Tenerife: Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included

This is an easy, high-energy way to learn surfing in Tenerife without getting lost in gear rentals and unclear instruction. The lesson runs right by Playa de las Américas, and the school sets you up close to the water so you can focus on standing, balancing, and catching waves fast.

I really like how the coaching is built for all levels, from first-timers to people refining technique. I also love the value add: your photos are included, plus you get snack, water, and even a shower after. One consideration, since it is a small group and the sea always has surprises, is that the photos and some timing details may feel less predictable than the actual lesson, so it helps to ask when you should expect the pictures.

Key Things I’d Highlight Before You Go

• Small group, max 6 people means you get real attention, not just a wave count.
• Gear handled for you, including surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, and lycra.
• Lesson structure is clear: theory for 20 minutes, warm-up, then time in the water.
• Instructors named often for patience and safety, including Kaia, Marco, Juan, Martin, Joshu, and others.
• Photos included in the price, so you can actually remember what you did that day.

Why Playa de las Américas Is a Smart Place to Learn Surf

Playa de las Américas is one of those spots where you can feel the beach culture right away, and that matters when you’re learning. You want an environment where you can get comfortable quickly, and you also want conditions that are workable for beginners while still being fun for people who’ve surfed before.

What I like about this specific setup is the location efficiency. The school is about 30 meters from the waves, which means less waiting around and more actual water time. When you’re new, momentum helps. When you’re experienced, momentum helps too, because you can keep correcting the small things that usually hold you back.

Also, the south side of Tenerife has a reputation for being reliable for a surfing day. Even if the ocean has its own mood, you’ll be coached with a safety-first approach, and you’ll be taught the core fundamentals so you understand what your body is supposed to do.

Small-Group Setup at Shaka Surf Tenerife (Meeting Point and Gear)

The lesson meets at the Shaka Surf Tenerife school. Go about 15 minutes early, because you’ll need time for wetsuit fitting, gear checks, and getting oriented before theory starts.

This is one of those tours where the “included” list is actually meaningful. You don’t just get a board and hope for the best. You also get:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Water shoes
• Lycra
• Shower after surf

That gear combo is ideal for Tenerife. The wetsuit helps you stay warm enough to focus instead of shivering. Water shoes protect your feet when you’re walking around rocky or uneven spots and when you’re managing the beach-to-water transition. And lycra helps with comfort, mobility, and staying consistent in photos.

The group size is limited to 6 participants, and that is not a throwaway detail. With a small group, an instructor can watch paddling form, correct your stance, and give you quick feedback without everyone lining up for a turn. It also tends to make nervous first-timers feel less like they’re being tested.

20 Minutes of Theory That Sets Up Your First Wave

This lesson isn’t “stand up, good luck.” It starts with a theory part (20 minutes). That time is for basics you’ll use immediately, not abstract lectures.

You’ll get the core techniques, including:

• How to paddle correctly
• How to position yourself on the board
• How to handle taking off (getting to your feet at the right moment)

If you’re brand new, theory like this matters because you need mental pictures. If you’ve surfed before, it matters because you can fix one bottleneck, like paddling angle or weight placement, instead of just guessing in the moment.

And this school keeps it personal. The coaching is designed so you can tell your instructor what you want to learn. That’s a big deal because “first time” and “I can stand but I miss waves” are two totally different goals.

In plain terms, the theory acts like your checklist. Once you’re in the water, your coach can point back to those basics and help you apply them.

From Warm-Up to Water: How the Lesson Actually Moves

After the theory, you’ll do a warm-up. That part is easy to overlook when you’re excited, but it helps you get ready for the repeated paddling and the quick burst movements of standing. It also gives the instructor time to set expectations for what you’ll practice first.

Then comes the part you came for: time in the water.

The school’s approach is to coach you through the steps rather than throwing you into the deep end emotionally. You’re taught for:

• Beginners learning from zero
• People who want to refine technique

When the instructor adjusts your form, it usually feels small, but small changes add up fast. The difference between a wipeout and a ride is often paddling timing and body position. That’s why your coaching focuses on things like paddling correctly and positioning, not only on “try harder.”

One detail I appreciate is that you’re in a certified instructor setup. The lesson is promoted as teaching in total safety, and the feedback from people who took lessons highlights that the instructors stay patient and calm, even when conditions feel bigger.

Coaching You Can Feel: Patient Instructors and Real Feedback

In surfing lessons, you quickly learn what you need is not hype. You need someone who can explain clearly and then watch you closely.

The names that show up again and again in the real-world experience are Kaia, Marco, Juan, Martin, and also other team members like Joshu and Fred in specific cases. People praise them for being friendly, informative, and patient with first attempts. They also get credit for giving advice right when you need it, like helping correct your timing so you can actually catch a wave and stand.

