REVIEW · LANZAROTE

Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class)

5.0 · 173 reviews 4 hours (approx.) From $84 Operated by Calima Surf · Bookable on Viator
Book on VIATOR →

Famara makes learning to surf feel wonderfully straightforward. Calima Surf gives you four hours of instruction on Lanzarote’s famous beach, with warm-ups, beach practice, time in the water, and personal corrections from qualified instructors. I like the clear two-part lesson and the friendly teaching style reported by students, especially the detailed feedback from instructors such as Nikol, Eva, and Miky. The main drawback is the early meeting time and long session, which may feel tiring if you are new to exercise or not used to spending several hours in the ocean.

I also like that the price of $84.69 per person includes the surfboard, other required equipment, transport between the school and beach, and civil liability insurance. That makes the cost easier to judge because you are not paying extra for basic gear. Still, drinks and snacks are not included, and a pickup from outside Famara requires at least two people, so you need to plan your morning carefully.

Key points to know before booking

Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class) - Key points to know before booking

  • Four hours on the schedule: Meet at 9:15 a.m., begin beach instruction at 10:00 a.m., take a midday break, and finish around 2:30 p.m.
  • Famara is the setting: Lessons take place at Famara Beach, praised for its striking setting and strong surf-school atmosphere.
  • Personal technique help: The second session includes individual corrections, a useful feature if you want more than a basic introduction.
  • Equipment is included: Surf equipment, school-to-beach transport, and civil liability insurance are covered in the price.
  • Pickup has limits: Transfers are offered from selected towns only, and at least two people must book the pickup service.
  • Strong satisfaction record: The activity has a 5 rating from 173 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it.

Arriving at Calima Surf in Famara

Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class) - Arriving at Calima Surf in Famara

Your morning begins at Calima Surf, at Av. el Marinero, 13, in Caleta de Famara. The published meeting time is 9:15 a.m., although the activity start time is listed as 10:00 a.m. That gap is useful, since it gives the school time to organize equipment, sort out the group, and get everyone ready before heading to the beach.

I would not treat 9:15 as an optional arrival time. Surf lessons depend on tides, beach conditions, equipment, and daylight, so arriving late can create hassle for you and the instructors. Have your morning food and water sorted before you arrive. The school does not provide drinks or snacks.

You can reach the area using nearby public transportation, and pickup is available from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Teguise, Tahiche, San Bartolomé, and La Santa. The pickup rule is important: at least two people must use the service, and each person must book four hours of surfing. A solo customer cannot request pickup. Ask Calima Surf about any other possible collection points before booking, since the published transfer list is limited.

More Surf Lessons in Lanzarote:

The first lesson: beach practice before the waves

The class begins on the beach with a warm-up and stretching. This is not wasted time. Surfing asks you to move quickly from lying on the board to standing, then keep your balance while the board moves beneath you. A careful warm-up helps you understand the movements before you are handling them in the water.

You also receive easy exercises, theory, and practical instruction on the sand. This part matters most for complete beginners. You can concentrate on how to position yourself, how to stand, and how to handle the board without also worrying about waves pushing you around.

The feedback from first-time students is especially encouraging here. One beginner described clear explanations, a safe feeling in the water, and the thrill of catching some waves during the first lesson. That does not mean every person will stand up quickly. Surfing depends on fitness, balance, timing, and conditions. It does suggest that Calima’s teaching approach is designed to make the first attempt feel manageable rather than intimidating.

I like the way this beach preparation gives you a basic plan before the real work begins. You are not simply handed a board and sent toward the water. The lesson builds from explanation to practice, then applies those skills in the ocean.

10:00 a.m. to noon: your first time in the water

Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class) - 10:00 a.m. to noon: your first time in the water

At about 10:00 a.m., the class moves into the active part of the lesson. You put the beach instruction to work in the water, with the instructors nearby to guide you.

The exact pace will depend on the group and the conditions, so you should not expect a private coach beside you every second. Still, this experience is sold as a private activity for your own group, rather than a mixed activity with unrelated participants. That can make the session feel more focused and comfortable, especially if you are booking with family or friends.

