Do I need to be fit to learn to surf?

Basic physical fitness helps, but it's not essential. If you can swim and do gentle push-ups, you can start. Surfing relies much more on technique and coordination than brute strength. Most beginners are people without specific prior training.

Do you need to know how to swim to surf?

Yes, it is essential to be a confident swimmer in open water. In a lesson, you will never be alone and the board acts as a float, but waves can separate you from the board and you need to be able to move confidently in the water.

What's the best age to start surfing?

Schools usually accept children from 7 – 8 years old in specific children's classes, and from 12 – 13 years old in mixed classes. There is no maximum age — some students start at 60 years old. The important thing is to know how to swim and not have serious back or joint problems.

What if I can't stand up in the first lesson?

This is completely normal and doesn't mean surfing isn't for you. Many people need 2 – 3 lessons to stand up with some consistency. Your instructor will give you the specific feedback you need — and that's precisely why a package of several lessons works so well.

How much does a week of surfing in Lanzarote cost?

A week of surfing with 5 – 7 lessons costs between €200 and €350 (depending on the school and season), with equipment and insurance included. If you add accommodation and food in Caleta de Famara or Costa Teguise, a complete week-long trip usually costs around €700 – €1,200 per person.

Can I book just one class, or do I have to take a whole course?

You can book a single individual class to try it out — that's what we always recommend. If you get hooked (it usually happens), you can then upgrade to a multi-class package with a discount. Book in advance for Easter, July, August, and Christmas.

Which beach is better to start: Famara or Costa Teguise?

Famara is suitable, except on days with very large waves. It offers more space, better wave quality for learning, and a higher concentration of schools. Costa Teguise (Las Cucharas) is a practical alternative if you're staying on the east side of the island or if Famara has too strong an ocean swell that day.

Surf for beginners in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is one of the best destinations in the world to learn how to surf. Consistent waves 12 months a year, warm water (18 – 23 °C), sandy bottoms on the main beaches, and an infrastructure of schools with decades of experience. If you've never been on a board, this guide tells you exactly what to expect, where to learn, and what to book.

We tell you about the best beaches for beginners, what happens in an introductory lesson, the equipment you need (spoiler: the school provides everything), and how to choose a course that makes sense for your level and available days.

Beginner learning to catch their first wave in Lanzarote

The best beaches for beginners in Lanzarote

Caleta de Famara is the number one option. 6 km of sandy beach with waves that break progressively in the southern and central areas, where most schools operate. The bottom is safe, waves are usually small in the learning area, and there are lifeguards in season. This is where 90% of beginners who come to Lanzarote learn.

Las Cucharas (Costa Teguise) is the alternative for days when Famara is too big or when you're staying on the east of the island. It's a smaller, sandy beach with shorter waves but perfect for catching your first waves in calm conditions.

Playa Bastián and the Arrieta area are other secondary options for specific days. Your school will decide the beach each day based on the swell, wind, and tides — this is one of the great advantages of going with a local school.

What your first surf lesson in Lanzarote is like

An introductory lesson lasts 2 to 3 hours. It starts with a theory session on the beach where the instructor explains basic safety (currents, distance between surfers, what to do if you fall), parts of the board, and the technique to stand up (the famous 'pop-up').

This is followed by a short warm-up and entry into the water. The first half an hour is usually spent lying on the board in foamy (already broken) waves, so you can learn your balance. From there, the instructor pushes you into waves and you try to stand up. It's common to stand up in the first lesson — but it requires patience, several attempts, and a good dose of enthusiasm.

Groups are usually 6 – 8 people per instructor, with soft boards that are safe and very easy to paddle. The school provides the board, wetsuit, leash, and insurance. You only need a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen.

How many lessons do you need to start surfing

After just 1 class, you'll already be catching waves — this almost always happens. If you want to truly learn (stand up regularly, catch small green waves without a push), book a pack of 3 to 5 classes on consecutive or alternate days. It's the most cost-effective format and delivers visible results.

An intensive week (5 – 7 lessons) can take you from absolute beginner to independently surfing small green waves. Reaching a solid intermediate level (turning the board, reading the wave) requires several trips and many hours in the water — but everyone starts with their first lesson.

What to bring and what the school provides

Provided by the school: board (soft, adapted to your weight and level), wetsuit (3/2 mm or thinner depending on the season), leash, warm-up, certified instructor, accident insurance, and, in many cases, photos of your session.

You bring: swimsuit or rashguard, towel, water, reef-safe sunscreen (important to protect the ocean), a long-sleeved shirt for after the session, and, if you have long hair, a hair tie.

Best time to start surfing in Lanzarote

If you've never surfed, the absolute best time is between May and October. Waves are smaller and more consistent (perfect for learning), the water is 20 – 23 °C, and days are long. July and August are the calmest in terms of wave size — ideal for an intensive week without frustration.

From November to April, surfing is also possible — in fact, many schools operate — but waves can be bigger and the water cooler (you'll need a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit). Your instructor will adapt the beach to the students' level.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be fit to learn to surf?: Basic physical fitness helps, but it's not essential. If you can swim and do gentle push-ups, you can start. Surfing relies much more on technique and coordination than brute strength. Most beginners are people without specific prior training.
Do you need to know how to swim to surf?: Yes, it is essential to be a confident swimmer in open water. In a lesson, you will never be alone and the board acts as a float, but waves can separate you from the board and you need to be able to move confidently in the water.
What's the best age to start surfing?: Schools usually accept children from 7 – 8 years old in specific children's classes, and from 12 – 13 years old in mixed classes. There is no maximum age — some students start at 60 years old. The important thing is to know how to swim and not have serious back or joint problems.
What if I can't stand up in the first lesson?: This is completely normal and doesn't mean surfing isn't for you. Many people need 2 – 3 lessons to stand up with some consistency. Your instructor will give you the specific feedback you need — and that's precisely why a package of several lessons works so well.
How much does a week of surfing in Lanzarote cost?: A week of surfing with 5 – 7 lessons costs between €200 and €350 (depending on the school and season), with equipment and insurance included. If you add accommodation and food in Caleta de Famara or Costa Teguise, a complete week-long trip usually costs around €700 – €1,200 per person.
Can I book just one class, or do I have to take a whole course?: You can book a single individual class to try it out — that's what we always recommend. If you get hooked (it usually happens), you can then upgrade to a multi-class package with a discount. Book in advance for Easter, July, August, and Christmas.
Which beach is better to start: Famara or Costa Teguise?: Famara is suitable, except on days with very large waves. It offers more space, better wave quality for learning, and a higher concentration of schools. Costa Teguise (Las Cucharas) is a practical alternative if you're staying on the east side of the island or if Famara has too strong an ocean swell that day.

Keep exploring

Book your first surf lesson in Lanzarote

Schools selected by Benty, certified instructors, small groups, PRO equipment and insurance included. Start with a single class or a package — you choose.

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