Stand up Paddle Course

At Playa Chica, you learn to stand on a paddleboard, then head along the shore to small beaches and rocky corners that are easy to miss from land. The hour mixes instruction, paddling, and the good-natured possibility of falling into the sea. An English-speaking instructor keeps the session accessible, and all main equipment is supplied.

I like the small maximum group of eight, which gives you a better chance of receiving help than you would in a large beach class. I also like the practical setup: board included, wetsuit and life jacket available if needed, plus possible hotel transfers. The main caution is simple: the session is short, and one family had to sort out incorrect meeting details through Viator, so confirm the time and location directly with School3S Surf before setting out.

Key points at a glance

• Playa Chica is both classroom and launch point, with the lesson beginning at a well-defined beach meeting area.
• The route includes small beaches and rocky coastal sections, not just repeated paddling in one patch of water.
• Groups are capped at eight people, useful if you want personal help with balance and technique.
• Boards are provided, with wetsuits and life jackets available when needed.
• Marcos has been specifically praised for his patient teaching, especially with young participants aged 12 and 16.
• The price is $84.11 per person for about one hour, so the value depends on how much you want a guided introduction rather than a longer rental.

Starting at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen

The experience begins at Calle Roque del Este, 5, in Tías, close to Playa Chica. This is not a bus tour with a long ride and a packed schedule. You meet near the beach, get set up, and spend the available time on the water.

That direct format is useful in Lanzarote, where a short activity can fit neatly between a morning at the beach and an afternoon elsewhere on the island. It also means you are not paying for a long transfer or a full-day program. The trade-off is that the one-hour duration leaves little room for delays, so arrive ready and make sure you know the exact meeting instructions.

Playa Chica provides a practical starting place because the beach is the center of the activity. From there, the instructor can explain the basics before taking you out toward the nearby small beaches and rock formations. You can expect to spend part of the session learning how to handle the board and part paddling along the coast.

The description is honest about the learning curve: you may practice, lose your balance, and fall into the water. That is not a flaw in this kind of lesson. For many beginners, getting comfortable with an unstable board is the whole point. Still, if you want a calm sightseeing trip with no chance of getting wet, this is the wrong choice.

Learning to balance before you explore

The outing is designed as a course, not simply a board rental. A professional instructor is present to guide you, and the small group limit should make it easier to ask for help with standing, paddling, and turning.

You do not need to arrive with a board or wetsuit. A paddleboard is included, and a wetsuit and life jacket are available if you need them. The information does not promise that every participant must wear both items, so ask the instructor what is suitable for the conditions and your comfort level.

For a first attempt, the most valuable part may be the early coaching rather than the coastal route. A few clear instructions can save you from wasting the entire hour climbing back onto the board. With no more than eight people, the instructor has a realistic chance to watch how each person is managing.

Marcos is specifically noted for being welcoming and patient with two young participants, aged 12 and 16. That makes this a reasonable option for families with older children, provided they are comfortable in the water and able to follow instructions. It does not mean every group will have Marcos personally, so treat his involvement as something to confirm rather than a guaranteed feature.

Paddling toward small beaches and rocks

Once the basic practice is underway, you head out from Playa Chica to explore small beaches and rocky parts of the coast. The appeal is the change of view. From a paddleboard, you are close to the water and moving at a slower pace than you would from a road or promenade.

The route is described in broad terms rather than as a fixed series of named stops. That gives the instructor room to adjust the outing to the day’s weather and sea conditions. It also means you should not expect a tightly scripted sightseeing itinerary or a long list of landmarks.

The coastal scenery is the main reward. You can paddle past rock formations, look back toward the shore, and see parts of Lanzarote from water level. The experience is active, so you will not simply sit and watch. You are likely to alternate between trying to keep a steady line, listening to directions, and enjoying the view when your balance improves.

The word practicing matters here. This is an introduction, not an advanced coastal expedition. If you already paddleboard regularly, one hour may feel brief and basic. If you are new to the sport, that short length can be just right. You get a taste of the activity without committing half a day to a lesson that may leave you tired.

What the one-hour format means

At $84.11 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour near the beach. You are paying for instruction, equipment, a guided outing, and the convenience of a small group. The price makes more sense if you would otherwise need to rent a board, arrange safety equipment, and learn without help.

The value is weaker for experienced paddleboarders who only want independent time on the water. They may prefer a longer rental, though this particular experience is built around instruction rather than unsupervised use.

A one-hour session also suits an itinerary with several activities. You can try paddleboarding in the morning, return to your hotel, and still have time for Lanzarote’s other sights. The drawback is that the practical portion of the session may take a noticeable share of the hour. Getting equipment ready, learning the basics, and returning to shore all reduce the actual time spent exploring.

