Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Surfing lessons at La Laja beach

Imagine standing on your surfboard, feeling the ocean’s power beneath you, and the thrill of catching your first wave. Now, picture doing all this in a peaceful, less crowded spot just a short drive from the bustling heart of Las Palmas. That’s exactly what you get with the surfing lessons at La Laja Beach offered by Wavelovers. This experience promises a personalized, beginner-friendly introduction to surfing in a natural setting, guided by passionate professionals who love sharing their skills.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances expert instruction with a relaxed atmosphere, making it accessible whether you’re new to surfing or looking to sharpen your skills. Plus, the small group sizes ensure that each participant receives plenty of individual attention, making your learning experience both effective and fun. On the flip side, one thing to consider is the absence of hotel transportation—so you’ll need to arrange your own ride to the meeting point, which is only about 10 minutes from the city center.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, want to try surfing in the calm waters of La Laja, and appreciate the chance to learn from experienced instructors. It’s also a good pick for families with older children, given the minimum age of 11, and for anyone who values small-group, personalized lessons in a scenic setting.

Key Points

• Small groups ensure personalized attention tailored to your skill level.
• Expert instructors combine technique, safety, and fun for quick progress.
• La Laja Beach offers volcanic sand bottoms and consistent waves ideal for learners.
• All equipment (board, wetsuit) and insurance are included, simplifying your experience.
• No transportation included, so you’ll need to organize your own way to the meeting point.
• Ideal for all levels from ages 8 and up, with no prior experience necessary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You’ll Love Surfing at La Laja Beach

We love the way this experience combines professional teaching with a genuine passion for the ocean. Wavelovers isn’t just a school; it feels like a community where the staff truly care about helping you enjoy the sea. La Laja itself is a quiet gem, with volcanic sand and steady waves that make learning easy and enjoyable—particularly if you’re a beginner or someone looking to improve your technique.

The instructors’ approach is very hands-on. From the moment you meet them—usually just 10 minutes from downtown Las Palmas—they set a friendly tone that encourages trust and confidence. Expect a warm welcome, a quick warm-up, and a detailed technical briefing on safety, posture, paddling, and wave selection. Even if you’re out of shape or nervous, the instructors will guide you patiently through every step.

Once in the water, the small groups shine. You’ll never feel lost or overwhelmed, and your instructor will be with you at every stage, helping you stand up, keep your balance, and ride your first wave. For those with some experience, the focus shifts slightly to technical mastery—working on turns, timing, and understanding the ocean better.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The experience begins with a meeting in front of house number 48, which is easy to find. After a quick introduction, you’ll do a physical warm-up to loosen up before the technical session on land. Here, your instructor explains safety protocols, proper posture, paddling techniques, and how to read the waves. This prep work is crucial—it builds confidence and ensures you can enjoy the water safely.

Next, it’s into the water. You’ll be provided with a surfboard, wetsuit, and full equipment, all included in the price, which offers great value given the quality of the gear and instruction. The volcanic sand bottom at La Laja provides a softer landing if you fall, which is common for newcomers. Small groups mean you’ll get plenty of personalized feedback, and instructors are constantly on hand to give tips and encouragement.

Most lessons last around 2.5 hours, giving ample time to warm up, learn, and practice. The experience is flexible enough to cater to different levels, whether you’re just starting or trying to refine your skills. Reviews praise the instructors’ friendly demeanor and their ability to make even complete beginners stand on their boards after just a few attempts.

The Authentic Experience

You’ll find La Laja Beach is a perfect backdrop—less crowded, scenic, and with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a far cry from the busy surf spots that can be overwhelming and crowded, especially during peak season. Here, the sense of peace combined with the gentle rhythm of the waves creates an ideal environment for beginners.

The small group size and the Wavelovers Method—which combines biomechanics, pedagogy, and learning psychology—make learning both safe and fun. Many travelers have commented on how well-organized and encouraging the lessons are, with one reviewer noting that their son (12 years old) quickly learned to stand on the board, highlighting how accessible the lessons are for young teens.

Equipment and Safety

All necessary equipment—surfboard, wetsuit, and insurance—are included, so you don’t need to worry about extras. The wetsuits are suitable for Gran Canaria’s waters, and the volcanic sand bottom makes falling less painful—a small but important detail for beginners.

The insurance coverage (accident and liability) gives peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying the waves. Instructors are certified and attentive, ensuring safety remains a priority throughout. The relaxed yet professional approach helps even the most hesitant participants feel comfortable in the water.

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Practical Details and Tips

The meeting point is conveniently located, but since transportation isn’t included, plan ahead. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with start times varying based on availability—check in advance to find a slot that fits your schedule.

What to bring? Pack swimwear, a towel, sandals or flip-flops, sunscreen, and water. The physical activity and sun exposure mean you’ll want to stay hydrated and protected. Remember, you need only basic swimming skills and the ability to enjoy yourself—no prior surfing experience required.

Pricing and Value

Considering the price includes all equipment, instruction, insurance, and personalized attention, it offers good value—especially in a scenic, uncrowded location like La Laja. Given the positive reviews praising the instructors’ friendliness and expertise, many travelers find this experience a worthwhile investment in their Gran Canaria trip.

Who Should Try This?

This tour is perfect for beginners, families with older children, and anyone curious about surfing but hesitant to jump into crowded spots. It’s also suitable for those wanting to improve technique in a tranquil setting. If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized lesson with knowledgeable guides, this experience hits the mark.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a personalized, beginner-friendly surfing experience in Gran Canaria, the lessons at La Laja Beach offer a compelling package. The combination of expert instruction, serene setting, and a friendly, small-group environment creates a safe space to learn and enjoy the ocean. Whether you’re here for your first wave or looking to refine your skills, this experience is a good investment in fun and memorable coastal adventures.

The fact that many participants leave with big smiles and a newfound confidence tells you something about the quality of the teaching and the environment. Plus, the scenic volcanic sands and gentle waves make it a more comfortable introduction than some of the more crowded surf spots.

If you’re a traveler who loves outdoor activities, values small-group attention, and wants a genuine taste of surfing without the chaos, this tour is a solid choice. It’s not just about catching waves—it’s about experiencing the sea in a way that’s fun, safe, and authentic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this surfing lesson suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The tour is designed to accommodate all levels, including complete beginners, with no prior experience needed.

What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 11 years old. The experience is suitable for older children and adults.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. You should be comfortable swimming, as safety in the water is a priority.

What equipment is included?
The price covers a surfboard, wetsuit, accident insurance, and liability insurance.

How long does the lesson last?
The typical session lasts about 2.5 hours, including warm-up, technical briefing, and water time.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, which is about 10 minutes from Las Palmas city center.

Can I improve my existing surfing skills?
Yes. For those with some experience, instructors can help refine techniques such as turns, timing, and reading waves.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sandals or flip-flops, sunscreen, and water for hydration.

Are there any cancellations or rebooking options?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now with the option to pay later.

What if I don’t get to stand on the board during the lesson?
Most reviews suggest that with proper instruction and practice, beginners often stand within the first few attempts—your instructor will help you achieve this.

In summary, this surfing lesson at La Laja Beach is a well-rounded, friendly, and accessible way to experience Gran Canaria’s coastline while learning a new skill. It’s especially suited for those eager for a genuine, safe introduction to surfing in a peaceful setting—making it a highlight for many travelers seeking authentic outdoor adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: