Learning to paddle in the Atlantic is plain fun. This hour-long Stand Up Paddle Course takes you from Playa Chica out past rocks and little sea nooks, with an instructor steering the whole thing. I especially like the small group size (up to 8) and the fact that equipment and safety basics are included, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time actually on the board. One thing to consider: it depends on good weather, and the water time includes moments where you might lose your balance.

You meet in a corner of Playa Chica Beach, then you practice, stroll into the ocean, and explore close to the shoreline scenery Lanzarote is known for. One 5-star review called out instructor Marcos as welcoming and a great teacher for kids aged 12 and 16, which tells me this isn’t just a show-and-go rental. If you’re dealing with even a mild cold or fever-ish symptoms, skip it and reschedule, because this is an active, wetsuit-on session.

Price is about $84.11 per person for a guided hour, plus optional round-trip hotel transfers, and it includes the board and (if needed) a wetsuit and life jacket. The course runs in English, and you get a mobile ticket for the day. Just note that souvenir extras like DVD or photos cost extra, and you’ll be back at the same meeting spot at the end.

Key points to know before you go

• Up to 8 people means more time with your instructor, not just waiting your turn
• All equipment is provided, including a paddleboard and safety gear
• Playa Chica is the launch spot, and you’ll cruise near rocks and small beaches close to shore
• English instruction is offered, so you’re not piecing together safety tips from gestures
• Weather matters, because the session needs good conditions to run smoothly

Playa Chica: the right coastline for learning stand-up paddleboarding

Playa Chica is a practical choice for a beginner-friendly paddle course. You start at a corner of the beach, then head out to explore the little beaches and rocks you can see right off the coast. That matters because learning on calmer, predictable shoreline water is a lot less intimidating than going far offshore.

What I like is the mix of learning and scenery. Lanzarote’s coast has plenty of interesting rocks and formations right along the waterline, so your session doesn’t feel like one long drill. The course also includes walking and strolling into the ocean while you practice, which breaks the time up so you’re not constantly standing in the same spot. You’ll likely get tips on stance and paddle technique from the instructor as you go, and yes, the experience explicitly includes practicing even when you fall in the water. That’s not a bug—it’s part of learning.

Keep in mind you’ll be in the ocean environment. That means changing conditions can make the session more energetic. If you’re the type who gets stressed in moving water, you might feel it more than a relaxed swimmer.

A professional instructor + small group support (max 8)

This is not a solo rental. The course is taught by a professional instructor, and the class size tops out at 8 travelers, which usually means you get real feedback. You’re not just handed a board and told good luck.

One review highlighted instructor Marcos as especially good with kids—12 and 16—describing him as welcoming and a very strong teacher. That’s a good sign for anyone who wants patience and clear instructions, not just safety rules.

The course is offered in English, which helps if you don’t want to manage technical instructions in a second language. And because the group is small, you can ask questions without feeling like you’re interrupting a crowd.

Your 1-hour flow: practice, rocks, and a shoreline stroll

The timing is about 1 hour total. In that window, the session focuses on getting you comfortable enough to paddle and balance while moving around the shoreline area.

Here’s the practical rhythm you can expect:

• You meet at the Playa Chica meeting point and get oriented with your instructor
• You go out to explore nearby rocks and little sea spots
• You practice while you paddle, and you also spend time strolling in the ocean
• You finish and return to the starting meeting point

The big takeaway is that you’re doing a course, not just “a try it once” ride. The instructor guides you through practicing on the board and managing the basics of staying upright. And because the experience mentions falling into the water as part of learning, you should go in mentally ready for a wipeout or two—then treat it like part of the lesson.

Also, because the tour ends back at the meeting point, you’re not left trying to get home after getting wet and happy. The loop stays simple.

What’s included on the board: gear, wetsuit, and life jacket

The good news: you don’t have to bring paddle gear. The course includes:

• A paddleboard
• A wetsuit and life jacket if you need

That inclusion is where a chunk of the value comes from. Paddleboarding can get pricey once you add board rental, safety gear, and instructor time. Here, you’re paying for the full learning setup.

