REVIEW · TENERIFE
Surf Lessons at El Médano Beach
Book on Viator →Operated by Godzilla Surf Shop · Bookable on Viator
Surfing on Tenerife hits different. You’ll learn the basics on Playa de la Jaquita, a beach made for classes, with 90 minutes that doesn’t drag. It’s a simple setup: meet at Godzilla Surf Shop, then get coaching and practice time by the sea in El Médano.
Two things I like right away are the training-friendly sandy beach and the way this class stays short and focused. You’re not signing up for a whole day of logistics, which matters in a place where good weather can change your schedule fast.
One thing to watch: this activity is offered in English. If you’re counting on a specific language, do not assume it will match what you booked—one review flagged that mismatch as a real problem.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why El Médano works for surf lessons
- Start at GODZILLA SURF SHOP in El Médano
- Playa de la Jaquita: the sandy training beach
- The 90-minute surf class: how the time usually gets used
- English-only can make or break your experience
- Price and value: $66.09 for 1.5 hours of coaching
- What you’ll actually get: fun plus real instruction
- Logistics that matter on Tenerife (and what doesn’t)
- Who this surf lesson suits best
- Should you book Godzilla Surf Shop at El Médano?
- FAQ
- Where does the surf lesson start?
- How long is the surf lesson?
- How much does the surf lesson cost?
- What language is the lesson offered in?
- How many people are in the group?
- Is Playa de la Jaquita part of the experience?
- Do I get confirmation after booking?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
- Is this near public transportation?
Key things to know before you go

- Playa de la Jaquita is the surfing spot used for these lessons, described as sandy and ideal for surf classes.
- Small group size (max 5 travelers) keeps the experience more personal than big-bus style tours.
- Godzilla Surf Shop is your start point at Av. José Miguel Galván Bello, 17.
- Mobile ticket + confirmation at booking means you should have what you need before you arrive.
- English is the offered language, so bring your comfort level with that.
- Weather matters: if conditions are poor, you’ll get another date or a full refund.
Why El Médano works for surf lessons
El Médano sits on Tenerife’s southeast coast, and it has a surfer’s energy even when you’re not catching waves yourself. The big advantage for a lesson is that this area is built for water sports. That usually means the “learn here” beaches are predictable enough for beginners to focus on technique instead of searching for the right spot.
For this class, you’re going to Playa de la Jaquita, which is specifically described as the most indicated beach for surf classes. That matters. When a beach is chosen for lessons, the learning conditions tend to be the kind instructors can work with—so you spend more time on learning and less time dealing with randomness.
And because the lesson is about 1 hour 30 minutes, it fits well into a Tenerife day. You can do this in the morning and still keep the rest of the day for food, a walk, or another beach plan.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife
Start at GODZILLA SURF SHOP in El Médano

You’ll begin at GODZILLA SURF SHOP – SCHOOL – RENTAL, Av. José Miguel Galván Bello, 17, 38612 El Médano. That’s helpful because it’s a real address, not a vague meeting point.
This is also the kind of location that’s easy to reach if you’re using public transportation. The info says it’s near public transport, so you’re less likely to need a complicated route just to get to the start.
I also like that the ticket is mobile and confirmation is received at booking time. That reduces the annoying parts of travel. You don’t want an outing like this to be derailed by printing tickets or last-minute account scrambling.
Finally, the group limit is up to 5 travelers. That usually improves the flow at the start of the lesson. You’ll likely spend less time waiting around, and more time getting into the right mindset for the water.
Playa de la Jaquita: the sandy training beach

This surf class is held at Playa de la Jaquita. The description is straightforward: it’s a sandy beach, and it’s presented as the best option for surf classes.
A sandy takeoff and landing matters more than people think. For learners, sand is generally more forgiving than rocky entries. It gives you a place to reset quickly between tries, and it helps you focus on what your body needs to do instead of worrying about footing.
Also, this beach is used specifically for surf instruction, which suggests the setup is planned around teaching rather than just general beach time. That’s what you want when you’re paying for coaching. You’re not just there to watch waves roll in—you’re there to be guided.
If you’re newer to surfing, this kind of lesson location is exactly what you’re hunting for: a place where the instructor can keep the class moving while still letting you practice.
The 90-minute surf class: how the time usually gets used

