Tenerife waves, taught one-on-one style. This private surf lesson in Las Américas is built for fast progress, whether you’re brand-new or already riding. I love how the wide bay works for different skill levels at the same time, and I love the calm, coached feel of a small group. One thing to consider: with a 2 to 2.5 hour session, you’ll get big momentum, but you’re not leaving with a lifelong surfing degree.

The experience is set up to feel easy from the start. You show up, get fitted with a wetsuit and surf kit, and your instructor shapes the practice to your comfort and ability. I also appreciate the practical on-site basics like a shower, toilet, and lockers so you’re not improvising at the beach.

If you’re prone to seasickness or have certain medical concerns, you’ll want to skip this one. It’s also not for people with back problems or epilepsy, and the activity team doesn’t allow smoking or intoxication.

Key things that make this surf lesson worth your time

• Private instruction with a max group of 5 so feedback stays specific, not generic
• Wide Las Américas bay gives conditions that can work across levels
• All surf gear included (softboard, leash, wetsuit 3/2 mm, reef shoes, lycra)
• Certified instructors tailor the exercises to your knowledge and needs
• Shower, toilet, and lockers on site to keep the day comfortable
• Spanish and English speaking instructors for easier communication

Surfing Las Américas with a private coach (and real time on the water)

Las Américas sits on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and it’s one of those places where surfing feels like it fits into a vacation day. This is not a huge group demo where you watch more than you do. It’s a private surf lesson for up to 5 people, so the pace matches you.

What I like most is the “progress quickly” promise that’s actually practical. Your instructor doesn’t just run a fixed lesson plan. They adjust the exercises to your starting point, so beginners aren’t pushed into chaos and more experienced surfers aren’t stuck on day-one basics.

Where the lesson starts: Parque Santiago 2 (local 50)

You’ll meet at the down stairts of Parque Santiago 2, local 50. The “down stairts” detail matters—show up a few minutes early so you can find the entrance without stress. If you’re walking around Las Américas, this meeting spot is convenient because it’s tied to a well-known area rather than a vague roadside point.

Tip: bring your swimwear with you already on or partly on. It makes the first minutes smoother while you’re gearing up.

Gear and comfort: what’s included (and what that means for your day)

This lesson includes the full surf setup you’d otherwise have to rent or hunt down. You get:

• Softboard
• Leash
• Wetsuit 3/2 mm
• Reef shoes
• Lycra

That’s a big value point. Surf lessons are expensive partly because equipment rental can add up, especially when you need the right wetsuit and footwear. Here, the basics are handled for you, and your instructor can use that gear immediately for fitting and coaching.

On top of the gear, the school provides a shower, toilet, and locker. That sounds like a small perk until you’ve ever finished a wet session with nowhere to rinse off and store your stuff. In Tenerife heat, that rinse-and-change routine helps you keep enjoying the rest of your day.

What the 2 to 2.5 hour lesson feels like in the wide bay

The lesson runs 2 to 2.5 hours. In that time, the goal is not just to stand on the board once. It’s to build a sequence you can repeat: prepare, get the board positioned, paddle and pop-up mechanics, then try again with feedback.

Here’s the practical flow you can expect:

• You start with fitting and basic instruction so you know how the equipment should feel on you.
• Your instructor then works on core skills for your level—things like how to handle the board, how to move in the water, and how to position yourself before attempting a ride.
• Because the Bay of Las Américas is wide, the instructor can plan practice so it works for different abilities without forcing everyone into the same exact challenge at the same intensity.

The “wide bay” part is not just marketing. For beginners, a broad surfing area generally means more room to learn without immediately getting swallowed by crowded, high-stress wave zones. For people with experience, it can mean you’re not stuck only doing the basics while others outgrow the first stage.

Also, since it’s private or small-group format, your instructor can correct what matters most for your body and your comfort—rather than hoping the class moves at your speed.

Who this lesson is for (and who should skip it)

This lesson welcomes beginners and people with some experience. It’s also a great option if you want structure for a special occasion—single surfers, coworkers, birthdays, couples, bachelorette/bachelor parties, and even schools or sports centers can fit this format.

You’ll especially like it if:

• You want hands-on coaching rather than watching from the sidelines
• You’re traveling with friends or family and want a shared activity without a big crowd
• You like communication you can understand easily, since the instructor speaks Spanish and English
• You want everything included (equipment, wetsuit, reef shoes, lycra) so you can pack light

You should not do this activity if you:

• Have back problems
• Have epilepsy
• Are prone to seasickness

And keep in mind the rules: no smoking and no intoxication. It’s a water activity, so the safety mindset is part of the whole vibe.

