2 Hours Surfing Lesson in Lanzarote

Famara Beach is the star here: a broad, wave-friendly stretch of Lanzarote where you can learn the basics without being tucked away in a swimming pool. I like the small groups of up to eight, and I like that the lesson starts with beach safety before anyone heads into the water.

The other strong point is the teaching. Instructors such as Mattia, Jamie, Dan, and Alex are praised for short, useful corrections that help beginners stand up and help returning surfers sharpen their technique. The main consideration is time: two hours goes quickly, especially once you allow for changing and the trip from the school to the beach.

Key points to know before booking

• Famara Beach setting: Learn in one of Lanzarote’s best-known surf areas, with the lesson built around actual waves rather than dry-land theory alone.
• Small-group instruction: The class has a maximum of eight people, with private or small-group options available.
• Beginner and intermediate levels: You can start from scratch or work on technique if you already know the basics.
• Clear safety briefing: The session covers local beach safety before you enter the water.
• Equipment included: A surfboard and wetsuit are provided, along with transport from the surf school to the beach.
• Family-friendly age range: Children from age six can join with an adult, while children from age ten may participate without one.

Learning to surf at Famara Beach

This is a practical lesson for people who want to get on a board quickly. You meet Surf School Lanzarote at Bajo, C. el Cjón., 4, in Caleta de Famara, at 9:15 am. From there, the school provides transport to the beach, so you do not need to arrange your own ride between the meeting point and the surf area.

The setting matters. Famara Beach gives the lesson room to spread out, and the experience is built around learning in the sea rather than simply practicing movements on sand. I like that balance. You get enough explanation to understand what you are doing, then you put it to work in the water.

The class is offered at beginner and intermediate levels. If you are new to surfing, the early part of the lesson is likely to focus on board handling, body position, standing up, and basic wave timing. If you already surf, the instruction can instead focus on improving your technique and making better use of the waves.

The exact wave conditions can change the feel of the lesson. Surfing is not a fixed activity where every participant gets the same result, and the school may adjust the session to suit the beach and weather. That is one reason the two-hour format works best when you arrive ready to listen and make the most of each attempt.

What happens during the two-hour session

The first useful step is the safety briefing. You learn about the local beach before entering the water, rather than being sent straight toward the waves. One instructor, Jamie, is specifically praised for explaining safety measures clearly, while another session with Mattia began with local beach safety followed by a warm-up.

That order makes sense. Surfing is more enjoyable when you understand where to go, how to handle the board, and how to stay aware of other people in the water. It also helps calm the nerves. For a first lesson, the sea can look more intimidating than it feels once you know what to expect.

After the briefing, you use the included wetsuit and surfboard. The school supplies the equipment, which is a real advantage if you are building a beach day into a Lanzarote holiday and do not want to rent gear separately. Transport from the school to the beach is included too.

Instruction then moves between explanation and practice. A particularly useful feature is the constant feedback described by people who worked with Dan, Jamie, and Mattia. Corrections are kept short and specific, such as fixing body position or adjusting the timing of a pop-up. That kind of advice is easier to use than a long speech delivered after you have already lost the wave.

The goal for many first-timers is simply to stand up. Several sessions focus on that early breakthrough, and Mattia is praised for breaking down the basics in a relaxed way. You should not treat standing on the board as guaranteed, since waves, fitness, balance, and timing all matter. Still, the teaching approach is aimed at giving you a fair chance within the two-hour window.

Why the small group size matters

The maximum group size is eight people. That is not the same as a private class, but it is small enough to make personal instruction possible, especially when the school offers small-group and private options.

I see this as one of the best reasons to choose this lesson over a very large beach class. A first-time surfer often needs several small adjustments. If the instructor can see how you are positioning your hands, when you are standing, or how you are meeting the wave, the next attempt can be better than the last.

The teaching team includes Mattia, Jamie, Dan, and Alex. The comments about these instructors repeatedly point to patience, clear explanations, useful feedback, and a friendly tone. Alex worked with two teenagers who already had some surfing experience and helped them learn new techniques, while Mattia is noted for helping complete beginners feel comfortable.

You may not have one specific instructor guaranteed unless that is confirmed when you book. The important point is that the school has a team able to work with different levels. A mixed group can still function well when the instructor adjusts advice to each person.

Beginner coaching that keeps the theory useful

I like the teaching style described here because it does not treat theory as filler. One first-time surfer took a longer two-part session and found that the instructors explained not only what to do, but why the movement mattered. The useful part was the quick feedback: small changes produced noticeable improvement.

That is the right approach for surfing. You do not need a lecture on every detail before you touch the water. You need enough information to understand the basics, followed by a chance to try, fail, adjust, and try again.

The two-hour lesson is best seen as an introduction, not a full transformation. You may catch a few waves, learn how to position yourself, and discover whether surfing suits you. If you want a stronger progression, the school also handles longer and multi-day instruction, as shown by sessions lasting four hours and courses over several days. This specific booking, however, is approximately two hours.

You should also expect to work hard. Surfing uses more energy than it first appears to, especially when you are repeatedly paddling, standing, falling, and carrying a board. A longer first session left one participant tired but pleased, which is a fair warning for anyone planning a full day of sightseeing afterward.

