Tenerife – Las Américas: Surf Lesson (Small Groups,All Gear)

Discover the Joy of Surfing in Tenerife: An Honest Review of the Small Group Lessons

If you’ve ever thought about catching your first wave or leveling up your surfing skills, you’ll want to check out the surf lessons in Playa de las Américas, Tenerife. Offered by Ocean Freaks World Surf School, these sessions promise a relaxed, friendly environment with expert guidance, all in a stunning setting just minutes from the water. Whether you’re a total beginner, trying to improve your technique, or traveling with family, this experience aims to make surfing accessible, enjoyable, and safe.

One of the things we love about this tour is the small group format—max six students per instructor—which means more personalized feedback and more water time. Plus, all gear is included, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own wetsuit or board. The proximity to the surf spot, just two minutes away, means you get more wave-catching time and less hassle. And after your session, you can unwind at the Ocean Freaks Surf Café, or even hop into a yoga class if you’re craving some extra relaxation.

A potential consideration is that these lessons are not suitable for pregnant women or non-swimmers, so if you fall into those categories, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Also, the lesson times depend on surf and weather conditions, so your schedule might shift slightly, but you’ll be notified ahead of time.

This experience is ideal for those who want to learn or refine their surfing skills in a laid-back, supportive setting—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family (kids 6+ are welcome). It offers great value, especially considering the all-inclusive gear, instruction, and insurance.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Max of six students for personalized attention.
• Convenient Location: Only two minutes from the surf break, maximizing wave time.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Boards, wetsuits, reef shoes, and insurance are included.
• Multilingual Instruction: Lessons delivered in English, Spanish, and Russian.
• Flexible Scheduling: Sessions available in mornings, afternoons, and at sunset.
• Family Friendly: Kids 6+ can join private or family lessons, making it perfect for holiday groups.

The Experience of Surfing in Tenerife: What You Can Expect

Easy Access to the Surf Spot

Upon booking, you’ll be instructed to meet at Ocean Freaks World – Surf School Tenerife about 15 minutes before your lesson starts. From there, it’s a quick two-minute walk to Playa de las Américas, where the surf instructors set up their stations. This proximity means you’ll spend more time on your board and less time in transit—a huge perk when you’re eager to catch waves.

The beach itself is a lively place, with a laid-back vibe perfect for first-timers. The instructors, who are ISA-certified and multilingual, greet you warmly and kick things off with a comprehensive beach briefing. Expect clear safety instructions, tips on paddle techniques, and explanations of wave behavior—all tailored to your skill level.

The Lesson Structure

The lessons typically last between 2 and 2.5 hours, providing plenty of time to get wet and practice your moves. The instructor-to-student ratio is kept small, enabling personalized coaching. Whether you’re a complete novice or someone wanting to improve your turns, the instructor will give tailored feedback.

For beginners, the focus will be on safety and learning how to pop up confidently on your board. Advanced surfers might work on refining their stance, paddling techniques, or catching more challenging waves.

All Gear, All the Time

One of the key benefits of booking through Ocean Freaks is that all gear is included—a significant saving and hassle reducer. You’ll be provided with a surfboard suited to your skill level, a wetsuit or lycra, and reef shoes, which are especially useful when paddling over rocky areas. Reviews mention that the gear is well-maintained and comfortable, ensuring a smoother learning experience.

Additional Options & Upgrades

If you’re really serious about improving, you can opt for video analysis, which allows you to see your technique and get specific pointers. Private lessons or family sessions can also be booked, giving a more tailored experience, especially with kids aged 6 and above. These upgrades generally bring a more personalized approach, ideal for those who prefer one-on-one coaching.

Post-Lesson Relaxation

After the session, many find it tempting to unwind at the Ocean Freaks Surf Café. While food and drinks aren’t included, the café offers a relaxed spot to debrief, sip some drinks, or just soak in the beach atmosphere. Some reviews mention enjoying the café’s chill vibe and friendly staff, making it a perfect end to a lively morning or afternoon.

The Surfing Environment

The surf spot in Playa de las Américas is favored for its consistent waves suitable for all levels. The warm Atlantic waters and scenic backdrop of Tenerife’s coastline create a quintessential surf setting. The instructors are attentive to weather and surf conditions, adjusting the start times accordingly, which ensures you’re always in the best conditions possible.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Compared to other experiences, the small group size and all-inclusive package stand out as major value points. Many reviews highlight the instructors’ professionalism and multilingual skills, making the lessons accessible for international visitors. The option for private or family lessons also makes it flexible for different group sizes and needs.

What Could Be Better?

While the experience is generally praised, some travelers note that lesson times are weather-dependent and may shift, which could require some flexibility. Also, the site doesn’t cater to pregnant women or non-swimmers, so those groups need to consider alternative activities. The food and drinks at the café aren’t included, so budget accordingly if you plan to relax there post-session.

Is This Surf Lesson Right for You?

This tour appeals most to those eager to try surfing for the first time or improve their skills in a friendly, relaxed environment without breaking the bank. Families with children aged 6 and above will especially appreciate the private and family options, making it a fun and memorable activity for all ages.

If you’re a solo traveler or part of a small group, the small class sizes ensure you won’t feel lost in a crowd. It’s perfect for travelers who value personalized coaching and all gear provided—no need to pack your own wetsuit or board.

However, if you’re pregnant, a non-swimmer, or seeking a more advanced surf experience, you might want to explore other options, as this experience is geared mainly towards beginners and intermediate surfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the lessons suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the lessons cater to all levels from beginners to those wanting to improve. The instructors tailor their coaching to your skill level, starting with safety and basic techniques.

What do I need to bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. All the necessary gear (board, wetsuit/lycra, reef shoes) is provided, so there’s no need to pack your own.

Is the lesson family-friendly?
Yes, children aged 6 and above can join private or family lessons. The experience is designed to be accessible and fun for kids, with a focus on safety and fundamental skills.

Can I upgrade my lesson?
Yes, you can opt for private lessons or add video analysis to enhance your progress. These options allow for a more personalized coaching experience.

What happens if the weather isn’t suitable?
Lesson times depend on surf and weather conditions. If there’s a change, the team will notify you via email or WhatsApp, and rescheduling options are usually available.

How long is the lesson?
Lessons run for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, offering ample time to catch waves and practice techniques.

Is insurance included?
Yes, all lessons include insurance, ensuring peace of mind while you’re in the water.

Final Thoughts

The Tenerife surf lessons offered by Ocean Freaks provide a well-rounded, value-for-money way to experience the thrill of surfing in a supportive environment. Small group coaching, top-notch gear, and flexible scheduling make this a practical choice for travelers looking to get their feet wet or improve their technique without fuss. The proximity to the surf spot and the friendly, multilingual instruction team add layers of convenience and comfort, elevating what is already a fantastic activity.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this experience strikes a good balance between professional guidance and laid-back fun. It’s clear this tour prioritizes safety, enjoyment, and authentic surf culture, making it a worthwhile addition to your Tenerife itinerary. Just remember to bring your sunscreen and a towel, and you’ll be ready to ride your first wave in no time.

Final Summary

This small-group surf lesson in Tenerife offers exceptional value through personalized coaching, all-inclusive gear, and flexible scheduling, suited for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. Perfect for families or solo travelers wanting an authentic surf experience, it combines professional instruction with a relaxed vibe. While weather-dependent timings require some flexibility, the overall experience delivers genuine fun and skill-building in a beautiful setting, making it a top choice for those eager to surf in Tenerife.