Riding the Waves: Guide to Surfing in South Tenerife

South Tenerife offers some of the most accessible and enjoyable surfing experiences in the Canary Islands. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer seeking consistent breaks, the southern coast delivers year-round opportunities for all skill levels.

This guide will help our guests navigate the local surf scene with insider tips on the best spots, schools, equipment rentals, and transportation options.

Best Surfing Spots in South Tenerife 🏖️

Playa de Las Américas

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Best For: Consistent waves, accessible location

Wave Type: Reef break

Best Time to Visit: Morning sessions (before 11 AM) for less crowded conditions

Las Américas is the surfing hub of South Tenerife, offering reliable waves throughout the year.

The coastline features several distinct surf spots, each catering to different skill levels:

- "El Medio" - The main learning spot, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers looking to improve their skills. This is where most surf schools conduct their lessons due to its forgiving nature and consistent waves.

- "El Bunker" and "La Piscina" - Excellent intermediate-level challenges that provide the perfect stepping stone for surfers ready to progress beyond beginner breaks.

- "La Derecha" and "La Palmera" - Advanced surf spots that offer challenging waves for experienced surfers. Be aware that these spots are heavily localized, so respect, proper surf etiquette, and patience are essential when surfing here.

El Médano

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Best For: More challenging waves, less crowded conditions

Wave Type: Beach break with wind swell

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon

Located a short drive from the southern resorts, El Médano offers more challenging conditions and is significantly less crowded than Las Américas. This makes it ideal for intermediate surfers looking to progress their skills without the pressure of crowds, and for advanced surfers seeking more powerful waves.

Top Surf Schools in South Tenerife 🏄‍♀️

Major Surf Schools

Palm Beach Surfing Experts (Las Américas)

- Rating: 4.8/5 (67 reviews)

- Specializes In: All levels, particularly beginners

- Pricing: From €35 per person for group lessons

- Equipment: Full rental included with lessons

Located directly on Playa de Las Américas, this highly-rated school offers comprehensive lessons for all levels with experienced instructors who speak multiple languages.

Tilegit Surf School (Las Américas)

- Specializes In: All levels with premium equipment

- Pricing: From €35 per person

- Equipment: High-quality boards including longboards and shortboards

Known for their premium equipment and personalized approach, Tilegit offers both lessons and standalone equipment rental with excellent customer service.

Blackstone Surf Camp

- Specializes In: Family lessons, private classes

- Equipment: Complete rental equipment available

- Additional Services: Surf camps, accommodation packages

Perfect for families with children, Blackstone offers specialized lessons and can arrange complete surf vacation packages.

Boutique Surf Schools Worth Considering

Rocky Point Surf School

- Smaller class sizes for more personalized instruction

- Local instructors with intimate knowledge of the breaks

- Focus on building confidence in a relaxed environment

Fins First Surf School

- Specialized coaching for skill development and technique improvement

- Emphasis on surf theory and ocean safety

- Perfect for surfers looking to refine their technique

Volcano Surf Camp

- Comprehensive surf experience packages that go beyond just lessons

- Combines instruction with local surf culture immersion

- Great for those wanting to understand the local surf scene

Equipment Rental Options 🛹

If you already know how to surf and just need equipment, several excellent options are available:

Premium Rental Options:

- Tilegit Surf School: Premium surfboard rentals starting from €35/day with high-quality boards and excellent maintenance

Budget-Friendly and Smart Shopping:

- Underground Surf Shop: Offers a unique "vacation board" service where you can purchase a surfboard for your stay and sell it back when your vacation ends. This option is often more economical than long-term rentals, especially for stays over a week.

- Las Americas Surf Shop: Features an extensive selection of secondhand surfboards available for purchase. Perfect for extended stays where buying becomes more cost-effective than daily rentals.

- Various surf shops in Las Américas: Several shops offer daily and weekly rental rates with competitive pricing.

What's Typically Included

- Surfboard (various sizes and types available)

- Wetsuit (though waters are warm year-round, a light wetsuit is recommended for comfort)

- Leash and wax

- Basic instruction on equipment care

Insider Tip: For stays of 3+ days, ask about weekly rental discounts, which can save you up to 30% compared to daily rates. For longer stays (7+ days), consider the buy-back option at Underground for maximum savings.

Transportation to Surfing Spots 🚗

From Los Cristianos

- To Las Américas: 5-minute taxi ride (approximately €8-10) or enjoyable 20-minute walk along the scenic coastal promenade

- To El Médano: 20-minute taxi ride (approximately €25-30) or bus service (Line 470)

From Las Américas

- To El Médano: 15-minute taxi ride (approximately €20-25)

Rental Options

- Scooters: Available from €25/day – perfect for surfers wanting to check multiple spots and enjoy the freedom of easy parking

- Cars: From €30/day – ideal if traveling with family or multiple boards

- Ridesharing: Apps like Uber and local taxi services provide convenient options

Local Tip: If staying at Rundi Apartments, ask our team about transportation to surf spots. We can help coordinate taxis, provide directions for public transport options, or recommend the best rental companies for your needs.

Making Your Surf Experience Simpler 🌟

For Complete Beginners

1. Schedule Morning Lessons: Winds are typically calmer, waves more manageable, and beaches less crowded

2. Multi-Day Courses: Consider booking a 3-day course for better progression and muscle memory development

3. Start at El Medio: This is the most beginner-friendly spot in Las Américas

For Intermediate Surfers

1. Rent Equipment Weekly: More cost-effective for longer stays and allows you to get comfortable with the same board

2. Download Surf Forecast Apps: MSW (Magic Seaweed) provides reliable forecasts for Tenerife conditions

3. Mix Locations: Alternate between Las Américas and El Médano depending on conditions and your comfort level

4. Progress Gradually: Move from El Medio to El Bunker/La Piscina as your skills improve

For Advanced Surfers

1. Respect Local Spots: La Derecha and La Palmera are localized - show respect and patience

2. Check Multiple Spots: Conditions can vary significantly between Las Américas and El Médano

3. Consider El Médano: Often offers more challenging and less crowded conditions

For Families

1. Private Lessons: Schools like Blackstone specialize in family and children's lessons

2. Choose Morning Sessions: Gentler conditions and smaller crowds make for a better family experience

3. Base Yourself Centrally: Staying in Los Cristianos or Las Américas minimizes travel time and maximizes beach time

Where to Stay for the Best Surf Access 🏠

Rundi Apartments offers ideal accommodation options for surf enthusiasts:

- Los Cristianos Apartments: Strategic location near the beach with panoramic views, just minutes from surf spots and a pleasant walk to Las Américas breaks

- Las Américas Properties: Walking distance to main surf breaks and schools, allowing you to check conditions easily and surf multiple sessions per day

Conclusion 🌅

South Tenerife offers an accessible and enjoyable surfing experience for all levels. With year-round waves, quality schools, convenient rental options, and a variety of breaks to suit every skill level, it's the perfect destination to either learn surfing or improve your skills. The local surf scene is welcoming to visitors who show respect and enthusiasm for the sport.