Here’s what I think is the practical benefit of that kind of teaching:

• You’re not just being told what to do. You’re being shown what to fix.
• You feel safer because you understand why something is happening.
• You improve faster because your coach can correct before you repeat the same mistake too many times.

If you’re someone who worries about looking silly, the small-group format helps, and so does the coaching style. Multiple instructors are described as working hard to help everyone catch waves, not just a couple of people in the group. That’s how you keep the energy up from the first attempt to the last run.

Value Beyond the Board: Snack, Shower, Insurance, and Included Photos

Lots of surf lessons say they include gear. This one goes further.

You get:

• Snack and water
• Shower after surf
• Insurance
• Photos included in the price

The snack and water are underrated. After time in cold-ish water and repeated paddling, your energy dips fast. A snack helps you not feel wrecked for the rest of your day in Tenerife.

The shower is also clutch. You’ll leave the beach less sticky, less sandy, and more ready to keep exploring. That’s especially helpful in a vacation day when you have plans after surfing.

Then there are the photos. Having photos included changes the vibe of the day. You’re more willing to take risks with your posture and timing because you know there will be proof of your progress. A lot of people loved that aspect, and it’s one of the strongest value points for the cost.

One thing to keep in mind: one person noted a photo issue, waiting for photos. That doesn’t mean it’s the norm, but it does mean you should ask the instructors when and how photos are delivered so you’re not wondering later.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For ($40 for Two Hours)

At $40 per person for a 2-hour session, this lesson can feel like a bargain, but only because the inclusions are solid.

You’re paying for:

• A certified coaching setup in the water
• Small group attention (max 6)
• Complete equipment: board, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra
• Theory time (20 minutes), warm-up, and structured instruction
• Snack and water
• Shower after surf
• Insurance
• Included photos

If you priced this out separately as rentals plus coaching plus basic amenities, it usually gets more expensive quickly. The price makes sense because the school isn’t charging you only for the board. It’s charging you for time, instruction, and logistics that make learning feel smooth.

Also, the fact that it works for beginners and more advanced surfers means you are not paying for a generic class that might not match your level. The value goes up when your coach can tailor the corrections.

Who Should Book This Surf Lesson, and Who Should Skip It

This lesson is designed for nearly everyone who can swim. It is not suitable for:

• Non-swimmers
• Pregnant women

If you fall into either of those categories, you’ll want to look for a different activity type or check with the provider for alternatives.

Who this lesson is perfect for:

• First-timers who want a clear start, not random trial and error
• People who want technique help, like improving paddling and getting to their feet more consistently
• Families where a child can follow instruction and stay comfortable in a small group setup, since kids have been mentioned doing first-time lessons successfully

If you want a low-stress half of a vacation day, this is also a good fit. Two hours is long enough to learn, short enough to stay flexible. You can pair it with a beach walk, a meal, or another Tenerife activity without feeling like you lost the whole day.

Practical Tips for Your Day (So You Don’t Waste Your Energy)

Here’s how to get the most out of your session without overthinking it.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

Wear swimwear that you’re comfortable changing into. If you have water shoes at home, you might think about bringing them, but the lesson includes water shoes, so check that you actually need extras before you pack more.

I’d also do this mental prep:

• Expect to fall. That’s part of learning. Your job is to listen for one correction at a time.
• Think about paddling and timing, not just standing. Most people lose the ride before they even reach the moment to stand.
• Treat it like coaching practice, not a performance.

Language is another quiet advantage. Instructors can work in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian. If you book based on your comfort in a specific language, you can usually align well with your group.

Finally, plan to communicate. The school asks you to send a WhatsApp message to get more details about the meeting point, even though the meeting location is listed. It is a simple step that helps you arrive calm and ready.

Should You Book Shaka Surf Tenerife?

If your goal is to learn surfing with structure, small-group attention, and a team that coaches you step by step, I’d say yes. The best reasons to book are the combination of included gear, certified instructors, and the real value extras like snack, shower, insurance, and photos.

I would hesitate only if you are a non-swimmer or if you need a different kind of setup due to pregnancy. Otherwise, this is a solid choice for a first surf lesson in Tenerife, especially if you want to stand up sooner instead of just collecting scratches.

Book it if you want a fun, coached beach day in Playa de las Américas, with the kind of patience and feedback that helps beginners gain confidence fast.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Shaka Surf Tenerife school. You should arrive about 15 minutes before the class start.

How long is the surfing lesson?

The duration is 2 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the exact slot.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

It includes surfboard, wetsuit, water shoes, lycra, a theory part (20 minutes), certified instructors, snack and water, a shower after surf, insurance, and included photos.

Are the photos really included?

Yes, photos are included in the price.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to 6 participants.

What languages do the instructors speak?

The instructors can teach in Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Slovenian, and Croatian.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is this lesson for non-swimmers or pregnant women?

It is not suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.