The strongest praise for Calima centers on the instructors’ attitude. Nikol is described as attentive and caring, with a habit of giving practical advice to help students improve. Eva is praised for useful technique feedback, while Miky is also described as a good instructor. The wider team receives similar praise for being friendly, motivated, and well prepared.

That combination matters. A surf instructor needs to explain a physical movement in simple terms, spot what you are doing wrong, and correct it without making you feel foolish. The best part of this lesson seems to be the individual guidance. You are not left to repeat the same mistake for four hours.

If you already have some surf experience, tell the instructor where you need help. The lesson is suitable for beginners, but the emphasis on correcting individual errors can also help someone who has tried surfing before and still struggles with balance, timing, or standing technique.

The midday break and the second session

Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class) - The midday break and the second session

The schedule includes a break from roughly noon to 12:30 p.m. This is a sensible pause after two hours of warm-up, beach exercises, and water practice. Surfing can use more energy than it looks like from the beach, and a short rest gives you time to recover before the final part.

Bring your own drinks and snacks. Nothing is provided, and the package does not mention a meal or refreshment stop. This is a small detail, but it can affect your comfort. A beginner who arrives without water may find the four-hour session harder than expected.

The second part starts with another warm-up and stretching session. You then repeat easy exercises, receive more theory, and return to practical work on the beach and in the water. This second round is where the experience becomes more than a one-off photo opportunity.

The school specifically emphasizes personal attention and correction of individual errors during this part. I see that as one of the best reasons to choose a four-hour class instead of a shorter introduction. You have time to try a movement, receive a correction, and try again. Even if you do not become a confident surfer in one day, you should leave with a better sense of what to practice next.

Students who spent several days with Calima reported noticeable progress over repeated lessons. A single session cannot promise that same result, but the lesson structure points in the right direction: explanation, practice, feedback, and another chance.

Why Famara works for a surf lesson

Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class) - Why Famara works for a surf lesson

Famara is one of the main attractions here. The beach is repeatedly praised as a beautiful place to surf, and the setting gives the class a strong sense of place. You are not learning in an indoor pool or an anonymous resort zone. The lesson takes place beside a broad Atlantic beach in a village known for surf schools and ocean activity.

The beach setting also helps create a relaxed tone. Several students describe the atmosphere around Calima as friendly and welcoming. That matters when you are trying something that can feel awkward at first. Falling off a board is part of learning, and a cheerful instructor can keep that moment from becoming embarrassing.

There is one practical point to keep in mind. The beauty of Famara does not guarantee easy surf on your chosen day. The activity requires suitable weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. You should keep some flexibility in your schedule if surfing is a major part of your Lanzarote plans.

Equipment, transport, and what the price covers

At $84.69 per person, the class is not simply a lesson fee. It includes all surf equipment, transportation from the school to the beach and back, and civil liability insurance.

That package offers reasonable value for a first-time visitor. You do not need to arrange a board separately, carry equipment through town, or wonder if basic insurance is part of the activity. The school handles the movement between its base and the beach, which keeps the morning simple.

The price looks most attractive if you need everything. Someone who already owns suitable equipment and wants only coaching may judge it differently, but this experience is clearly aimed at people who want a ready-made surf session.

Pickup from your accommodation is a separate convenience rather than an automatic feature for everyone. It is offered from the listed locations, but only when at least two people book the four-hour class. If you are traveling alone, plan to reach Famara yourself.

What the feedback tells you about the teaching

Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class) - What the feedback tells you about the teaching

The most consistent strength is the staff. The comments highlight friendly instructors, useful advice, quick answers to questions, and a positive atmosphere at the school.

The specific names are helpful. Nikol is praised for paying attention to everyone while still offering personal advice. Eva is associated with clear technical feedback. Miky also receives positive mention. You can ask about the day’s instructor when you arrive, but do not assume a particular person is guaranteed.

The feedback also includes a family angle. One parent said their son enjoyed the lesson and improved after instructors corrected his mistakes. That suggests the course can work well for younger participants, but the supplied information does not give a minimum age or child-specific rules. Contact the school if you are booking for a child.

Calima’s wider setup also includes a guest house, though accommodation is not part of this four-hour booking. People who stayed there praised its cleanliness, convenient location, and helpful housekeeping. You should treat that as a separate service, not something included in the lesson price.

