Reviewed · SURF LESSONS

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs

5.0 · 85 reviews 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $47 Operated by Shaka Surf School Tenerife · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

A surf lesson in Playa de Las Américas is interesting because you get the full sport experience in one tight session, not just a walk around the beach. I love the small-group coaching, with instructors geared for beginners, plus extra attention so you actually get time to try. I also love that the experience is packaged with photo souvenirs, snacks, and a shower, so you leave feeling like you did something real, not just watched.

The main thing to consider is the limited water time inside a 2.5-hour session. It is a lot to learn in a short window, and if the sea is busy, you may wait a bit between attempts.

Key things to know before you go

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs - Key things to know before you go

  • Max 8 people total, and typically no more than 4 students per instructor
  • Theory first, covering board position, entering the water, paddling, takeoff, riding, and safety rules
  • Gear and comfort items included like wetsuit, booties, board, and a t-shirt for photos
  • Professional photos included, sent to your email after the lesson
  • Refreshments after you surf, with water, juice, snacks, and a shower back at the school
  • Weather matters, and the class won’t run if conditions are poor

Why Playa de Las Américas is a great spot for your first waves

Playa de Las Américas in Tenerife is built for action. It is easy to reach, easy to find, and close enough to the water that you spend your energy on the waves, not on logistics.

This class is designed for a wide range of surfers, from first-timers to people who want to keep improving. You get a structured start with technique and safety, then you practice while an instructor stays close in the water.

If you like the idea of trying a new sport while still being on a vacation schedule, this is a good match. You are not committing to days of training. You are getting a compact lesson that tries to turn theory into actual rides.

Check in at C. México, 3, near the beach

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs - Check in at C. México, 3, near the beach
You meet at C. México, 3, 38660 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The surf school is about 30 meters from the beach, so you are not shuffling around in heat and sand.

The class runs daily, with opening hours 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. That flexibility helps if you are balancing beach time, lunch, or a later sightseeing plan.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes when you book. I like this setup because it keeps things simple when you’re traveling with limited patience for paperwork.

What the 2-hour 30-minute surf lesson is really doing for you

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs - What the 2-hour 30-minute surf lesson is really doing for you
This is a group surf class that lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes. The school runs lessons every day of the week and supports both adults and children.

The group size is capped at 8 travelers, and the coaching model is built around keeping instructor attention high. Their standard plan is up to 4 people per instructor. If the group is larger, they add instructors so the lesson stays practical instead of chaotic.

That small-group approach matters for first-timers. Surfing looks simple from shore, but your body position, timing, and balance are all separate skills. When coaching is spread across fewer people, you get corrections faster.

The classroom stage: technique, safety, and board basics

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs - The classroom stage: technique, safety, and board basics
Before you hit the water, you get a short theory session. This is not just rules. It is technique you can feel when you paddle out.

You’ll cover things like:

  • where your body goes on the board
  • how to enter the water safely
  • how to paddle effectively
  • how to time the takeoff
  • how to ride a wave
  • the safety regulations for the water

This is the part I appreciate most because it cuts down the guesswork. If you have ever tried a new activity and felt lost, you know how much energy that wastes. Here, you start with a clear plan before you get swept into the fun.

More classes and workshops in Tenerife:

Warm-up and getting into the sea

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs - Warm-up and getting into the sea
After the theory, there is a small warm-up. Then it is off to the water with instructors by your side.

In practice, instructors help you find the right waves and, importantly, they assist with the moment you need to stand up. That matters because the hardest part for many first-timers is not paddling. It is getting your weight placed correctly at the exact time.

One practical tip to keep in mind is that the water can be shallow and there may be rocks. Even with water shoes, it is smart to watch where you step.

Coaching in the water: how you progress from paddling to your first ride

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs - Coaching in the water: how you progress from paddling to your first ride
Once you are in, you are not left alone to figure it out. The teaching style in this class is hands-on. You’ll receive guidance for what to do between waves, not only once you are already standing.

If you are a beginner, expect the lesson to focus on:

  • paddling position
  • timing for takeoff
  • how to stay balanced while the board moves
  • learning the basics of wave riding in achievable conditions

If you’re more experienced, you’ll still benefit from being coached on safety and technique. Group surf lessons can feel too basic for advanced surfers, but this one is built for mixed levels and includes multiple instructional waves if needed.

Also, Playa de Las Américas can be busy. You might share the water with other surf schools. That does not automatically ruin the day, but it can increase the waiting between attempts. The coaching helps, so your time still feels productive.

What you get included, from wetsuit to shower

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs - What you get included, from wetsuit to shower
This class is not just instruction. It is set up to keep you comfortable and moving.

From the school, you can expect:

  • wetsuit and booties
  • the surfboard
  • a t-shirt that makes it easier to capture you in photos
  • instruction and support throughout the session
  • help with keeping your personal items secure, with lockers available back at the office

After you surf, you do about two minutes of stretching right on the beach. Then you head back to the school for water, juice, snacks, and a shower. There are also changing facilities on site.