In the water, comfort matters. A wetsuit helps with chill, and a life jacket adds confidence—especially if you’re still learning how to bail safely and get back in control. Since the course says life jacket is provided if needed, the instructor can likely steer what you use based on comfort and conditions.

DVD and souvenir photos are not included, but they’re available to purchase. If you like having proof you didn’t just spend a whole hour upright in your swimsuit, it’s worth considering. If you don’t, you can skip it.

Transfers and the Playa Chica meeting point: keeping the day stress-free

You have two options for getting there. Round-trip hotel transfers are available, which can be a big deal if you’re traveling light or you don’t want to figure out parking and timing. If you prefer to go on your own, the activity also states it’s near public transportation.

The official meeting point is:

Calle Roque del Este, 5, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

One specific warning from a 5-star reviewer: they advised not to book the experience through Viator because the meeting time and place were wrong in their case. Their issue was solved when the School3S Surf team reached out with a corrected rendezvous. I’m not telling you to panic—but it’s smart to double-check your confirmation details and the exact meeting location a day before. If anything feels off, message the provider so you don’t waste your session searching near Playa Chica.

Price and value: why $84.11 can make sense here

At about $84.11 per person, this isn’t the cheapest water activity in Lanzarote. But it also isn’t priced like a self-guided rental. Your money is going to instructor-led coaching, a small group cap, and provided gear.

Here’s where the value adds up:

• Instructor time for learning and practicing, not just access to equipment
• Small group size (max 8) so you get support
• Equipment included, plus wetsuit and life jacket if needed
• English instruction, which can save you a lot of guesswork on technique and safety

What’s not included (and how that affects value): the DVD and souvenir photos cost extra. If you skip those, the base experience stays clean and simple.

For most people, the real question is this: do you want to learn with guidance? If yes, you’re paying for that. If you just want a board for an hour without instruction, you’d likely look for a rental. This course is for people who want to stand up with coaching.

Weather, water comfort, and health: who this suits best

The activity requires good weather. If weather conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right kind of policy for an ocean-based activity, because paddleboarding isn’t the same when winds or surf pick up.

The experience also says:

• Most travelers can participate
• Not recommended for anyone with a hint of fever or flu

So the best match is:

• You’re comfortable in the ocean environment, even if you’re not a confident swimmer
• You’re okay with the idea that you may fall in and laugh it off
• You want instruction and structure, especially if it’s your first time

You might hesitate if you get motion sickness easily, hate cold water, or have a medical reason to avoid moderate physical activity in cool conditions. And if you’re traveling with kids, the review mentioning Marcos teaching ages 12 and 16 is encouraging—just keep expectations realistic. Learning on a board is always a bit of trial and error.

Should you book this Stand Up Paddle Course at Playa Chica?

I’d book it if you want a short, focused introduction to paddleboarding with professional guidance and equipment already handled. The setting—Playa Chica with nearby rocks and little beach areas—sounds built for learning without feeling trapped on one flat spot.

I’d also book it if you care about group size. Up to 8 people means the instructor can actually help, and that’s especially valuable if you’re new or if your balance is still a work in progress.

The one “think twice” factor is the booking details. Because one reviewer reported incorrect time/place info when booking through Viator (and then got it fixed by School3S Surf), you should verify the meeting instructions from your actual provider. If you keep your eyes on that, the rest looks like a straightforward, fun hour.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re bringing kids or going as a couple—I can help you judge if the conditions are likely to be a good fit based on typical seasonal patterns (without guessing about your exact day).

FAQ

How long is the stand up paddle course?

The course lasts about 1 hour.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Calle Roque del Este, 5, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain, at a corner of Playa Chica beach.

Is the activity in English?

Yes, the course is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

A paddleboard is included, and a wetsuit and life jacket are provided if you need them.

What should I expect to do during the session?

You’ll explore around Playa Chica’s little beaches and rocks while practicing on the board, and the experience notes that you may fall into the water.

Are hotel transfers included?

Round-trip hotel transfers are available.

What isn’t included?

DVD and souvenir photos are not included (they’re available to purchase).

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.