Tenerife: Surf Lessons at El Médano Beach for Beginners

Your First Wave at El Médano

You arrive at El Médano, get fitted with a wetsuit and board, spend time on the sand learning technique, then paddle out into beginner-friendly waves where you'll likely stand up on your first attempt. The lesson includes all equipment and a small-group format that keeps the instructor's attention on you. Plan for around two hours in and out of the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Surf lesson at Playa de la Jaquita

• Arrive at Playa de la Jaquita
• Attend surf class
• Practice standing on the board
• Enjoy sandy beach

The experience

So you're standing in the water for the first time on a board, and your instructor is telling you to pop up on the count of three, and honestly you're thinking this won't work, but then it does, and you're up, and the board is moving under your feet. That's the whole thing right there. El Médano in Tenerife is built for this moment. The beach is sandy, the water is warm enough that the wetsuit feels like a bonus rather than a necessity, and the waves roll in at a size that means you can actually catch them instead of just getting tumbled around.

The lesson starts with the basics on the sand (how to lie on the board, where your hands go, how to read the wave coming toward you), and then you're in the water with your instructor watching the whole time. Wetsuits and boards are included, so you show up with nothing but your willingness to look a bit silly for an hour or so. Most people stand up on their first day. Not everyone, but most. The beach itself is the reason: Playa de la Jaquita is the one spot in the area where the conditions stay consistent for beginners, which is why the lessons happen there and nowhere else on the island.

You'll be out there with a small group, which means the instructor can actually see you and correct your stance instead of just hoping you figure it out. The water temperature and the sandy bottom mean you're not fighting the conditions. You're just learning to read the wave and trust your body to do what it's supposed to do. By the end, you've got the muscle memory of standing up, the confidence that you can do it again, and probably a sore chest from paddling, which is exactly what you should feel.

What’s included

Wetsuits and surfboards are provided for the lesson. The instruction takes place at Playa de la Jaquita, the sandy beach at El Médano, and covers technique on land before moving into the water for practice on beginner-friendly waves.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30, 12:30 and 16:30

AgesAdult (16 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Godzilla Surf Shop

Is this one for you?Right for anyone visiting Tenerife who wants to try surfing without the usual learning curve: El Médano's sandy beach and small-group format mean you can stand up on your first day. The lesson takes a couple of hours, which fits easily into a holiday schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Can I surf if I've never done it before?

Yes, the lesson is designed for complete beginners. Most people stand up on their first day at El Médano.

What's included in the lesson?

Wetsuit, surfboard, and instruction. You bring only yourself and a towel.

Why El Médano specifically?

The sandy beach and consistent beginner waves make it the best spot on Tenerife for learning. The conditions stay manageable for first-timers.

How long is the lesson?

The lesson is structured to give you time on the sand for technique, then time in the water to practice. Plan for a couple of hours total.

Is it safe for people with injuries or health concerns?

The lesson is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Check with your doctor if you have concerns.

How many people are in a group?

Small groups, so the instructor can watch and correct your form rather than just supervise a crowd.

What if the weather is bad?

El Médano is sheltered and has consistent conditions, but check with the operator about rescheduling if conditions are unsafe.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Strong swimming ability is helpful but not stated as a requirement. Confirm with the operator if you're not a confident swimmer.