I would book this for a first taste, a family activity, or a quick change from ordinary beach time. I would not book it expecting a long route, a full lesson in advanced technique, or a full-day water adventure.

Equipment, clothing, and the chance of getting wet

The included paddleboard removes the biggest practical nuisance. You do not need to carry bulky equipment to Playa Chica or work out which board is appropriate. Wetsuits and life jackets are available if needed, which is helpful if you are unsure what to wear or are not fully confident in the water.

The supplied information does not give a full packing list, so keep your preparation simple. Wear something suitable for water activity and be ready to get wet. The activity itself specifically allows for falling into the sea, so do not treat it like a dry sightseeing tour.

The equipment provision also makes this easier for families. Young participants do not need to bring their own gear, and the instructor can help them get started. Still, the activity requires normal participation in a water sport. Most people can take part, but anyone with a fever or flu symptoms should not attend.

Good weather is required. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This is a useful safeguard, since sea conditions affect both safety and enjoyment. The operator, School3S Surf Sup y Soul, controls the final decision about weather suitability.

Small groups and personal instruction

The maximum group size is eight. That is small enough to keep the session from feeling like a mass lesson, but it is not private coaching. You may still need to wait briefly while the instructor helps someone else.

For a beginner, that balance is usually sensible. You get the social feel of a shared activity and a better chance of individual correction than in a much larger class. If you are nervous about falling, seeing other beginners make the same attempt can make the process less intimidating.

The strongest personal teaching detail comes from Marcos, who was praised for working well with a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old. His approach was described as welcoming and effective, with both young participants enjoying the class. That points to a useful strength for families, especially when children need clear instructions and encouragement.

The available language is English. If your group needs another language, confirm what can be arranged before booking. Do not assume that the instructor will provide a multilingual lesson simply because Lanzarote receives visitors from many countries.

Transfers and meeting instructions

Round-trip hotel transfers are available, but the supplied details do not say whether they are included in the $84.11 price or offered as an additional arrangement. Ask about this before booking if you are not staying close to Playa Chica.

The stated meeting point is Calle Roque del Este, 5, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain, and the activity returns to that meeting point. It is near public transportation, so you may be able to reach it without a transfer.

I would pay close attention to the confirmation message. One family was given an incorrect meeting time and location through Viator and had to be contacted by School3S Surf with corrected details. The problem was resolved, but it could create stress before a short activity. Check the final time and meeting place directly with the provider, especially if the confirmation arrives close to your departure date. Booking confirmation can take up to 48 hours and is subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this Playa Chica lesson

This is best for first-time paddleboarders, active families, and people who want a compact water activity in Puerto del Carmen. It suits you if you like learning by trying, do not mind a few tumbles, and want an instructor nearby.

The experience may also work well for older children. The specific age examples are 12 and 16, and the teaching style has been praised for making the class enjoyable for them. The information does not give a minimum age, so families with younger children should ask before booking.

You should think twice if you dislike water sports, need a long and relaxed sightseeing session, or want complete control over your route. The class is only about an hour, and the focus is on learning and participation rather than sitting back.

People with a hint of fever or flu should not attend. That is both a courtesy to the instructor and the rest of the group, as well as a sensible precaution for anyone about to exert themselves in the water.

Booking, cancellation, and value

Free cancellation is available 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.

That policy is reasonably flexible for a short activity, particularly because weather can affect the session. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can select another date or receive a full refund. If your own plans are uncertain, keep the 24-hour deadline in mind.

DVDs and souvenir photos are not included. They may be available to purchase, but they are optional extras rather than part of the core experience. I would judge the activity on the lesson, equipment, and water time, not on the possibility of buying keepsakes afterward.

Should you book the Stand up Paddle Course?

Book it if you want a short, guided introduction to paddleboarding at Playa Chica, especially if you are traveling with older children or prefer a small group. The included board, available safety gear, English instruction, and coastal route give the session a useful structure.

At $84.11, it is a fairer deal for a beginner who needs equipment and guidance than for an experienced paddler seeking open-ended water time. Confirm the meeting details directly with School3S Surf, ask about hotel transfer costs, and leave room for weather changes.

My call: book it for a first paddleboarding experience and a bit of active fun in Lanzarote. Skip it if one hour feels too short for the price or if you want a quiet, dry coastal tour.

FAQ

Where does the paddleboarding activity start?

It starts at Calle Roque del Este, 5, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain, at a corner of Playa Chica Beach.

Where does the activity end?

The session ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately one hour.

Is equipment included?

Yes. A paddleboard is included. A wetsuit and life jacket are available if you need them.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is eight participants.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the provider cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.