Surf lessons in Las Canteras Beach

La Cícer gives you something many surf lessons cannot: a proper wave-riding setting right beside a city beach. You meet at University Surf School, a few meters from Las Canteras, then work with instructors in the beach area best suited to surfing.

I like the quality equipment and included insurance, which keep the first lesson simple and less stressful. I also like the focus on patient teaching. Carlos is noted for clear instruction with beginners, while Marco helped make a first lesson feel easy and friendly.

The main thing to consider is timing. The class is advertised as two hours, but one recent participant reported about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Tide and weather conditions can also shift the start time, so this works better for flexible schedules than for tightly packed day plans.

Key points to know before booking

• La Cícer is the surfing section of Las Canteras Beach, giving you an urban setting with a dedicated surf area.
• The lesson suits complete beginners and improving surfers, with instruction adjusted to your level.
• Carlos and Marco are specifically praised for patient, clear coaching, a useful sign for first-time surfers.
• Boards and other required equipment are included, along with insurance and care for personal belongings.
• Classes run Monday through Saturday, generally between 10:00 and 19:00, but tides and sea conditions decide the exact time.
• The $54 price is strongest for first-timers, since you do not need to rent equipment separately or arrange insurance.

Why La Cícer is the right place to learn

Las Canteras is one of the best-known urban beaches in the Canary Islands, but the surf lesson takes place at La Cícer, the part of the beach used for surfing. That location matters. You are not simply standing on a board in a quiet swimming area. You are being taught in the section selected for waves and surf practice.

The setting also makes the activity easy to add to a stay in Las Palmas. The school is at Calle Secretario Padilla 168, near the beach, so you do not need a long transfer to reach the lesson. Pickup is not included, which means you must make your own way there, but the central beach location keeps that arrangement fairly straightforward.

I like the combination of city convenience and real sea practice. You can take a lesson in the morning, spend time around Las Canteras afterward, or use it as an active break from museums, restaurants, and city sightseeing.

The beach location does not guarantee identical conditions every day. Surfing depends on tide, wind, and sea state, and the school may adjust the start time to provide safer and more useful conditions. Keep part of your day open rather than booking a tour or dinner immediately afterward.

What the two-hour course is designed to teach

This is an intensive introductory course, not a casual beach activity with a quick demonstration. The school has more than ten years of experience teaching sports, from first lessons through high-performance training, so the program is intended to give you a real starting point.

If you are new to surfing, the lesson focuses on the basic skills needed to handle a board and begin catching waves. You can expect instruction built around board handling, getting into position, standing up, and learning how to approach the waves safely. The exact balance between land instruction and time in the water will depend on conditions and your group.

If you already have some experience, tell the instructor what you want to improve. The course also aims to help you develop technique, rather than forcing every participant through the same beginner routine. That makes the private and small-group options especially useful for friends or couples with different levels.

The two-hour length is enough to provide a proper introduction, though it is not a full-day surf camp. You will have time to learn, try the movements, and receive corrections, but you should not expect advanced coaching or a large number of technical drills in one session.

Meeting the instructors and getting started

You meet at University Surf School on Calle Secretario Padilla 168, Las Palmas 35010. The school is close to Las Canteras Beach, in the La Cícer area, so the beach and changing facilities are part of the practical setup rather than a separate transport stop.

English and Spanish instruction is available. That is helpful if you want detailed coaching on body position and timing, since clear explanations matter greatly when you are trying to stand on a moving board.

The staff’s approach is centered on three things: safety, fun, and teaching. Those priorities are not just pleasant extras. For a beginner, a calm instructor can make the difference between trying again after a fall and deciding surfing is not for you.

Carlos is specifically praised for patient, professional instructions that were easy for a beginner to follow. Marco is also singled out as approachable and easy to get along with during a first lesson. You cannot request that either instructor will teach your class unless the school confirms it, but those names give you a useful sense of the teaching style to expect.

The school has private and small-group formats. A small group usually offers a livelier social feel, while a private lesson gives you more direct attention. If you are nervous, have limited fitness, or want to improve a particular skill, ask about the private option before booking.

Equipment, changing, and personal belongings

All necessary equipment is included in the $54 price. That removes one of the common hassles of a first surf lesson: working out which board or other items to rent before you know what you need.

The equipment has received strong practical feedback. It was described as clean and in good condition, and the school’s facilities were also found to be tidy. That matters because worn or poorly maintained equipment can make a first lesson harder than it needs to be.

You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The school provides care for personal belongings, which means you have a designated arrangement for your items while you are in the water. Still, bring only what you need and avoid taking valuables to the beach.

Food and drinks are not included. Plan to eat before or after the lesson, especially if you are booking a morning class or expect the physical effort to leave you hungry. There is also no pickup service, so transport to the meeting point remains your responsibility.

From beach briefing to first waves

The course is structured as a concentrated introduction to surfing. The early part should give you the basic information needed to handle the board, understand the lesson, and follow safety instructions before you begin trying waves.

The safety focus is important. Surfing looks simple from the beach, but the board, waves, other participants, and changing conditions all require attention. The instructors are expected to set clear boundaries and explain how to behave in the water before encouraging you to catch waves.

