Surf lessons in Las Canteras Beach

Las Canteras is one of those rare city beaches where you can spend the morning learning to surf and still be back among cafés and shops soon after. The lesson takes place at La Cícer, the beach’s main surfing area, with instruction built around safety, fun, and basic technique. You do not need to bring a board or wetsuit, but you do need to swim.

I like the small-group or private format, since beginners get more useful correction than they usually do in a big beach class. I also like the school’s practical setup: equipment, insurance, and care for personal belongings are included. The main consideration is that the lesson time depends on tides and sea conditions, and one participant found the actual water session closer to 1 hour 40 minutes than two full hours.

Key points at a glance

• La Cícer is the surfing end of Las Canteras: You learn at the beach area best suited to catching waves, rather than at a quiet swimming section.
• Carlos and Marco are names to look for: Past instruction included patient, clear coaching from Carlos and an easygoing approach from Marco, though instructor assignment is not guaranteed.
• Equipment and insurance are included: Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, not a board or other surf gear.
• Tides control the schedule: Classes run Monday through Saturday between 10:00 and 19:00, with starting times adjusted for the sea.
• You need basic swimming ability: This is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people with mobility impairments.
• The $54 price covers the essentials: For a two-hour introduction with gear and instruction, the cost is reasonable, especially if you want a first try without buying equipment.

Why La Cícer is the right place to learn

Las Canteras stretches along Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but not every part of the beach serves the same purpose. La Cícer, near the University Surf School on Calle Secretario Padilla, 168, is the section used for surfing. That matters because you want your first lesson in an area selected for waves, not simply at the prettiest stretch of sand.

You meet a few meters from the beach, which keeps the day simple. There is no pickup service, so you must make your own way to the school. Once there, the school provides the necessary equipment and looks after personal belongings during the activity.

The setting is convenient for a city break. You do not need to commit to a full-day excursion outside Las Palmas. The beach, school, and lesson area are close together, so most of your two hours can focus on preparation and practice rather than transfers.

The surf school has more than 10 years of experience teaching from first-time beginners through high-performance students. That range is useful if you already know how to stand on a board but want help with your technique. Just make your level clear at the start so the instructor can shape the session around you.

What the two-hour lesson covers

This is an intensive introductory class, but the exact flow can change with the sea. A typical session begins with preparation and instruction before you head into the water. You learn the basic movements needed to handle the board, position yourself, and attempt to catch a wave.

The goal for a beginner is not to become an expert in one morning. It is to understand the foundations well enough to take a board into small waves with better control. Expect the instructor to focus on safe habits, body position, and the basic mechanics of standing up.

If you already surf, the same lesson can be used to improve your technique. The school teaches both beginners and higher-level students, so the activity is not limited to someone who has never touched a board.

The word intensive is worth noting. Two hours on a surf beach can feel tiring, especially when you are repeatedly paddling, getting up, and trying again. You should arrive ready to work rather than expecting a relaxed beach demonstration.

The lesson may not last exactly two hours in the water. One participant reported a session of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Tide and weather conditions can affect both the start time and the usable time, so leave some flexibility in your plans.

Safety comes before the first wave

The strongest theme in the available feedback is the care taken with safety. One beginner specifically praised the staff for clear, professional instructions and a strong focus on customer safety. That is exactly what you want when you are learning to manage a board in moving water.

The school presents safety, fun, and teaching as the three parts of the lesson. In practical terms, that means you should expect instruction before being sent toward the waves, rather than being handed a board and left to work things out alone.

You must know how to swim. This is a firm requirement, not a minor suggestion. Surfing involves a moving board, breaking waves, and repeated attempts in the water, so basic swimming ability is essential.

The activity is not suitable for children under 14, and children under 15 must go with one adult. The information also rules out participation for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, non-swimmers, and people with a low level of fitness.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Bring sunscreen, but apply it before the lesson and be ready for repeated exposure to sun and water. You should also bring swimwear and a towel.

Patient instructors make a first lesson easier

Surf instruction can be frustrating when the teacher gives too much information at once. The better approach is short advice, a clear demonstration, and a chance to try. That seems to be the pattern here.

Carlos is specifically noted for patient, professional, and easy-to-follow instruction. Marco is also named as an instructor who was easy to get along with. You cannot request that either person will lead your class unless the school confirms it, but these names give you a useful sense of the teaching style to expect.

Instruction is available in English and Spanish. If you are nervous about learning a physical skill in a second language, tell the school your preferred language when arranging the session.

Private and small-group options are available. I would choose a smaller format if you are a complete beginner, traveling with a partner, or hoping to work on a particular technique. A private lesson costs more in some settings, but the listing does not give a separate price here, so check the current option before booking.

A small group can be a good middle ground. You get the social feel of learning with others, while the instructor can still offer more correction than in a large class. The exact group size is not specified, so ask if that detail matters to you.

