REVIEW · LANZAROTE
Surf class in Famara 9:15-12:00 or 11:45-14:30 (2h class)
Book on Viator →Operated by Calima Surf · Bookable on Viator
Fresh waves, simple coaching. This Famara surf class is built for momentum: a quick gear handoff, a warm-up plus theory, and then real time in the water, all in a 2-hour block. You can choose the morning or the late-afternoon shift and still keep your day flexible.
I like the coaching focus. The vibe is patient and hands-on, with instructors praised for staying calm and encouraging when it gets tricky, even in windy conditions. I also like the communication, since the class is offered in English, and instructors can adapt across languages.
One thing to plan around: you must know how to swim, and the experience depends on good weather. If the sea or wind is too rough, you may switch dates or get a full refund.
In This Review
- Key highlights before you go
- Timing in Famara: 9:15–12:00 or 11:45–14:30
- Where you’ll go: meeting point on Av. el Marinero
- What happens before the waves: wetsuits, warm-up, and theory
- In the water: turning coaching into real practice
- Language and teaching style: English instruction that stays practical
- Private group format: you get your party’s attention
- Price and value: is $60.49 for 2 hours worth it?
- Weather and seaworthy reality: what the policy means for you
- Who this surf class fits best
- Should you book this Famara surf class?
- FAQ
- How long is the surf class?
- What time does the class start?
- Where do we meet?
- Do I need to know how to swim?
- Is the class offered in English, and is it private?
- What if the weather is bad, or I need to cancel?
Key highlights before you go

- Two fixed start options: 9:15 or 11:45 starts, with about 2 hours of class time
- Wetsuits provided: you meet up, get geared, then head straight to the beach
- Short theory + lots of practice: warm-up and explanations happen before you enter the water
- English instruction: you’ll have coaching in a language that works for most visitors
- Instructor quality matters: strong satisfaction scores and praise for patience and adaptability
- Private format: it’s described as private, so it’s only your group
Timing in Famara: 9:15–12:00 or 11:45–14:30
This class runs in two “shifts,” and the difference is mainly when you want your saltwater time.
For the morning session, you meet at 9:15, then the class starts at 10:00 with warm-up and a brief theoretical explanation. You’re back to the school at 12:00, after the water practice.
For the late shift, you meet at 11:45, with the class beginning at 12:30 for warm-up and theory. You return at 14:30, giving you enough time afterward to grab lunch or keep exploring.
Why this matters: if you’re trying to do a first surf lesson without turning your whole day into a logistics puzzle, these set blocks are a gift. You’ll get an organized start, a clear end time, and no drifting around waiting to “see when it works.”
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lanzarote.
Where you’ll go: meeting point on Av. el Marinero

You start at Av. el Marinero, 13, 35558 Caleta de Famara, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out how to return after you finish.
It’s also described as near public transportation, which is useful if you’re not rolling in with a car. If you’ve got a day planned with buses or walking, this kind of “back to the same spot” schedule keeps your afternoon cleaner.
You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. In plain terms: you can show up with your phone, get your gear, and be ready to move.
What happens before the waves: wetsuits, warm-up, and theory

Your first step is a quick group moment. You meet at the school, and the staff hands you wetsuits while they gather everyone. Then you head to the beach together.
Once you’re there, the class begins with:
- a warm-up
- a brief theoretical explanation
- then you go into the water for practice
I like this structure because it respects your body and your brain. A warm-up helps you get moving before you’re fighting cold, current, and the physical effort of paddling. The theory part is short, but it gives you a mental checklist so you’re not just reacting once you’re on the board.
Practical tip: treat the theory as “how to communicate with your instructor in the moment.” If they mention a specific cue—like what to watch, what to avoid, or what to try first—write it in your head and keep it simple. Your success in a first lesson usually comes from repeating one or two ideas, not learning everything at once.
In the water: turning coaching into real practice

After the warm-up and explanation, you’ll spend your time actually practicing in the water. That’s the real point of a 2-hour surf class: you’re not paying for a lecture, and you’re not waiting all day to finally step onto a board.
The format also matters because it’s tight. With only about 2 hours total, you want your attention switched on right when you get in the water. Listen for feedback, then adjust quickly. If you try to “figure it out later,” you’ll miss the chance to build momentum during your limited time on the waves.
From the satisfaction notes, the instructors are praised for patience and enthusiasm. One standout example is Alberto, called out for being excellent, enthusiastic, and patient with a first-timer. That kind of teaching style is exactly what you want when you’re new, because surfing usually includes a few wipeouts and some awkward paddle timing at the start.
If conditions are windy, you can also take comfort in the fact that the instructors are described as adapting. Wind can change how the board feels and how easy it is to balance, so the ability to modify coaching on the fly is a big deal.
Language and teaching style: English instruction that stays practical