The best part: tailored coaching in a group of up to 5

A max group of 5 might sound small, but the real benefit is attention. You’re not just sharing an instructor with strangers who have the same goals as you by accident. Instead, your coach can still keep the group moving while spending time addressing the details that will actually improve your next attempt.

I also like the “certified instructor” framing. You’re dealing with professionals who can match exercises to your knowledge and needs, not just someone giving vague tips. In surf, tiny adjustments matter—where you look, how you paddle, when you stand up, and how you respond to the wave’s timing.

One of the strongest points people highlight is that the teaching feels organized and the instructor’s attitude is supportive. That combination matters more than fancy wave descriptions.

Value for money: why $88 can make sense here

At $88 per person for 2 to 2.5 hours, this price works if you compare it to the real costs of doing surfing the hard way.

Here’s what helps the value:

• You get all equipment included, including wetsuit and reef shoes
• You get insurance included with the lesson setup
• You get a private or small-group structure, so you’re paying for guided time, not just rental gear
• There are on-site basics like lockers and showers, which saves time and keeps you comfortable

If you’re the type of traveler who hates hunting down rentals and figuring out “how it works” mid-holiday, this is the kind of package that prevents wasted time. The lesson is the product, not the logistics.

Price is always personal, but if surfing is one of the main activities on your Tenerife trip, this format is a solid deal.

Practical swim-day advice: what to bring and how to prep

You’ll want to bring:

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Flip-flops

Since you’re wearing a wetsuit, you may want a dry backup outfit and something comfortable to walk around in after. Flip-flops are also useful for moving to and from the water area without sliding around.

Quick prep tips that help:

• Eat lightly before you go (you don’t want a heavy stomach while learning ocean rhythm).
• Keep your belongings simple. Lockers exist, but fewer items still feels easier.
• If you’re carrying a phone or camera, assume you’ll want to keep it secure. Photos and videos are not included, so plan how you want to capture the moment.

Photos and videos: what’s not included (and how to handle it)

This experience does not include photos & videos. If you want action shots, you have a couple options: take your own pictures if allowed by your group rules, or budget for separate photography if you find a service locally.

Also note: you’re not getting food included. That’s normal for a two-hour lesson, but it means you should plan to eat before or after based on the timing you choose.

Safety rules and how to think about cancellations

Surfing depends on ocean conditions. Ocean Life Tenerife may cancel due to sea conditions, weather, lack of waves, or safety reasons. If they cancel, you can choose either a full refund (100%) or free rescheduling.

If you cancel yourself, the standard approach is: cancel 24 hours or more before the class for a full refund or reschedule, and less than 24 hours is not refundable. No-shows are also not refundable.

You don’t need to obsess, but you should treat this like a weather-dependent plan: keep an open window on your Tenerife schedule so rescheduling doesn’t wreck your itinerary.

Best moments to aim for during your session

Even when conditions are friendly, surfing has a learning curve. The moments that tend to matter most during a first or second lesson are:

• When you can paddle without fighting the board’s rhythm
• When you understand where your eyes should go while you pop up
• When your attempts start feeling repeatable instead of random
• When you stop overthinking and start reacting to the wave timing

Because the instructor tailors exercises to you, you should feel like you’re progressing within the same session. That’s the real vacation-win here: you leave with more skill and more confidence than you started with.

Who should book this private surf lesson in Tenerife?

Book it if:

• You want a private or small-group experience and hate being lumped into a big class
• You want the convenience of gear, wetsuit, reef shoes, and lycra already taken care of
• You’re traveling with family, friends, or a small group and want a shared activity with personal coaching
• You like clear instruction in Spanish or English

Skip it if:

• You have back problems, epilepsy, or you’re prone to seasickness
• You only want a casual beach walk with zero water time—this is a real surf lesson, not a look-see

If you’re on Tenerife and Las Américas is on your route, this is one of the easiest ways to add a memorable, physical activity without turning your day into a logistical headache. Two hours in the ocean with instruction that fits your level is a rare combo.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Las Américas private surf lesson?

The lesson lasts 2 to 2.5 hours. Exact start times depend on availability.

How many people are in the group?

It’s a private group with a maximum of 5 people.

What surf equipment is included?

You get a softboard, leash, wetsuit (3/2 mm), reef shoes, and lycra.

What should I bring to the lesson?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and flip-flops.

Where do I meet the instructor?

Meet at the down stairts of Parque Santiago 2, local 50.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instructors speak Spanish and English.

What’s the cancellation policy if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less than 24 hours before the class is non-refundable, and no-shows are also non-refundable.

If Ocean Life Tenerife cancels due to sea conditions, do I get a refund?

Yes. If they must cancel due to sea conditions, weather, lack of waves, or safety reasons, you can choose a full refund (100%) or free rescheduling.