The equipment is handled for you

The $54 price includes all necessary equipment. That removes one of the biggest barriers to trying surfing on holiday. You do not need to rent a board elsewhere, carry gear across Las Palmas, or guess which equipment suits a first lesson.

The available equipment was described as clean and in good shape, with one participant also noting that the materials were in good condition. That is important because poor equipment can make a beginner’s first session harder than it needs to be.

The school also includes care of personal belongings and insurance. You should still avoid bringing valuables, but this arrangement means you have somewhere to leave ordinary items while you are in the water.

Food and drinks are not included. Plan to eat before or after the lesson, and bring water if needed. The supplied information does not promise refreshments, changing facilities, or showers, so do not build those features into your expectations.

You do not receive pickup service. The meeting point is University Surf School, Playa de las Canteras, Calle Secretario Padilla, 168, Las Palmas 35010. Check the address and allow enough time to arrive before the tide-dependent start.

Tides decide when you surf

Classes run Monday through Saturday, generally from 10:00 to 19:00. The available start time depends on tide and sea conditions. This is not a fixed timetable in the same way as a museum tour or walking route.

That flexibility is a benefit, not just a nuisance. Surfing depends on suitable water conditions, and a rigid appointment could put you on the beach at a poor time. Letting the school adjust the start gives you a better chance of having a useful lesson.

The tradeoff is that you should not schedule another tight activity immediately afterward. Leave room for a changed start time, and check availability for your date before arranging transport or dinner reservations.

Weather can also affect the experience. A cloudy or windy day may change how comfortable the beach feels, but the school makes the final call based on conditions. If you are visiting during a packed itinerary, this is an activity that rewards a loose schedule.

Is $54 good value for two hours?

At $54 per person, the price is fair for a first surf lesson in a major city beach setting. You are paying for instruction, board and other necessary equipment, insurance, and care of personal belongings. Those inclusions make the price easier to assess than a cheap-looking lesson that requires several extra rentals.

The value is strongest if you are a beginner who does not want to buy or separately hire equipment. It is also useful for someone who wants a structured introduction rather than simply renting a board and hoping to figure it out.

A private or small-group format may make the cost more worthwhile for you, especially if personal coaching is the main reason for booking. But confirm the price of the chosen format, since the basic price alone does not explain any private-lesson supplement.

The value is less certain if you already surf confidently and only want casual access to the water. In that case, you may prefer equipment rental or a shorter coaching session, if available. This experience is built around teaching, not simply providing beach gear.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Those terms are useful here because the surf schedule is tied to conditions.

Who will enjoy this beach lesson most?

This suits a first-time surfer who can swim, has a reasonable level of fitness, and wants a guided introduction without leaving Las Palmas. You get a clear starting point, included equipment, and the chance to practice in La Cícer rather than searching for a suitable section of beach yourself.

It also works for a person who has tried surfing before and wants to improve. Tell the instructor what you can already do, since the course can cover technique as well as first principles.

The experience is a good fit for couples, friends, and families with teenagers who meet the age rules. Children under 14 cannot participate, and anyone under 15 must attend with an adult.

I would skip it if you cannot swim, have a heart condition, have a mobility impairment, are pregnant, or have a low level of fitness. The school’s restrictions are clear, and you should take them seriously rather than treating them as routine fine print.

Practical choices before you book

Wear swimwear that stays secure while you move. Pack a towel and sunscreen, and keep your pre-lesson meal sensible since the class involves physical effort.

Choose a day when you can tolerate a schedule change. The tide may move your start time, and you may finish a little earlier than the advertised two hours. That does not automatically make the lesson poor, but it does mean you should avoid booking a timed attraction right afterward.

If you want English instruction, confirm that preference when booking. English and Spanish are offered, but the specific instructor is not guaranteed.

Ask about the group format if that affects your decision. Private or small groups are available, but the exact number of participants is not stated. A smaller class is likely the better choice if you need frequent correction or feel unsure in the water.

Should you book Surf Lessons at Las Canteras?

Book it if you want a well-supported first try at surfing in Las Palmas, especially if you value included equipment, insurance, and patient instruction. The strongest signs are the repeated praise for safety, clean gear, friendly staff, and clear coaching, including specific positive feedback about Carlos and Marco.

Think twice if your schedule is rigid, since tides and weather can alter the start time. Also remember that this is an active water lesson, not a passive beach outing. If you can swim, meet the health requirements, and leave your day flexible, $54 is a sensible price for a two-hour introduction at La Cícer.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson meet?

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

How long does the surfing activity last?

The advertised duration is two hours. The usable lesson time can vary with sea conditions, and one participant reported about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

How much does the lesson cost?

The price is $54 per person.

What equipment is included?

All necessary equipment is included. The activity also includes insurance and care of personal belongings.

Do I need to bring a surfboard?

No. The necessary surf equipment is provided. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in English and Spanish.

Can I join a private or small group?

Yes. Private and small-group options are available.

What days and times are classes offered?

Classes run Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, depending on tides and sea conditions. The exact starting time can vary.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.