Lanzarote: Famara Beach Surfing Lessons

Reviewed · FAMARA SURF LESSONS

Lanzarote: Famara Beach Surfing Lessons

5.0 · 3 reviews 2 hours From $71 Operated by Alohayolas Surf school · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Famara Beach makes surfing feel close and doable. You get a 2-hour lesson on a sandy stretch with cliff views, plus hands-on coaching that gets you moving fast. I like that you’re not stuck watching from shore, and I especially love the small-group setup that keeps the feedback coming. One thing to consider: it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so plan for a lesson that involves being in and out of the water.

The vibe here is practical, not pretentious. You’ll learn the core steps—paddling and standing up—then try for your first wave (or sharpen technique if you’re already riding). I also like that the gear is included, so you show up with swimwear and not a shopping list. The only drawback I see for some people is that the session runs in a short, two-hour window, so you’ll get instruction and chances to practice, but not a long enough time to master everything from scratch.

Key Things to Know Before You Hit the Water

  • Small groups (max 10) with extra tight coaching (5 per instructor): more time learning than waiting
  • Beginner-to-advanced structure: you’re placed by level, not treated like a “one-size-fits-all” case
  • Full equipment included: board, wetsuit, leash, and lycra are provided
  • Hands-on fundamentals first: paddling and standing up are the focus before bigger attempts
  • Snack break built in: you get local fruit when you’re hungry
  • Languages covered: Spanish, English, and Italian, so you can actually follow the teaching

Famara Beach Surf Lesson: Why This 2 Hours Feels Worth It

Lanzarote: Famara Beach Surfing Lessons - Famara Beach Surf Lesson: Why This 2 Hours Feels Worth It
If you’ve ever watched surfers and thought, I could maybe do that someday, this is the kind of lesson that turns someday into a plan. Famara Beach is long and sandy, and that matters because it makes the learning curve less brutal than rocky coves. You get the sea sound, the wind feel, and the cliffs in your line of sight—so even when you’re still figuring out your board balance, the setting keeps you motivated.

What you’re paying for isn’t just the novelty of trying surfing. It’s guided practice in a short window. You’ll start with basics, get sorted into the right group for your level, and then spend enough time on the water to make progress. For $71 per person for a 2-hour lesson, that’s a pretty straightforward value proposition: instruction plus all equipment plus a fruit snack.

There’s one more practical reason it’s a good pick: you’re not walking around with gear anxiety. Boards, wetsuits, leashes, and lycra come with the lesson. That means you can focus on learning instead of negotiating a rental situation.

Who This Lesson Suits Best (Beginner, Returning Surfer, and Skill Tweakers)

This lesson is designed for all levels, but it doesn’t treat beginners and advanced surfers the same way. You’ll meet your instructor at Famara Beach, then get placed into a group based on your experience. The lesson stays small: the info says 5 persons max per instructor depending on your level, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to fix technique (or build your first one).

If you’re a beginner

You’ll learn the basics of surfing with an emphasis on two skills that control everything:

  • how to paddle
  • how to stand up on the board

That’s the right order. Before you worry about wave shape or wave timing, you need to learn how your body works on the board and how to get into position.

If you’re already riding

You won’t feel ignored. The lesson includes chances to learn new techniques and refine what you already know. That’s useful if you’ve been surfing on your own and want someone to clean up your timing, posture, or transitions.

If you’re unsure about your level

That’s common. If you’re between beginner and “not a total beginner,” ask for the level placement when you arrive. You’ll get more out of it if you’re in the group that matches your current ability.

Gear on the Sand: What’s Included and Why It Matters

Surf lessons can be frustrating when you spend half your time figuring out equipment. Here, you skip that headache. The lesson includes:

  • surfboard
  • wetsuit
  • leash
  • lycra

This matters because the wetsuit and leash aren’t just extras. They’re part of how you stay comfortable and safe while you learn. A leash helps you keep track of your board, and the wetsuit lets you stay in the water long enough to practice without freezing out mid-session.

You’ll still need to bring the everyday items:

  • swimwear
  • towel
  • sunscreen
  • flip-flops

That list is refreshingly simple. If you show up with the basics and let the school handle the surfing gear, you’ll spend your energy on learning instead of improvising.

Meeting at Famara Beach: Your First Moves Before the Waves

The session starts at Famara Beach, where you’ll meet the instructor and get sorted out for your lesson. Before you’re out there chasing waves, you’ll do a warm-up and get organized into your small group.

This part is more important than it sounds. In surfing, a lot of mistakes come from not having a consistent routine. A good instructor setup helps you:

  • know what you’re practicing today
  • understand the safety basics
  • feel like the lesson has a plan, not chaos

Once you’re in your group, you’ll start working through the fundamentals in a way that matches your level.

Paddling and Standing Up: The Core Skills You’ll Actually Practice

The lesson focuses on the two skills that unlock everything else: paddling and standing up.

How paddling fits into real surfing

Paddling isn’t just about moving your arms. It’s about getting into position with enough control to take the wave when it comes. If your paddling is frantic, you’ll burn energy before you’re set. If it’s too slow, you’ll miss the moment. In the lesson, you’re taught the fundamentals so you can start building a rhythm.

