Lanzarote: Surf Experience in Famara with MauriSurf

Famara is one of Lanzarote’s best places to learn surf basics, and MauriSurf keeps the lesson focused on the part that matters: getting you safely onto a wave. Mauri and his instructors work with the tide and weather, then coach you through balance, paddling, and that first thrilling ride. Small groups keep the teaching personal.

I like the included board and wetsuit, since you do not need to rent gear separately, and I like the choice between a friendly group lesson and one-on-one coaching. The main consideration is the short two-hour format: it is enough for a strong introduction, but not a full day of practice. Hotel pickup costs extra, and you only receive the exact meeting point the day before.

Key points to know before booking

• Playa de Famara setting: Your lesson takes place at Caleta de Famara, with the broad beach and Atlantic surf providing a striking setting for learning.
• Up to eight people: The small-group limit gives the instructor room to watch each participant rather than treating the class like a crowd.
• Mauri’s personal teaching: Mauri is known for warm, motivating instruction and close attention to safety, a useful combination for nervous first-timers.
• All levels welcome: Beginners learn the basics, while intermediate and advanced surfers can use the session for more focused coaching.
• Board and wetsuit included: You can arrive ready to learn without arranging separate surf rental.
• Pickup is optional: You can meet the MauriSurf van or Surfhouse in Famara, or pay an extra fee for hotel pickup.

Why Famara works so well for a first surf lesson

The setting is Playa de Famara, at Caleta de Famara on Lanzarote’s northwest coast. You are not being taken to a pool or a controlled indoor wave machine. This is a real beach lesson, with the tide and weather shaping the session.

That matters because surfing is never exactly the same from one hour to the next. MauriSurf adjusts the class to current conditions, aiming for a safer and more enjoyable session. You should still expect the ocean to have its own ideas. A wave lesson depends on the day, and no instructor can promise a perfect ride for every person.

For a beginner, the beach offers more than scenery. It gives you a practical introduction to how surf lessons work: listen to the safety briefing, handle the board, move through the water, find your balance, and try again after a fall. The process can be humbling, but that is part of the fun.

I also like that the lesson is tied to Famara rather than spread across several stops. There is no wasted sightseeing time. The full two hours go toward instruction and practice, with the beach itself providing the setting.

What happens during the two-hour class

The experience begins at Famara. You may meet the team beside the easy-to-spot MauriSurf van on the beach or at the MauriSurf Surfhouse in the village. If you choose pickup, it is available for a small extra fee. The exact meeting point is sent by your instructor the day before, so check your messages and do not assume every booking begins at the same spot.

Once the group is together, the lesson starts with safety. This is especially important if you have never surfed before. You learn how to use the board, how to approach the water, and what to expect from the session before trying to catch a wave.

The basic teaching covers balance, paddling, and catching your first waves. These sound simple, but each one takes practice. Balance is not just standing up. You need to place your feet correctly and keep your body steady as the board moves. Paddling helps you catch the wave at the right moment. Then comes the quick change from lying on the board to standing, often while the water is already moving beneath you.

MauriSurf’s instructors guide you personally during this process. That personal attention is one of the strongest reasons to choose a small class instead of a large beach lesson. You can receive corrections while the problem is still fresh, rather than repeating the same mistake for an hour.

The class returns to Famara after two hours. This is a compact session, not an all-day surf camp. You will have time to learn the core movements and try them in the water, but you may want another lesson if you hope to build real confidence or improve your technique.

Mauri and the teaching style

Mauri is the central figure in the experience, and his style comes across as professional, warm, and highly encouraging. He teaches with enthusiasm but keeps safety in view, which is the balance I want from a surf instructor.

That matters most if this is your first time. A beginner needs clear instructions, patience, and the sense that asking a question is fine. The strongest feedback about Mauri points to close attention throughout the lesson, personal encouragement, and a family-like feel rather than a rushed, impersonal class.

The instructor team can teach in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French. That wide language choice is useful when technical instructions need to be understood quickly. Surfing is physical, but the safety briefing and water guidance still depend on clear communication.

Advanced ability does not mean you are left to fend for yourself. MauriSurf accepts beginners, intermediate surfers, and advanced surfers, so the coaching can focus on your level. A first-timer may need help standing up, while a more experienced surfer may want more targeted advice. The supplied information does not spell out the exact advanced techniques covered, so you should ask the provider if you have a specific goal.

Group lesson or private coaching

The group option is limited to eight participants. That is small enough to keep the session social while giving the instructor a reasonable chance to watch each person.

A group class suits solo visitors, friends, and families who want to share the experience. You get the lift that comes from seeing other beginners try, fall, laugh, and try again. The tradeoff is simple: the instructor’s attention is shared, so your personal coaching time will not match a private lesson.

A private lesson is the better choice if you feel anxious in a group, want a faster pace, or have a clear skill goal. One-on-one coaching lets the instructor focus on your balance, paddling, and wave timing without working around other participants.