Intermediate lessons are not just for experts

You do not need to be a complete beginner to benefit from this class. The school offers intermediate instruction, and the teaching team has worked with people who had surfed before but wanted to improve their technique.

That makes the experience useful for a mixed holiday group. One person can be learning from the beginning while another works on cleaner movements and better wave selection. The maximum of eight people helps, though you should still check that the class level suits your needs when booking.

The value for an intermediate surfer lies in feedback. It is hard to see your own mistakes while riding. An instructor on the beach or in the water can give a simple correction that changes how you approach the next wave. The sessions with Dan, Jamie, and Mattia are especially noted for feedback continuing in the water, not stopping once the class leaves the sand.

Do not expect a private coaching plan unless you book that option. A small group can offer personal advice, but the instructor’s attention is shared. For focused technical work, a private class may make better sense.

Equipment, transport, and the practical details

The price is $60.08 per person. For that amount, you receive the surfboard, wetsuit, transport from the surf school to the beach, and instruction from certified ISA and RLSS instructors.

That is a solid package for a first session because the main pieces are already covered. You are not paying for the lesson and then discovering that board hire, wetsuit hire, or the ride to the beach costs extra. The price is less compelling if you already own equipment and only want access to the water, but that is not the purpose of this experience.

You meet at 9:15 am and return to the same meeting point when the activity ends. The early start is useful in a beach setting, since it leaves time for lunch or another Lanzarote activity. It also means you should not book this casually after a very late night.

Hotel collection and return are not included. They can be arranged for an additional €20 round trip. If you are staying in Caleta de Famara, getting to the meeting point should be simpler. If you are elsewhere on Lanzarote, compare the €20 add-on with your own transport costs before deciding.

The activity is offered in English. It is near public transportation, and confirmation is provided when you book. The class accepts most participants, but surfing still requires enough mobility and comfort in the water to take part safely.

A good choice for families with older children

Children from age six can join when accompanied by an adult. From age ten, children can take part without an accompanying adult. That makes this a possible family activity, especially for parents who want their children to try something active rather than spend another morning on the beach.

The age rule does not mean every child will have the same experience. A six-year-old may need more reassurance and close support than an older child, while teenagers with previous surfing experience may be ready for intermediate coaching. Tell the school the ages and ability levels in your party so the lesson can be matched sensibly.

The family appeal also comes from the instructors’ ability to explain surfing at different levels. Alex is praised for working with teenagers, while other instructors are noted for helping complete beginners. Still, an adult should be prepared to stay involved with a younger child, both for confidence and for practical help.

The main limitation: two hours passes quickly

The biggest drawback is not poor organization or missing equipment. It is the short format. A two-hour class has to fit in the meeting process, transport, changing, safety instruction, warm-up, coaching, and actual time on the waves.

That is enough for a useful introduction, but it may feel brief if you are already enthusiastic. The first attempts can take time, and beginners often need several tries before their movements begin to make sense. If you spend much of the session learning to handle the board, you may have less time standing on it.

I would choose this format if you want to test surfing, have a busy itinerary, or are unsure how your body will handle the activity. I would consider a longer session or several days of lessons if surfing is one of your main reasons for visiting Lanzarote.

Weather is another factor. The experience requires suitable conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. That is sensible for an outdoor surf lesson, but it is worth leaving some flexibility in your schedule.

Booking advice and cancellation terms

This activity is often booked about a week in advance, so I would avoid leaving it until the last morning of your holiday if your dates are fixed. The group is capped at eight, and small-group or private formats may have limited availability.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. If the school cancels because of weather or because the minimum number is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

That policy is fairly clear. I would book early, then keep the rest of that morning flexible. Bring a sensible attitude toward conditions: the sea decides part of the schedule, not just the calendar.

Who should book this Famara surf lesson?

I would recommend it to a first-time surfer who wants a real introduction without committing to a multi-day course. The board, wetsuit, transport, and certified instruction are included, and the small group limit gives you a better chance of receiving useful corrections.

It also suits families with children who meet the age rules, friends with mixed ability levels, and intermediate surfers who want a short technique session. The friendly teaching style associated with Mattia, Jamie, Dan, and Alex is a major strength.

I would hesitate only if you want a long, intensive surf block or guaranteed private attention. For that, book a private class or a longer course instead. For a two-hour test of surfing at Famara Beach, the price is reasonable and the setup is refreshingly straightforward.

FAQ

Where does the surfing lesson start?

You meet at Surf School Lanzarote at Bajo, C. el Cjón., 4, 35558 Caleta de Famara, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time does the lesson begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:15 am.

How long does the surfing experience last?

The activity lasts approximately two hours and finishes back at the meeting point.

Is transport to Famara Beach included?

Yes. Transport from the surf school to the beach is included. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, but they can be arranged for an additional €20 round trip.

What equipment is provided?

A surfboard and wetsuit are included in the price.

Can children take part?

Children from six years old can participate when accompanied by an adult. From age ten, children can participate without an accompanying adult.