Everything you need to know before your first surf lesson in Fuerteventura

If you’re planning your first surf lesson in Fuerteventura, you‘re in for an exciting experience. Known for its consistent waves, stunning beaches, and warm weather, Fuerteventura is one of the best surf destinations in Europe. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, it’s important to be prepared for your first lesson. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before hitting the waves with Surfers Island.

1.) What to expect during your first surf lesson

Your first surf lesson will focus on teaching you the basics of the sport, including how to balance on the board, how to paddle, and how to catch your first wave.
At Surfers Island, we focus on making your experience safe, fun, and educational. Here’s what you can expect:

Warm-Up and Safety Briefing: Before heading into the water, your instructor will give you a brief introduction to surfing. You’ll learn about surf etiquette, safety rules, and how to protect yourself and others in the water.

Learning to Paddle: You’ll practice paddling out to the waves, which is one of the most important skills to learn. You’ll also learn how to position yourself correctly on the board to catch the wave.

Riding the White Water: For beginners, most of the learning takes place in the white water (the foam created after a wave breaks). Your instructor will guide you as you practice popping up onto the board and riding small waves.

2.) The best surf spots in Fuerteventura for beginners

Fuerteventura has a wide variety of surf spots, each offering different conditions for all levels. At Surfers Island, we focus on beginner-friendly spots in the south of the island to ensure that your first surf experience is a positive one.

La Pared: La Pared is a great spot for beginner surfers as the waves roll in the whole year around. The waves break outside on the sandbank, and they roll in as white water waves on the inside of the bay. With its wide beach and sandy bottom, La Pared offers a safe environment for learning the basics of surfing. During low tide, you can easily stand and time the waves, making it a great place for beginners.

Cruz Roja (Jandia): Another excellent location for beginners is Cruz Roja, located near the Jandía peninsula. This spot works best when the west side (La Pared) is getting hit by massive swells in the winter season. The big waves wrap around the island which results in smaller, more manageable waves on the east coast.

Esquinzo: Located near the village of Esquinzo, this spot offers waves ideal for newcomers to the sport. The sandy beach and gentle waves make it an excellent location for catching your first green waves.
While these are some of our favorite beginner spots in the south, we’ll make sure to choose the best location for your lesson based on the weather conditions and the size of the waves for the day.

3.) What to wear for your surf lesson

When you’re learning to surf, comfort and flexibility are key. The good news is that
Fuerteventura enjoys warm temperatures, so you won’t need to worry about freezing water, but you should still plan to wear the appropriate gear for comfort and safety:

Wetsuit: Even though Fuerteventura has warm weather, the ocean water can still feel chilly, especially during winter months. We provide 3/2 mm wetsuits to keep you
comfortable during your surf lesson. In the summer months, we still highly
recommend wearing a wetsuit for extra flotability in the water, protections against
injuries and UV light protection.

Surfboard: At Surfers Island, we provide epoxy soft-top surfboards for beginners. These boards are wider, more stable, and safer than hard-top boards. These boards are designed to help you catch your first wave and stand up with ease. Due to increased volume of the boards, it makes it easier to paddle into a wave as with a smaller hard top board.

4.) What to bring to your surf lesson

We provide all the necessary equipment for your lesson, including wetsuits and surfboards. However, there are a few things you should bring to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible:

Swimwear: You’ll need to wear your swimwear underneath the wetsuit. It’s a good idea to wear something comfortable for moving in and out of the wetsuit.

Towel and Sunscreen: After your lesson, you’ll want to dry off and relax, so bring a towel. Fuerteventura is sunny year-round, so sunscreen is essential to protect your skin while you’re on the beach or in the water.

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially after a workout. Bring a water bottle to keep refreshed throughout the day.

5.) Surfing etiquette and safety tips

Surfer safety and etiquette are essential for a fun and safe experience. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Always listen to your instructor: Your instructor will guide you throughout the lesson, helping you stay safe and improving your skills. Make sure to listen carefully and follow all instructions.

Respect the waves: When you start surfing your first green waves, you should be familiar with the right of way in surfing. This is fundamental to keep a safe practice and a good rotation on the line-up.

Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of where your board is, where other surfers are, and where the waves are coming from. This will keep you and others safe in the water.

6.) What to expect after your first surf lesson

After your first lesson, you should feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement. Surfing is a skill that takes time to master, but with the right instruction and practice, you’ll improve quickly. At Surfers Island, we focus on making your learning experience fun and progressive. If you enjoyed your first lesson and want to continue, we offer additional surf lessons to help you improve your skills and build confidence in the water.

Conclusion: Surfing in Fuerteventura is an incredible experience that you won’t forget. With the island’s perfect waves and our expert instructors at Surfers Island, you’ll have the best start to your surfing journey. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve, we provide the ideal environment to learn and progress. Book your first lesson today and get ready to catch some waves!