The activity runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes. That time frame is ideal for first-timers because it has a built-in balance: enough time to learn and try, without exhausting you before you get a handle on what’s going on.
While the exact minute-by-minute plan isn’t listed, the shape of a typical surf lesson in this kind of setting usually looks like this:
- A short intro and basics on board control, paddling, and how to approach waves.
- Time in the water practicing the fundamentals with coaching.
- A wrap-up back at the meeting point.
The key value here is practice time. In a short lesson, the coaching has to be efficient. You’ll benefit most if you show up ready to listen, ask quick questions, and try what the instructor says right away.
Most travelers can participate, which is a good sign if you’re not an athlete. It doesn’t promise you’ll stand up instantly, but it does say the provider expects a range of experience levels.
One practical tip: treat this like a skill session, not a sightseeing stop. Wear what you can move in, plan to get wet, and keep expectations realistic. The goal is progress you can feel, not a perfect photo of your first ride.
English-only can make or break your experience
This is the only major snag I want you to think about before you book.
The class is described as offered in English, and one review raised a clear issue: the course was booked in German, but the instructors were English-speaking only. If you’re comfortable handling instructions in English, you’re likely fine. If you’re not, that mismatch can turn a fun surf session into frustration.
So here’s my advice: double-check your language comfort. Think about this question: if the instructor says a technical correction quickly, can you understand the gist and act on it without stress?
If your answer is no, you might want to look for another surf lesson option that clearly matches your language needs. Surfing is a hands-on sport; missing instructions can slow you down fast.
Price and value: $66.09 for 1.5 hours of coaching
The price is listed as $66.09 per person for about 90 minutes. That can sound simple on paper, but value in a surf lesson comes from a few specific things:
- You’re paying for instruction, not just board time.
- Your group size is small (max 5), which can mean more attention.
- You’re using a beach that’s set up for classes (Playa de la Jaquita).
Small groups matter. When there are fewer people, corrections tend to be faster and more targeted. That helps you improve sooner, which is what you want for the cost.
Also, 90 minutes is a sweet spot. A very short class can feel like you just arrived. A very long one can wear you out. This length is built for momentum: learn a bit, practice a bit, and still have energy to enjoy the rest of your Tenerife day.
If you’re traveling on a budget, this is a reasonable choice because it’s not priced like a full-day activity. You’re buying a focused session in a specific spot, not a whole-day bundle.
What you’ll actually get: fun plus real instruction
One review summary that stands out says the surf course was cool in general. That’s important because it points to the experience being more than just a checklist.
What you want to feel after a lesson is not just that you were in the water, but that you improved at something—balance, timing, or how to approach waves. When a provider keeps the group small, you’re more likely to get direct coaching in the moments that count.
In other words: the value is in the feedback loop. Try something. Get corrected. Try again. With a 90-minute class, you need that loop to happen often.
So if your goal is to try surfing for the first time, or to get a beginner’s foundation without overpaying for a long program, this fits well.
Logistics that matter on Tenerife (and what doesn’t)

This experience ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complex transfer plan. That’s a small detail, but it affects your day. You can keep your schedule clean.
Confirmation happens at booking time, and you’ll have a mobile ticket, which is a practical win. Also, the provider notes service animals are allowed, and that it’s near public transportation—both matter if you have specific needs.
The one variable you should treat seriously is weather. Surf lessons require conditions that instructors can work with, and the info states the activity needs good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right kind of safety net for an outdoor activity.
Who this surf lesson suits best
This is a strong match if you:
- Want a beginner-friendly surf start without committing to a full day.
- Prefer smaller groups (max 5 is a big plus).
- Can handle instruction in English.
It may be less ideal if you:
- Need German instruction or a specific language (because the lesson is offered in English, and at least one booking situation didn’t match expectations).
- Are expecting detailed customization. With a small group class, you’ll get coaching, but it’s still a shared session.
If you’re already a confident surfer, you might find a single 90-minute beginner-focused class too basic. But if your goal is technique fundamentals or a refresher, it can still be useful.
Should you book Godzilla Surf Shop at El Médano?
I’d book this if you want a straightforward surf lesson in Tenerife with a small group and a beach chosen for instruction (Playa de la Jaquita). The pricing for a 90-minute class feels fair, especially if you show up ready to learn and practice.
I’d be cautious only if you’re relying on instruction in a language other than English. One review flagged a German-to-English mismatch as a real issue, and that can impact how much you actually learn. If English instructions work for you, this looks like a fun, efficient way to add surfing to your El Médano trip.
FAQ
Where does the surf lesson start?
The meeting point is GODZILLA SURF SHOP – SCHOOL – RENTAL, Av. José Miguel Galván Bello, 17, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
How long is the surf lesson?
The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
How much does the surf lesson cost?
The price is listed as $66.09 per person.
What language is the lesson offered in?
The activity is offered in English.
How many people are in the group?
This activity has a maximum of 5 travelers.
Is Playa de la Jaquita part of the experience?
Yes. The surf class is held at Playa de la Jaquita, described as a sandy beach indicated for surf classes.
Do I get confirmation after booking?
Yes. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on local time.
Is this near public transportation?
Yes. The info says it’s near public transportation.































