Tenerife: Group Surf Lessons with Licensed Instructors & Gear

Summary

Surfing lessons in tenerife with locals just steps from the sand

You’ll suit up just steps from Tenerife’s black sand beach before learning surf basics—or tackling new skills—with local instructors who keep things relaxed and real. Expect laughter, salty air, and hands-on help in the water. Finish off with a fresh shower at the shop and maybe a little pride you didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

I was still a bit sandy from breakfast (don’t ask), but walking those last 100 meters from the Surf Life Tenerife shop to the water felt like something was about to shift. The air had that salty bite you only get this close to the Atlantic. Our instructor, Marta, grinned as she handed out wetsuits—she joked it was “ocean armor.” I fumbled with mine and she helped zip me up without making a big deal of it. There’s this low hum of excitement when you’re standing on volcanic sand, watching boards get stacked and people trying not to look nervous.

We did a quick warm-up right there on the beach—some stretches, some laughs at my attempt to touch my toes—and then Marta ran us through the basics. I’d never realized how much of surfing is about timing, not just muscle. She explained everything in simple English but tossed in Spanish words here and there (I tried repeating “espuma” for foam; pretty sure I mangled it). Then we hit the water. The Atlantic was cold at first, but after two minutes you forget about that and start listening for her shouts over the waves—“Paddle! Now!”—and suddenly you’re moving faster than you thought possible.

Honestly, I wiped out more times than I can count, but every time Marta or one of the other instructors would be right there—sometimes literally pushing my board into a wave or steadying it when I started to wobble. It didn’t feel like a class so much as being part of some weirdly supportive team. There was this one moment where I actually stood up for three whole seconds (felt like forever) and heard someone cheer behind me—I think it was one of the locals who’d joined our group for fun.

Afterwards we dragged ourselves back up the sand for a stretch under that hazy Canary Islands sun. My arms were jelly and my hair tasted like saltwater, but honestly? That walk back to the shop felt lighter somehow. Maybe it’s just what happens when you let yourself get knocked around by waves with strangers who don’t stay strangers for long.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Group surf lessons at Tenerife beach

• Change and store personal items
• Walk to surf spot with instructors
• Warm-up exercises on the beach
• Practice surfing techniques at beach
• Surf in water with licensed instructor
• Stretch after surfing lesson
• Return to shop for fresh shower

Top questions

Are surf lessons in Tenerife suitable for beginners?

Yes, these group surf lessons are designed for all skill levels—including complete beginners.

How far is the surf spot from the meeting point?

The surf spot is about 100 meters from the Surf Life Tenerife shop where you change and leave your belongings.

Is equipment included in the group surf lesson?

Yes, wetsuits, surf shoes, leashes, and lycra tops are provided as part of your lesson.

Are licensed instructors present during lessons?

Yes, all lessons are led by licensed surf instructors who guide you both on land and in the water.

Is there somewhere to shower after surfing?

Yes, after your lesson you can use fresh showers back at the shop.

Can children or infants join these surf lessons?

Infants can come along if they sit on an adult’s lap; children can participate if suitable for their fitness level.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces including transport are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes use of wetsuits, surf shoes, leash and lycra top plus access to an air-conditioned vehicle if needed; after changing at the shop just 100 meters from Tenerife’s beach, you'll join a licensed instructor for hands-on guidance in both basic or advanced surfing techniques before finishing with a fresh shower back at base.