Guadeloupe Surf Lesson with Local Guide & Smoothie Bar

Summary

Try surfing in Guadeloupe with a local guide and enjoy fresh treats

You’ll join a small group for a hands-on surf lesson near Sainte-Anne with Greg, a local instructor who knows every wave by name. Expect lots of laughs in the water, personalized tips, and homemade smoothie bowls waiting when you finish. It’s relaxed but real — you might surprise yourself out there.

What’s the experience like?

We met Greg just a short walk from the Helleux surf spot — he was already barefoot, grinning, and somehow knew everyone passing by. The boards were stacked up under a palm, waxed and ready. I’ll admit, I was nervous (the Atlantic looked bigger than I’d pictured), but Greg just handed me a rash guard and said, “Ça va aller.” His accent made it sound like a promise. There were five of us in the group, swapping names while we tried to remember which leash went on which ankle.

The first few minutes out there were mostly laughter and splashing — saltwater up my nose, sun on my shoulders, that kind of thing. Greg kept shouting encouragement in French and English, mixing advice with jokes (“Don’t hug the board like your ex!”). At one point he pointed out a pelican gliding over the waves — I almost missed my turn watching it. The water was warm enough that you forget about time. My arms got tired quick but somehow it didn’t matter; every small win felt huge. That’s the thing about a surf lesson in Guadeloupe: you’re learning but also just… playing.

Afterwards we wandered back to the Kokoplaj surf camp, sandy and hungry. Someone had already started blending fruit at the Koko Cabana snack bar — mango maybe? The smell was sweet and sharp at once. We sat around slurping smoothie bowls and passing cookies (homemade, still warm). Greg told us stories about growing up here, surfing Helleux since he was seven. He teased me for wiping out so much but said I’d improved fast — not sure if he meant it or if that’s just what good guides do.

I still think about that feeling: salt drying on my skin, laughing with strangers who suddenly felt like friends. If you’re looking for a day trip surf lesson near Sainte-Anne with a local guide who actually cares if you catch a wave (and makes sure you eat well after), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Surf lesson and tropical treats

• Walk 150m to Helleux surf spot
• Attend 1.5-hour surf lesson with Greg
• Use quality surfboards and lycra teaching
• Enjoy tropical fruit smoothie bowl and cookies

Top questions

How long is the surf lesson at Kokoplaj Surf School?

The lesson lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the surf lesson take place in Guadeloupe?

The main location is near Helleux surf spot in Sainte-Anne.

Is equipment included in the Guadeloupe surf lesson?

Yes, all necessary surfboards and teaching lycra are provided.

How many people are in each group lesson?

Groups are limited to 4-6 people per session.

Is there food or drink after the lesson?

You can enjoy homemade smoothie bowls and cookies at the Koko Cabana snack bar after your session.

Who is the instructor for these lessons?

Your guide is Greg, a local surfer certified by the French Surfing Federation.

Are private lessons available at Kokoplaj Surf Camp?

This experience is for small groups; private lessons may be available upon request.

Is transportation included with this surf lesson?

No hotel pickup is included, but public transportation options are nearby.

What’s included

Your session includes all necessary equipment—surfboard matched to your size and lycra teaching shirt—plus instruction from Greg, your certified local guide. Afterward you’ll get homemade tropical smoothie bowls and cookies at Koko Cabana snack bar before heading off sandy and happy.