How standing up changes everything

Standing is the big milestone. For beginners, the goal is catching your first wave and getting the stand long enough to feel how surfing actually works. For more experienced surfers, the stand and transition still matter—small changes in timing and body position can make a big difference.

I love this teaching approach because it’s concrete. Instead of vague advice, you’re working on the exact movements that decide whether you ride or wipe out.

Small Groups and Calm Coaching: What Makes the Lesson Feel Personal

The best thing about this lesson format is the teaching ratio. With small groups and the “max 5 per instructor” idea, you’re more likely to get direct feedback when something isn’t working.

One detail that really stood out in the experience: an instructor named Caro was described as calm, pedagogical, and encouraging. That kind of coaching style matters in the water. When you’re learning something physical and slightly intimidating, you do better with clear cues and a steady tone. Caro’s calm approach helped at least one participant stand up for long enough to have their husband take a photo. That’s not just a cute moment—it’s proof that the lesson goal is realistic, not fantasy-level.

So if you’re worried about being embarrassed or feeling rushed, this setup helps. The group stays small enough that you can actually ask questions and adjust your technique.

The Waves, the Cliffs, and a Fruit Snack When You Need It

You’ll spend time on a beautiful sandy beach with stunning cliff views. That matters because a surfing lesson isn’t only about technique—it’s also about motivation. When the scenery is great, you keep showing up for the next try instead of thinking, I’m cold and I hate this.

And yes, you get a snack. The lesson includes local fruit, provided when you get hungry. In a 2-hour session, energy dips can happen quickly, especially if you’re new to paddling and trying to time stands. Having that food included keeps the session from turning into a grumpy energy crash.

One more thing: the ocean sound is real. The waves are active, and the sea keeps moving. If you’re expecting a controlled, flat-water practice, you’ll want to adjust your mindset. This is authentic ocean time. That’s exactly why it feels rewarding when you manage to connect with a wave.

Price and Value: Is $71 a Good Deal for Famara Surfing?

Let’s talk value in plain terms. You’re paying $71 per person for:

  • a professional surfing lesson
  • small-group instruction
  • full equipment (board, wetsuit, leash, lycra)
  • fruit snack

For a short 2-hour session, the biggest “value” factor is equipment. Surf rentals plus a lesson can add up fast in many places, especially when you’re also buying sunscreen and dealing with last-minute rental surprises. Here, the lesson includes gear, so you can calculate the trip cost with less stress.

Then there’s the coaching efficiency. Small groups mean you spend less time waiting. In a lesson where the goal is paddling, standing, and catching waves, time on task counts.

If you’re a total beginner, this is a good use of money because it compresses learning into a manageable block. If you’re already surfing, it can still be worth it because you get technical feedback without paying for full-day guided sessions.

Practical Tips So You Don’t Waste a Minute

Here’s how to set yourself up for the best two hours.

Bring what you’ll need on arrival

You’ll be told to bring:

  • swimwear
  • towel
  • sunscreen
  • flip-flops

I’d also make sure your sunscreen isn’t a last-minute grab. You’ll be out in coastal light, and you don’t want your lesson getting derailed by skin protection problems.

Wear simple clothing you can ditch fast

Lycra is included, but you still want to arrive in swimwear so you can get changed quickly. It keeps the session on track and helps you feel ready.

Expect a hands-on physical workout

Even with instruction, surfing is effort—paddling uses muscles you might not expect. If you haven’t done any activity that day, do something light before you go so your body doesn’t feel shocked when you start.

Don’t overthink the first stands

The early goal is competence, not perfection. Focus on the cues you’re given, keep your balance efforts small and consistent, and celebrate progress. A stand you can hold for a few seconds is a big win when you’re starting.

Should You Book This Famara Beach Surf Lesson?

I think you should book if you want real ocean time with a plan, not a generic intro. This is especially good if:

  • you’re a beginner and want structured basics on paddling and standing up
  • you want a small-group lesson so you get feedback quickly
  • you like the idea of sandy beach learning with cliff views
  • you’d rather show up with swimwear and let the school provide gear

I’d skip it if mobility is an issue, since it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. And if you’re the type who needs a long, slow practice window, remember this is 2 hours. You’ll learn a lot, but you’re not signing up for an all-day skill-building marathon.

FAQ

How long is the Famara Beach surfing lesson?

The lesson lasts 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the surfing lesson, fruits, and equipment: board, wetsuit, leash, and lycra.

Are the groups small?

Yes. It’s a small group limited to 10 participants, and you’ll be split further so that it’s 5 persons max per instructor based on experience level.

Do beginners get taught, or is it only for experienced surfers?

Beginners are included. The basics include paddling and standing up, and you’ll aim to catch your first wave. Advanced surfers can work on new techniques and improve skills.

What languages are spoken during the lesson?

The instructor speaks Spanish, English, and Italian.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops.

Is this lesson suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can also reserve and pay later to keep plans flexible.

If you want, tell me your surf level (total beginner, tried before, or riding already) and I’ll help you decide if this 2-hour format is the right match for your goals at Famara.