Private does not automatically mean better for everyone. A group class can feel less serious and more relaxed, especially if you are trying surfing as a holiday activity rather than starting a long-term sport. I would choose the group option for a first experiment and private coaching if you already know you want detailed correction.

The equipment included in the $59 price

The price is $59 per person for two hours. It includes the surf lesson, a board, a wetsuit, and instruction from certified instructors. That makes the cost easier to judge because you do not need to add basic equipment rental.

For a first lesson, the included gear is a real advantage. You can arrive with biodegradable sunscreen and avoid the trouble of finding a board and wetsuit that suit the session. The equipment also keeps the booking simple for families and solo visitors who do not travel with surf gear.

At $59, you are paying for more than time in the water. The fee also covers safety instruction, coaching, equipment, and the planning needed to match the lesson to tide and weather conditions. Compared with arranging separate rental and trying to teach yourself, the guided format offers better value for a first attempt.

Still, compare the price with your plans. If you only want to stand on a board once for a holiday photo, a two-hour class may be enough. If you want several days of surfing, ask about repeat lessons or longer programs before booking. The supplied information gives the cost for this experience but not a package price for multiple sessions.

Hotel pickup is not included. You can pay extra for it, or make your own way to the MauriSurf van or Surfhouse in Famara. That extra fee may be worthwhile if you do not have transport or do not want to handle the meeting point yourself. If you are already staying in or near Famara, meeting the team at the beach or Surfhouse keeps the cost down.

Safety, weather, and the limits of the ocean

MauriSurf places safety at the front of the lesson, beginning with a briefing and adjusting the session to conditions. That is exactly what you want in a sport shaped by moving water.

The word safe should not be read as risk-free. Surfing involves waves, balance, and falling into the water. You need to listen closely, follow the instructor’s directions, and accept that the day’s conditions may affect what you can do.

The tide and weather can also change the character of the lesson. A calm session may be easier for a beginner, while stronger conditions can make the class more demanding. MauriSurf’s flexibility is useful here, but the available information does not promise a particular wave size or a guaranteed number of rides.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen. That is the only specific personal item given, but it is an important one for a beach activity. The board and wetsuit are supplied, so you can keep your packing light.

Who will get the most from MauriSurf

This experience suits a first-time surfer who wants a proper introduction rather than an unsupervised rental. You will learn the basic movements, receive safety guidance, and have an instructor nearby as you try the waves.

It also works well for a solo visitor. The small group gives you a natural way to meet people without committing to a full-day social activity. Friends and families can book together and share the learning curve, although the group format may move at a mixed pace if abilities vary.

Intermediate and advanced surfers can book too, especially if they want personal coaching. I would contact MauriSurf first if you have a very specific technical aim, since the published details focus on general instruction rather than named advanced skills.

This may not suit you if you dislike changing plans around weather or want a long, uninterrupted surf session. Two hours goes quickly once you include the safety briefing and instruction. It is best viewed as a focused lesson, not a full day at the beach.

Booking details that affect your day

The lesson lasts two hours, and starting times depend on availability. Since MauriSurf adapts sessions to tide and weather, your final timing matters. Keep some flexibility in your day rather than booking a tight appointment immediately afterward.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Lanzarote plans are still shifting. These terms are useful for an outdoor activity, since weather and personal schedules can change.

The meeting point is not necessarily one fixed address. You may be directed to the MauriSurf van at the beach or the Surfhouse in Famara, with the precise location supplied the day before. Read that message carefully, especially if you arrange your own transport.

Should you book this Famara surf lesson?

I would book MauriSurf if you want a friendly, carefully guided first taste of surfing in Lanzarote. The strongest reasons are the small group limit, included equipment, multilingual instruction, and Mauri’s warm but safety-minded teaching style.

Choose a private lesson if you want close coaching or feel nervous about learning in front of others. Choose the group class if you want a lower-pressure introduction with friends, family, or other beginners.

The $59 price is fair for a two-hour lesson with a board, wetsuit, and certified instruction included. Just remember that pickup costs extra and two hours will give you an introduction, not mastery. If you accept that, this is a practical way to meet the Atlantic at Famara and find out if surfing belongs in your Lanzarote plans.

FAQ

Where does the MauriSurf lesson take place?

The lesson takes place at Playa de Famara in Caleta de Famara, and the activity begins and ends in Famara.

How long is the surf experience?

The lesson lasts two hours.

How much does the lesson cost?

The listed price is $59 per person.

Is surf equipment included?

Yes. MauriSurf provides the necessary surf equipment, including boards and wetsuits.

Are beginners allowed to join?

Yes. The lesson is open to beginners, intermediate surfers, and advanced surfers.

How many people can join a group lesson?

The small group is limited to eight participants.

Are private lessons available?

Yes. MauriSurf offers private lessons with one-on-one coaching.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is available for an extra fee. You can also meet the team at the MauriSurf van on the beach or at the Surfhouse in Famara.

Which languages can the instructors speak?

Instruction is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French.

What should you bring?

Bring biodegradable sunscreen. The board and wetsuit are provided.

Can you cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do you have to pay when booking?

The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.