Fuerteventura: Caleta de Fuste Stand Up Paddle Beginner Course

Summary

Beginner SUP lessons on calm waters with local instructor

You’ll start on calm waters in Caleta de Fuste with a small group and a patient local instructor guiding every step. Expect wobbly legs at first, gentle coaching, and plenty of laughs as you learn stand up paddle basics together. By the end you’ll feel that quiet thrill of gliding upright across clear Atlantic water—something you might remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the board — not loud, just a soft thud that made me realize how flat and clear the sea is at Caleta de Fuste. I’d never tried stand up paddle before, so my legs felt wobbly as we carried our boards down to the shoreline. Our instructor, Javier, grinned and said something in Spanish about “equilibrio” (balance), which made us all laugh because honestly, none of us had much at first.

We started out kneeling, paddles dipping into the water with this gentle swish. The sun was already warm but there was a salty breeze coming off the Atlantic that kept things comfortable. Javier showed us how to hold the paddle — he tapped my hands into place and nodded when I got it right. There were only three of us in the group, so it felt relaxed and nobody rushed ahead. At one point a little kid waved from shore and I nearly lost my balance waving back — still not sure if he was cheering or just amused by my attempts.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel once I finally stood up. The water here is so still you can see your toes through it, and for a second everything went quiet except for seabirds overhead and someone laughing behind me (I think they fell in). We paddled along slowly, learning to turn without spinning out — easier said than done. My arms got tired faster than I thought they would but honestly, I kind of liked that ache later on. It’s weirdly satisfying.

Afterwards we sat on our boards for a bit while Javier told us about how SUP came from Polynesia — he even tried to teach us a word for paddle but I definitely butchered it. He just laughed and shrugged like it happens all the time. The whole thing lasted about an hour and a half but felt shorter somehow. I still think about that moment standing upright for the first time, feeling like maybe I could actually do this sport after all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beginner Stand Up Paddle Course

• Arrive at Caleta de Fuste beach
• Meet certified SUP instructor
• Learn SUP basics on flat water
• Practice paddle and board control
• Complete 1.5-hour SUP course

Top questions

Is this stand up paddle course suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's designed specifically for beginners with no prior experience needed.

How long does the SUP lesson last?

The course lasts 1.5 hours.

Where does the lesson take place?

The lesson takes place at Caleta de Fuste beach in Fuerteventura.

Are instructors certified?

Yes, you'll be taught by a certified instructor.

Is equipment provided for the class?

All SUP boards and course materials are included in the price.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum is four participants per instructor.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes, all customers must be able to swim.

Is there an age limit for this activity?

The minimum age is 8 years old.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Caleta de Fuste beach.

What’s included

Your session includes all necessary SUP equipment and course materials plus guidance from a certified local instructor throughout your 1.5-hour beginner lesson on calm waters at Caleta de Fuste beach.