Beginners Guide to Surfing in Tenerife
All You Need to Know for an Unforgettable First Surfing Experience
Thinking about learning to surf while vacationing in Tenerife? You should definitely give it a try and do at least one surf lesson to start.
Tenerife, with its sunny weather, warm waters, and welcoming surf community, might just be the perfect place to start.
I joined an afternoon beginners course, and it absolutely hooked me, especially when I managed to stand on my board for the first time within the first 30 minutes in the water.
Keep reading to find everything you need to know about surfing in Tenerife for beginners, as well as what to look for when picking a surf school.
Why Tenerife is Perfect for Beginners
Many people dream of a surf trip to places like Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, or the Dominican Republic, but surfing in Tenerife, part of the beautiful Canary Islands, is just as rewarding and often more convenient for those in Europe.
One of the unique features of surfing in Tenerife is the presence of black sand beaches, which add to the exotic appeal of the island. These beaches are not only stunning, but also provide excellent surf spots for all levels of surfers.
Whether you’re planning to join a surf camp or just take a few lessons, Tenerife provides everything you need for an unforgettable first surfing experience.
Mild Weather and Water Conditions
Tenerife enjoys a subtropical climate, which means warm weather and water temperatures year round. Average water temperatures range from 19°C in winter to 23°C in summer, making it comfortable to surf without requiring a thick wetsuit.
The gentle waves, especially in beginner spots, provide a safe environment for learning without the intimidating swells found in more advanced locations.
Important: During the winter months on Tenerife, the waves increase in power and height, making it more difficult for beginners to get started.
Variety of Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots
The island has a diverse range of surf spots with conditions suitable for beginners. You can find gentle beach breaks with sandy bottoms, which are perfect for learning, and some spots even have protective reefs that calm the waves further.
This variety ensures that no matter the wind and swell conditions, there’s usually a beginner-friendly surf spot somewhere on the island.
Big Choice of Surf Schools and Rental Shops
Tenerife is well-equipped with numerous surf schools and rental shops, especially around popular beaches.
These schools cater specifically to beginners, offering lessons from certified instructors who provide the right balance of encouragement and technical advice.
I was actually happy that a beginner’s lesson was booked for me, so that I did not have to make a choice from all the options.
⇨ I can definitely recommend Tenerife Surf Point in Playa de las Americas. They did a great job in teaching me the first steps in surfing.
Lots of rental shops make it easy to get geared up without needing to invest heavily in equipment right away if you decide to surf on your own after the first lesson.
Best Surf Spots for Beginners
- Las Americas: Located on the southern coast, Playa de las Americas is one of the most famous surf spots in Tenerife and where I got my first surf lesson. Known for its gentle waves and sandy beaches, Las Americas is perfect for beginners. The area is also lively, with plenty of amenities nearby.
- Playa de Los Cristianos: Playa de Los Cristianos, next to Las Americas, is a more relaxed spot for surfing. This beach has a sandy bottom and a sheltered bay, creating a forgiving environment for beginners.
- El Médano: BahÃa del Médano is just south of the Tenerife South airport and the biggest natural beach on the island. It also hosts its main windsurfing spot for all levels. With northeast wind, there are usually very small waves which are perfect for beginners.
The northern coast, especially around Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as Playa de los Guios in Los Gigantes are fantastic and well known surf spots but not ideal for beginners. Due to their powerful waves, those areas are only suited to advanced surfers.
⇨ Tenerife Surf Point gave me my first surfing lessons, and it’s easy to understand why they have a 5-star rating with over 1,500 reviews on TripAdvisor.
What to Expect in Your First Lesson
If you’ve never surfed before, don’t just rent a board and give it a go. Instead, take at least one surf lesson to grasp the fundamentals.
Even after that first lesson, it might be wise to continue with guided instruction until you’re more confident. At least then, you’ll have a solid foundation to build on.
Typical Structure of a Beginner Lesson
Good to know: There is no need to add anything to your Tenerife packing list for surfing as all you need is your swimsuit. Wetsuit and shoes are provided.
Most lessons start with a brief on-land instruction covering the basics: balancing on the board, timing the pop-up, and paddling effectively, which can be tricky at first.
When you know what to do in theory, you will go to the beach, do a little warm-up, and then practice in the water with close supervision. Our instructors told us exactly when to start paddling and gave the final push.
What stood out for me was that after the lesson we were gathered and received an analysis of our performances based on pictures which were taken. That debrief is absolutely helpful when you look at doing it again!
I can definitely recommend my beginners lesson with Tenerife Surf Point in Playa de las Americas. Not only were the instructors very helpful, both inside and outside of the water, but I also greatly appreciated the debrief and feedback after the lesson which was extremely helpful for understanding how to improve and get better.
What to look for in a Good Surf School
As Tenerife is a great spot for beginners, there are lots of options to choose from when looking for a lesson. Here is what you should look for when picking a surf school:
- Certified Instructors: Ensure the surf guide or instructors are certified by recognized surfing organizations. This guarantees they have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach beginners safely.
- Small Group Sizes: Smaller groups mean more individualized attention, which can significantly accelerate learning. We did have 3 surf guides for 20 people.
- Positive Reviews: Look for schools with good reviews and testimonials from past students. This can give you an idea of the quality of instruction and overall experience.
Choose Tenerife Surf Point which has a 5-star rating with over 1,500 reviews on TripAdvisor.
Surfing Tips for Beginners (from a beginner)
Importance of Warm-Up
Do not underestimate the warm-up. It may look silly and not useful at all when doing it on the beach, but you should definitely take it seriously to avoid muscle pain the next day.
Your body is not used to the movement of paddling and a proper warm-up not only helps to prevent injuries and prepare your muscles for the physical demands of surfing, but also avoids a hurting body the next day
⇨ Some of my fellow course members had trouble lifting their arms the next day…..
Understanding Surf Etiquette
To peacefully co-exist with other surfers, especially locals, here are just a few things to keep in mind to ensure a positive experience for everyone:
Right of Way: The surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. Respect this rule to avoid collisions.
Don’t Drop In: Dropping in on another surfer’s wave is considered rude and dangerous. Wait your turn and respect other surfers.
Be Aware: Always keep an eye on your surroundings. Watch for other surfers, swimmers, and obstacles in the water.
Depending on the season you are traveling surf schools may be very busy. My Top Tip would be to book your surf lesson before your holidays to ensure you can reserve the day and time your want, especially if you decided on a specific surf school. ⇨ Reserve here with Tenerife Surf Point
Conclusion
Tenerife is a great island for lots of different outdoor activities, surfing being one of them. Due to the perfect mix of friendly waves and great weather, it is an ideal surf destination for beginners.
If you’re considering taking up surfing, I highly recommend giving it a try here. The thrill of standing on your board for the first time is an experience you won’t forget. Trust me: Been there, done that!
Due to the weather, the winter is particularly popular for surfing, as the weather remains pleasant, unlike in Central America or North Europe where it can get too cold. But waves are getting higher and the conditions therefore more challenging for beginners.
If you are looking to improve your skills after that first lesson, there are plenty of surf camps that offer intensive training sessions.
Disclosure
I was able to write this article because I was invited to Tenerife by FALKE and VisitTenerife. My opinion was in no way influenced by this, nor was I given any guidelines for this article. Many thanks for that!
Thank you as well for the great experiences I was able to have on this beautiful island!
