Surfing in Tenerife: best beaches and wave-swimming schools
June 11, 2025
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a true paradise for surfers. The island attracts surfers from all over the world thanks to its climate, which provides warm temperatures year-round, and its variety of beaches and waves. Whether you're a beginner just getting started on your board or an experienced surfer looking for a new challenge, Tenerife has something for everyone. In this article, we'll highlight the best surfing beaches and recommended schools to help you develop your skills and safely enjoy this exciting water sport. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Atlantic waves!
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Best surfing beaches in Tenerife
Tenerife offers a wide range of beaches to suit different skill levels of surfers. Here are some of the best locations:
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El Médano - This is one of the most popular surfing spots on the island, known for its consistent waves and sandy beach. Ideal for both beginners and advanced surfers. There are many surf schools here, including the recommended Surf School El Médano by ISRA, where instructors offer a professional approach and personalized lessons.
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La Izquierda (Playa de las Américas) - A famous left-hand wave that attracts experienced surfers from around the world. This spot is especially popular with surf schools such as Tenerife Surf Point and Kontraola, which offer lessons for intermediate and advanced surfers.
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Playa de la Fitenia - A lesser-known but equally attractive beach, ideal for surfers looking for calmer conditions. The Friends of the Ocean school organizes lessons here for beginners and intermediate surfers.
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Punta del Hidalgo - A beautiful, rocky beach in the north of the island, offering excellent conditions for more experienced surfers. OCADILA SURF SCHOOL TENERIFE runs advanced courses and surf trips here.
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Playa del Socorro - A black volcanic beach with powerful waves, ideal for adrenaline seekers. Secret Surf School Tenerife organizes trips here for experienced surfers.
Each of these beaches has its own unique character and offers different conditions to suit different skill levels. It's worth remembering that conditions at some beaches can be challenging, so it's always advisable to use local instructors and surf schools to ensure safety and help you choose the best place to surf depending on the current weather conditions and your surfing skills.
Recommended surf schools in Tenerife
Tenerife is famous not only for its excellent surfing conditions, but also for its high-quality surf schools. Here is an overview of the best options:
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Friends of the Ocean - Tenerife Surf School (rated 4.9/5) - Located in Playa de las Américas, this school stands out for its professional approach and great atmosphere. Instructors, such as Juan, are praised for their patience and effective teaching. The school offers both group and individual classes.
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Tenerife Surf Point (rated 4.9/5) - Also in Playa de las Américas, this school is praised for its excellent organization and professionalism of instructors. They offer comprehensive lessons, including analysis of technique based on photos taken during classes.
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Ika Ika Surf Camp & Surf School Tenerife (rated 4.8/5) - This school stands out for its friendly atmosphere and experienced instructors. Their location close to the beach is an added bonus.
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Surf Life Tenerife (rated 5/5) - Known for their personalized approach to students and experienced instructors. They offer a variety of lesson packages to suit different skill levels.
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Kontraola - Tenerife Surf School (rating 4.9/5) - Backed by the Quiksilver and Roxy brands, this school offers quality equipment and professional lessons. The instructors are praised for their patience and effective teaching.
All the schools mentioned offer surfing equipment in the price of lessons, which is convenient for those who do not have their own equipment. Lesson prices are similar at all schools, ranging from about 30-50 euros for a group lesson to 70-100 euros for an individual lesson (as of 2023).
When choosing a surf school, you should pay attention to:
- The experience and qualifications of the instructors
- Group size (smaller groups usually mean more individual attention)
- Availability of different levels of instruction
- Quality and condition of equipment
- Feedback from other students
Remember that the best school is the one that best suits your individual needs and skill level. It is a good idea to contact several schools before making a decision and ask about the details of the offer and availability on the dates you are interested in.
Practical surfing tips for Tenerife
To fully enjoy surfing in Tenerife, it is worth considering some practical tips:
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best season: Although surfing in Tenerife is possible all year round, the best conditions are from October to March, when the waves are bigger and more regular.
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Safety: Always follow the safety rules and pay attention to the warning flags on the beaches. A red flag means it is forbidden to enter the water.
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Sun Protection: Tenerife is famous for its intense sun, so use a high UV sunscreen and wear a rashguard (a T-shirt to protect against abrasions and UV rays).
4 - Renting equipment: If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent it from many surf schools. For example, Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School in Playa de las Américas offers a wide selection of boards and foams at competitive prices.
5 Surfing Etiquette: Learn the basic rules of surfing etiquette, such as priority on a wave or avoiding 'dropping' (jumping into a wave before another surfer).
6 Learn local conditions: Every beach has its own specific conditions. Schools like Surf School Tilegit Tenerife or Kaizen Surf School offer not only lessons, but also valuable information about local spots.
7 Physical preparation: Surfing requires good fitness. Many schools, such as Ori Surf in El Médano, offer warm-ups and preparatory exercises before entering the water.
8 Choosing the right beach: For beginners, beaches with sandy bottoms, such as El Médano, are recommended. Advanced surfers can try their hand at more challenging spots like La Izquierda.
9 Keeping track of the forecast: Regularly checking the wave forecast will help you choose the best day to surf. Many schools, like Secret Surf School Tenerife, offer up-to-date information on conditions.
- Respect the environment: Remember to protect the environment. Don't leave trash on the beach and respect the local wildlife.
Remember that regardless of your level, it's always a good idea to get help from local instructors. Schools such as Surf School El Médano by ISRA or Friends of the Ocean offer not only lessons, but also valuable insights into local conditions and surf culture.
Surfing in Tenerife is not only a sport, but also a lifestyle and a great opportunity to meet new people and culture. Enjoy the waves, the sun and the unique atmosphere of this unique island!
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