Who should book this experience?

Surf lessons in Famara 9:15-14:30h (4 hours of class) - Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this lesson to a first-time surfer who wants a full morning of instruction rather than a quick tryout. The beach theory, repeated practice, midday break, and second session give you time to understand the basics.

It also suits couples, families, and small groups who want to learn together. Since the activity is private for your group, you may feel less exposed than you would in a large mixed class. The pickup requirement means groups of two or more also have an advantage when staying outside Famara.

This may not suit you if you want a short, low-effort activity. Four hours is a substantial session, and you need to bring your own refreshments. It may also be a poor fit if your itinerary cannot handle a weather-related change.

The experience is offered in English. Most people can participate, but no detailed accessibility information is provided. If you have mobility concerns or need special equipment, contact Calima Surf before booking rather than relying on general participation guidance.

Booking, cancellation, and final practical advice

You receive confirmation at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so watch the local time carefully.

If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. That policy is helpful, but it does not remove the need for flexibility. Avoid scheduling the lesson on the final morning of your Lanzarote trip if you would have no time to move it.

Wear something suitable for a long beach and water session, and bring drinks and snacks because they are not included. Arrive at the school by 9:15 a.m., not at the later 10:00 a.m. water-start time.

Should you book Calima Surf?

Yes, if you want a well-organized introduction to surfing in Famara and value patient instruction over a quick novelty experience. The strongest reasons are the four-hour format, included equipment, repeated technique practice, and the instructors’ reputation for friendly, personal corrections.

I would hesitate only if your schedule is tight, you are booking alone and need pickup, or you dislike committing to a long physical session. For most beginners, though, $84.69 is a fair price for a complete lesson with gear, transport between school and beach, and insurance. Book it early if your dates are fixed, since the activity is commonly reserved about a week ahead.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson begin?

The meeting point is Calima Surf at Av. el Marinero, 13, 35558 Caleta de Famara, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is 9:15 a.m. The lesson itself is listed as starting at 10:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about four hours, from the morning meeting through the return to Calima Surf at approximately 2:30 p.m.

What does the schedule include?

The schedule includes warm-ups, stretching, easy exercises, theory, beach practice, water practice, a break from about noon to 12:30 p.m., and a second lesson with personal corrections.

Is surf equipment included?

Yes. All surf equipment is included in the price, along with transport from the school to the beach and back and civil liability insurance.

Are drinks and snacks provided?

No. You need to arrange your own drinks and snacks.

Can I request pickup from my accommodation?

Pickup is offered from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Teguise, Tahiche, San Bartolomé, and La Santa. At least two people must book four hours of surfing, and pickup is not offered to a single person.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

More like this

Lanzarote Surf Lessons, compared.

The full Lanzarote Surf Lessons list →
Famara Surf Lessons & Courses for All Levels
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 206 reviews· from $59

Famara Surf Lessons & Courses for All Levels

Read our review →
Surf class in Famara 9:15-12:00 or 11:45-14:30 (2h class)
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 199 reviews· from $60

Surf class in Famara 9:15-12:00 or 11:45-14:30 (2h class)

Read our review →
Famara Beach: Surfing Lessons with Videos
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 147 reviews· from $59

Famara Beach: Surfing Lessons with Videos

Read our review →
Lanzarote’s First Surf School – 2-hour or 4-hour classes
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 119 reviews· from $59

Lanzarote’s First Surf School – 2-hour or 4-hour classes

Read our review →
Full Day Surf Lesson for Beginners in Famara, Spain
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 109 reviews· from $84

Full Day Surf Lesson for Beginners in Famara, Spain

Read our review →
Surf Lesson for Beginners in Famara: Introduction in Surfing
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 71 reviews· from $60

Surf Lesson for Beginners in Famara: Introduction in Surfing

Read our review →
Surf Lessons in Famara, 2 or 4 Hour
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 70 reviews· from $53

Surf Lessons in Famara, 2 or 4 Hour

Read our review →

Browse the lists this lesson appears in

Scroll to Top

Find a surf lesson

Pick a level, a board or a coastline.