This experience is offered in English, which is a major value point if you don’t want to gamble on understanding surf jargon in Spanish or other languages. The coaching is built for actual learning, not just being near a surfboard.
The teaching style also shows up in the feedback. Instructors are praised for being perfectly polyglot, and for keeping the tone upbeat and supportive. That’s helpful because first-time surfing isn’t just technical. It’s also mental: you need to feel comfortable enough to try again after a miss.
So when you book, go in with a simple goal: ask questions, repeat instructions, and keep your movements calm. If your instructor notices you’re hesitating, they’ll usually correct it faster than you can overthink it yourself.
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Private group format: you get your party’s attention

This is described as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That can change the experience in small but real ways.
In a private or semi-private setup, you’re more likely to get direct, personal feedback instead of just watching a group demo and hoping it matches your needs. You’re also less likely to feel rushed by others in the water.
A quick note on expectations: “private” doesn’t automatically mean “one-on-one coaching.” The data doesn’t specify exact ratios. But it does mean you’re not mixing with random strangers, and that typically makes it easier to relax and learn.
Price and value: is $60.49 for 2 hours worth it?

The price listed is $60.49 per person, and the class runs about 2 hours.
Here’s how I think about value for a lesson like this. You’re paying for:
- instruction from qualified instructors
- wetsuits (provided)
- warm-up and brief theoretical explanation
- guided time practicing in the water
The time block is also efficient. If you’re on a trip with limited days, 2 hours is often a sweet spot: enough time to learn and try, without swallowing your entire morning or afternoon.
Then there’s the quality signal: the experience is rated 4.9 out of 5 with 199 reviews, and 98% of travelers recommend it. That doesn’t mean every moment is perfect for everyone, but it does suggest the instruction and overall experience are consistently strong.
If you’re the type of traveler who learns best with structure and real feedback, this price can feel very reasonable. If you’re already an experienced surfer looking for advanced sessions, you might find a 2-hour intro class too basic. But for beginners and for first-time comfort-building, the format is hard to beat.
Weather and seaworthy reality: what the policy means for you

This experience requires good weather. That’s not a polite suggestion; it’s a condition of running the class.
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. And if you want control on your side, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What I recommend: keep your schedule flexible around this. Pick the session time you can most easily adjust. If your trip includes other outdoor plans for the same day, leave a little room for a weather shift. Surf is fun when it’s running. It’s less fun when everyone’s waiting for conditions to improve.
Who this surf class fits best
This class says most travelers can participate, with one clear requirement: you must know how to swim.
So it’s a strong fit if you:
- are a first-timer who wants guidance (not just board rentals)
- want a structured lesson without spending half your day organizing it
- prefer English instruction and clear explanations
- like the idea of a private setup for your group
It may be a bad fit if you:
- don’t feel confident in open water
- want a guaranteed day regardless of wind or sea conditions
- expect a long multi-session progression (this is a short 2-hour learning block)
If you’re new, think of this as your foundation class. You’ll leave with a starting point, not with pro-level mastery. And that’s exactly what a first surf lesson should be.
Should you book this Famara surf class?
I’d book it if your goal is a well-taught introduction in a compact time window. The combination of wetsuits provided, warm-up plus brief theory, and then real practice in the water is the kind of structure that helps beginners make progress fast. Add in the strong satisfaction scores and the consistent praise for patience and adaptability, and it looks like a low-drama way to learn.
I’d hesitate only if you’re not comfortable swimming, or if your schedule is too rigid for weather changes. Surf classes can be weather-dependent by nature, and this one is honest about that.
If you’re on Lanzarote and you want to spend a couple hours learning the basics with instructors who can communicate clearly, this is a practical choice.
FAQ
How long is the surf class?
The experience runs for about 2 hours.
What time does the class start?
You can choose either a 9:15–12:00 shift or an 11:45–14:30 shift.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Av. el Marinero, 13, 35558 Caleta de Famara, Las Palmas, Spain, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. The experience requires that you know how to swim.
Is the class offered in English, and is it private?
The class is offered in English, and it is described as a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.
What 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.

























