on their first attempt, while others may spend more time learning to paddle, balance, and catch the board’s movement. A first lesson should be judged by progress, not by the number of perfect rides.

In the water with a group of six or fewer

The water portion is where the lesson becomes memorable. You paddle out with the group and try to catch manageable waves while the instructors watch, give advice, and help you improve your timing.

A maximum of six participants is a useful limit. Surf lessons can become frustrating when one instructor has to divide attention among a large crowd. Here, you have a better chance of receiving corrections, though you should still expect to share the coach’s time with other people.

The teaching is aimed at making you feel safe and supported. Several people describe instructors staying attentive in the water, offering encouragement, and helping them catch waves. That is especially helpful during a first attempt, when the board can feel large and the timing can seem strange.

Do not expect the instructor to remove all difficulty. Surfing requires balance, strength, and repeated attempts. You may fall often, and that is part of the lesson. The important point is that the team explains what to change rather than simply telling you to try again.

The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. You need to be comfortable in the water and able to follow the instructor’s directions. Pregnant women should not book this lesson.

How beginners and returning surfers are handled

This class is a good fit for a first surfing experience. Beginners receive an introduction to equipment, board position, paddling, and the take-off. The instructors use simple explanations, and the staff has experience helping adults and children start from zero.

The feedback includes successful first lessons for a 10-year-old and an 11-year-old. That suggests the teaching can work well for families, although the supplied information does not give a minimum age. If you are booking for a child, ask the school about age and ability requirements before paying.

You can also book if you have surfed before. Tell the instructor what you want to improve, such as paddling, timing, standing position, or wave selection. The lesson is still a group class, so it will not provide the same level of attention as a private coaching session.

I would choose this experience for a beginner who wants a friendly introduction rather than a full surf-training program. It also suits a returning surfer who wants a short refresher while staying near the resort area.

Equipment, comfort, and what the $40 covers

At $40 per person, the price is reasonable because the main equipment is included. A separate board rental and wetsuit rental could quickly reduce the value of a short lesson, while here you receive both as part of the class.

The package includes:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Water shoes
• Lycra rash guard
• Certified instructor
• 20-minute theory lesson
• Snack and water
• Shower after surfing
• Insurance
• Photos from the session

The snack and water are modest extras, but useful after physical activity. The shower is also practical if you plan to eat, shop, or continue sightseeing afterward.

You need to bring swimwear and a towel. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the school. Since the meeting point is in Playa de las Américas and the beach is nearby, this is better suited to people already staying in or visiting the south of Tenerife than to anyone expecting door-to-door transport.

The photos are a welcome extra, with one thing to check

Photos give you something tangible from the lesson, especially if this is your first time standing on a surfboard. They can also help you see your position and balance after the session, even if the main purpose is simply to remember the day.

The photos are included in the $40 price, not sold as a separate add-on. Before leaving, ask how they will be delivered and when you should expect them. One person reported still waiting for the photos, so it is sensible to confirm the process rather than assume they will appear immediately.

That small caution does not cancel out the value, but it is worth remembering. The lesson itself is the main product, and the photos are an added benefit.

Safety, language, and the busy beach setting

The school provides insurance and uses certified instructors. The team explains the basics before entering the sea and continues giving guidance while you practice. Several people describe the instructors as patient, attentive, and good at helping participants feel comfortable.

Still, you are taking part in an ocean sport. You will need to listen carefully, stay aware of the people around you, and accept that conditions may feel more demanding than they look from the sand. The experience data includes one account describing larger waves that felt intimidating, although the instructors continued to provide calm direction.

The multilingual instruction is helpful for international groups. English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian are listed as available languages. If language is important to you, confirm your preferred option when booking.

Playa de las Américas can have plenty of activity in the water. Watch where you paddle, avoid cutting across another person’s path, and follow the instructor’s route. The group size is limited, but the beach itself is not reserved for the class.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would recommend this lesson to:

• First-time surfers who want equipment and instruction handled in one booking
• Couples or friends looking for an active two-hour break from sunbathing
• Families with children who meet the school’s age and swimming requirements
• Visitors staying near Playa de las Américas
• Returning surfers who want a short lesson and technique advice
• People who appreciate a small group rather than a large beach class

I would be more cautious if you cannot swim, dislike busy beaches, or want private coaching. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women.

The class is physical, but the short duration makes it easier to fit into a wider Tenerife plan. You can surf, shower, collect your belongings, and continue with your day without committing to a full-day excursion.

Booking advice for a smoother morning or afternoon

Book with enough time to check the start time, since the available times vary. Arrive 15 minutes early, wear or pack your swimwear, and carry a towel. Send a WhatsApp message to confirm the meeting details, especially if your booking confirmation does not make the location clear.

Build in a little flexibility after the class. Surfing can be tiring, and you may want time for the shower and snack before your next plan. Hotel pickup is not included, so check your route to Playa de las Américas before the lesson begins.

The cancellation terms are traveler-friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Shaka Surf Tenerife lesson?

Book it if you want a well-priced first taste of surfing with a certified instructor, included equipment, a group capped at six, and photos at no extra cost. The strongest part is the teaching. Staff members such as Kaia, Martin, Juan, and Nacho are repeatedly praised for patience, clear instruction, and active help in the water.

Skip it if you are a non-swimmer, need hotel transport, or want a quiet private beach. Also confirm the photo delivery details before you leave.

For most capable swimmers staying in southern Tenerife, this is a sensible way to try surfing without spending a whole day or buying gear. You may not become a surfer in two hours, but you can learn the basic movements, catch a few waves, and find out if you want to try again.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson meet?

Meet at the Shaka Surf Tenerife school in Playa de las Américas. The school is about 30 meters from the waves. Arrive 15 minutes before the class and send a WhatsApp message for more meeting-point details.

How long does the activity last?

The lesson lasts two hours, including the theory session, warm-up, and time in the water.

How much does the lesson cost?

The listed 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 taking off. It also suits more advanced participants who want to work on their technique.

What equipment is included?

The surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra rash guard are included.

Are photos included in the price?

Yes. Photos from the surfing session are included. Ask the school how and when they will be delivered.

What should I bring?

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

What languages are available?

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

Can non-swimmers or pregnant women take part?

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