I like this structure because it solves the travel annoyance factor. You don’t need to bring a big routine with you. You show up, suit up, surf, then rinse off and eat something without hunting for it afterward.

Photos and souvenirs: why the t-shirt detail matters

Group Surf Class in Playa de Las Américas with Photographs - Photos and souvenirs: why the t-shirt detail matters
One of the biggest reasons people recommend this surf class is the photo package. You get professional photos, and they are sent to your email after the lesson.

They also provide a t-shirt, and that detail is practical. When you are in the water, gear and movement can make it hard to track people clearly in photos. A consistent outfit helps the photographer keep you in frame when you are paddling, taking off, and riding.

If you are traveling with a partner or friends, you can usually count on having a set of images to prove you actually stood up. Even if you do not ride a perfect wave every time, a good photo catches the moment you tried.

Price and value: what $47.06 buys you in Tenerife

At $47.06 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, this is priced like a focused activity, not a premium private lesson.

The value comes from what’s bundled:

  • group coaching with a small cap
  • wetsuit, booties, board, and t-shirt
  • refreshments after class, including snacks and juice
  • stretching and shower access
  • professional photos sent to you afterward

If you were to price those items separately, the total would usually climb fast, especially once you include photo coverage and the included gear. The short duration also helps. You can do this as a single day plan without sacrificing half your vacation to training.

The only cost in time is that you need good conditions. If the sea is rough or unsafe, the session will be adjusted or rescheduled based on weather.

Who should book this surf class in Las Américas

You should book if:

  • you want a first surf experience with hands-on coaching
  • you prefer small groups instead of a huge crowd
  • you care about photos as part of the memory, not just a few phone snapshots
  • you like a clear structure, theory first then practice
  • you’re okay with a compact session where you will learn basics fast

You might skip it if:

  • you want a long, slow progression over many hours
  • you need guaranteed private coaching at all times
  • you are sensitive to shallow-water walking over possible rocky spots, even with water shoes
  • you only want elite-level advanced surfing instruction

For families, this is also a solid choice. The school teaches adults and children, and the group setup is built for mixed experience levels.

Quick planning tips so your lesson feels smooth

Here’s how I’d set yourself up for success based on how these sessions run.

  • Bring swimwear you’re comfortable staying in under a wetsuit, plus something dry to change into after.
  • Wear or bring water-friendly items for the office to reduce stress at the end of class, since you’ll be using lockers.
  • If you get cold easily, prepare for quick recovery afterward. The included shower helps a lot.
  • Aim to arrive early enough to check in calmly, especially if the meeting point is right before your planned ocean time.
  • Bring a positive mindset about the first tries. The lesson is structured, but your first rides may be messy in a fun way.

Should you book Shaka Surf School Tenerife?

If your goal is a real first surf experience with coaching that keeps you moving, this is a strong option. The small-group setup, English instruction, included gear, and the photo souvenir package make it feel like a complete activity, not an add-on.

I would book it if you want to get on a board quickly, learn safety and technique clearly, and leave with images you can share. The main tradeoff is the short session length, so go in expecting progress, not perfection.

FAQ

What language is the surf class taught in?

The class is offered in English.

Where is the meeting point for the surf lesson?

The meeting point is at C. México, 3, 38660 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

How long is the group surf class?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

How big are the groups?

The experience has a maximum of 8 travelers. The class is also described as having up to 4 people per instructor, with extra instructors if the group is larger.

Is equipment included?

Yes. The class includes a wetsuit, booties, the board, and a t-shirt for photos.

Are photos included in the price?

Yes. You get professional photos, and they are sent to your email.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the activity end back at the meeting point?

Yes, the activity ends back at the meeting point.

More like this

Surf Lessons, compared.

The full Surf Lessons list →
Group Surfing Lesson at Playa de las Américas, Tenerife
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,072 reviews· from $43

Group Surfing Lesson at Playa de las Américas, Tenerife

Read our review →
Private or Small-Group Surf Lesson
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 980 reviews· from $41

Private or Small-Group Surf Lesson

Read our review →
Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 861 reviews· from $40

Surfing Lesson for All Levels, Photos included

Read our review →
Group Surf Lessons
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 310 reviews· from $66

Group Surf Lessons

Read our review →
Private Surfing Lesson at Playa de las Américas
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 167 reviews· from $133

Private Surfing Lesson at Playa de las Américas

Read our review →
Group Surf Lesson at Playa de las Américas
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 110 reviews· from $53

Group Surf Lesson at Playa de las Américas

Read our review →
1 Hour of Paddle surf Rental
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 91 reviews· from $21

1 Hour of Paddle surf Rental

Read our review →
2 hours Semi-private surfing lesson in Playa de Las Americas
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 78 reviews· from $132

2 hours Semi-private surfing lesson in Playa de Las Americas

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Every kind of day on Tenerife

The volcano, the water, the green north and the big parks — and the best of each.