Once you begin practicing, the aim is to put the basic technique into action. You will work toward taking the board into the waves and attempting to stand. Beginners should measure success by learning how to position themselves and make safe attempts, not by expecting to ride every wave.

That distinction helps set the right mood. A first lesson can include plenty of falls, and falling is part of learning. A patient instructor who gives one clear correction at a time is more useful than someone who overwhelms you with technical terms.

The recent feedback points to that exact strength. Instruction has been described as clear, friendly, and patient, with a strong balance between safety and enjoyment. One participant reported catching waves during a first lesson, but your result will depend on sea conditions, fitness, confidence, and how quickly you pick up the basic movements.

How the tide changes your schedule

The activity does not have one fixed daily start time. Classes are available Monday through Saturday, generally from 10:00 to 19:00, but the school adjusts the time according to the tide and sea conditions.

That is a good sign for the quality of the lesson. Surfing at the wrong tide can mean poor waves or less suitable conditions, so a flexible schedule helps the school choose a better window. The tradeoff is that you cannot treat the class like a museum ticket with a guaranteed hour.

Keep your booking day loose. If you are using public transport, allow extra time to reach the school, but do not create a tight connection with another paid activity. The school may change the start time to match the sea.

The advertised duration is two hours. One recent participant felt the actual lesson lasted closer to 1 hour and 40 minutes, so you may want to allow for the possibility that the active teaching time is a little shorter. Even so, the equipment, instruction, insurance, and beach location are included in the price.

Is $54 a fair price?

At $54 per person, this is a reasonable price for a first surf lesson if you need equipment and want instruction rather than a simple board rental. The cost includes all necessary equipment, insurance, and care for personal belongings.

The value improves if you are starting from zero. You do not need to research which board to rent, find an instructor separately, or arrange your own lesson insurance. You are paying for a prepared setup and direct guidance in a suitable surf area.

The value is less clear if you already surf confidently and only want a board for independent use. This is a teaching experience, not a rental-only arrangement, so experienced surfers may get more from a private coaching session focused on technique.

Food, drinks, and pickup cost extra because they are not included. Those exclusions are easy to manage, but remember them when comparing this with a package that includes transport or refreshments.

The school’s 4.8 rating from 19 reviews supports the idea that the main strengths are instruction, equipment, and staff attitude. I would still book with realistic expectations about lesson length and tide-based scheduling rather than assuming every class will run in exactly the same way.

Who should book this surf lesson

This is a good fit for adults and teenagers who can swim and want a first structured introduction to surfing. It also suits people who have tried surfing before and want to practice with an instructor instead of learning alone.

It is particularly useful for:

• First-time surfers who want clear guidance
• Visitors staying near Las Canteras
• Couples or friends looking for an active two-hour activity
• People who prefer small groups or private coaching
• Improving surfers who want help with basic technique
• Visitors with flexible schedules who can adapt to tide times

The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with a low level of fitness, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people with heart problems. Children under 14 are not accepted, and children under 15 must attend with an adult. The information gives both age limits, so families should confirm the rule that applies to their child when booking.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. That is sensible for a water activity requiring balance, judgment, and attention to safety.

Practical ways to get more from the lesson

Arrive ready to spend time in the water. Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel, and apply sunscreen before you begin. The Canary Islands sun can feel mild in the breeze, but you are still exposed on the beach and in the water.

Listen closely during the first safety explanation. Beginners often want to get on the board immediately, but the early instructions help you avoid wasting time and make your attempts safer.

Tell the instructor your level. If you have never surfed, say so plainly. If you have taken lessons before, explain what you found difficult, such as standing up, balancing, or catching a wave. That gives the instructor a better starting point.

Keep your expectations modest but positive. Catching a wave during your first class is possible, as one participant experienced, but it is not something the school can promise. Learning to position the board, understand the waves, and make a controlled attempt is already a worthwhile result.

Finally, do not schedule an important appointment right after the class. The starting time can change, and the advertised two hours may not match the exact active lesson time every day.

Should you book the Las Canteras surf lesson?

Book it if you want a well-organized first taste of surfing in Las Palmas, especially if you value patient instruction, included equipment, and a convenient beach location. The positive points are clear: good-quality materials, friendly staff, English and Spanish coaching, insurance, and access to private or small-group instruction.

I would be more cautious if your day is tightly scheduled, you need hotel pickup, or you expect a guaranteed full two hours of active water time. The tide-based timetable and reported 1 hour and 40 minute lesson are worth keeping in mind.

For a beginner who can swim and has a flexible morning or afternoon, $54 is a fair price for the instruction and equipment provided. Bring your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, keep your schedule open, and treat the first class as a practical introduction rather than a promise of instant surfing skill.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson meet?

You meet at University Surf School, Playa de las Canteras, Calle Secretario Padilla 168, Las Palmas 35010.

How long does the surf lesson last?

The activity is advertised as a two-hour intensive introductory course. The exact active lesson time can vary, and one recent participant reported about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

When are classes available?

Classes run from Monday through Saturday, generally between 10:00 and 19:00. The exact starting time depends on tides and sea conditions.

Can I take the lesson in English?

Yes. Instruction is available in English and Spanish.

Is all surfing equipment included?

Yes. All necessary equipment is included in the price.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Participants must know how to swim. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to book your place without paying immediately.