Beginner Surf Lesson in Lima: Stand Up Your First Class

Ride the same waves that ancient Peruvians once surfed along the coast.

A 90-minute beginner surf lesson in Lima taught by live instructors in English or Spanish, with all equipment included. The class splits into 30 minutes of dry-land instruction and stretching, then an hour in the water where you practice paddling and standing on the board. Classes run every two hours starting at 6:30 AM, and you can book a group lesson, a private lesson, or a lesson with full transport from your hotel included.

The Experience

The lesson starts on the beach with 30 minutes of basics: your instructor walks you through how to paddle and how to pop up onto the board, then leads a short stretch to keep cramps from cutting the session short. You get a wetsuit, aqua shoes and a surfboard designed for learning. Then you wade into the water with your teacher and practice the moves you just learned. The waves in Lima are forgiving enough that most people stand up on their first try.

Classes run year-round on a fixed schedule—6:30 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, noon, 2 PM and 4 PM—so you can pick the time that fits your day. All the gear is included, which means you show up with nothing but a swimsuit underneath. If you book the transport option, pickup and drop-off from your hotel are handled; if you go with the group or private lesson only, you arrange your own way to the beach.

What’s included

• All equipment (wetsuit, aqua shoes, surfboard).
• live instruction in English or Spanish.
• 30 minutes of dry-land instruction and stretching.
• one hour in the water with your teacher.
• all taxes and fees. Transport from your hotel is included only if you book the lesson-with-transport option at checkout.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Escuela Pukana Surf

Is this one for you?Book the private lesson if you want one-on-one instruction, or the group lesson to learn alongside other beginners and keep the cost down. If arranging your own transport to the beach adds friction to your morning, the lesson-with-transport option handles pickup and drop-off from your hotel.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

102 verified traveler reviews

5 ★90

4 ★4

3 ★0

2 ★2

1 ★6

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I take a surf lesson in Lima if I've never been on a board before?

Yes—this lesson is built for complete beginners. The first 30 minutes covers paddling and standing up on the board on dry land, then you practice in the water with your instructor right there. Most students stand up within the first class.

What's included in the surf lesson?

All equipment is included: a wetsuit, aqua shoes and a surfboard. Your live guide teaches in English or Spanish. The only things not covered are food and drinks, which you'll want to bring or buy nearby.

How many times a day do lessons start in Lima?

Classes run every two hours starting at 6:30 AM and ending at 4 PM, so you have six departure times to choose from. This makes it easy to fit a lesson around the rest of your itinerary.

Can children take the surf lesson?

Children are welcome from age 5. They go through the same instruction as adults and use appropriately sized boards and wetsuits.

Do I need to know how to swim to take this lesson?

Yes—you should be able to swim, since the second hour of the lesson takes place in the ocean with your instructor. The water is shallow enough for learning, but swimming ability is required.