Playa de Las Américas: Premium Surf Equipment for Rent

The best part of this rental is simple: you can walk out of Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School with a board, wetsuit, reef shoes, and leash, then reach the beach in about 100 meters. I like the broad choice of boards, from stable softboards to performance-focused shortboards, and I like having a locker and hot shower waiting back at the shop. The main catch is that wax, water, and towels cost extra, and surf access depends on the day’s class schedule.

I also like that you are not locked into a single type of board. Beginners can choose a forgiving softboard, while experienced surfers can ask for a hardboard, epoxy board, longboard, or shortboard. The reef shoes are a practical touch for Tenerife’s rocky entry points. Just note that this is a rental rather than a full lesson, unless you add instruction.

Key points to know before you book

• A 100-meter walk to the beach: The shop is close enough to make carrying your board manageable.
• Equipment for several skill levels: Softboards suit beginners, while shortboards, epoxy boards, and longboards give stronger surfers more choice.
• Useful extras included: Your rental includes a leash, wetsuit, reef shoes, locker access, and showers.
• Two-hour surf packs are available: The advertised short rental costs €25, while the listed activity price is about $28 per person.
• Instruction can be added: A group lesson costs €20 extra, or private instruction with insurance costs €70.
• Bring your own towel or pay €1: Towels are available, but wax and water are not included.

Picking up your board under the blue BBVA sign

Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School is in Playa de Las Américas, beneath the blue BBVA bank sign and next to Beer Spa Tenerife. That landmark matters because it should make the meeting point easier to spot in a busy resort area.

You begin by choosing the equipment that fits your ability and the kind of session you want. If you are new to surfing, I would start by asking for a softboard. It offers more stability and buoyancy, which makes paddling and catching small waves less frustrating.

If you already surf with some confidence, you can ask about a hardboard. Shortboards are made for speed and sharper control, while epoxy boards are light and durable. Longboards suit a slower, smoother style and can make wave catching easier for surfers who prefer a larger platform.

The school also rents bodyboards, SUPs, and surfskates. These options widen the appeal beyond standard stand-up surfing. A bodyboard works well for smaller waves and relaxed fun, while a SUP lets you explore the coast from a different position. A surfskate gives you a way to practise turning movements on land.

The staff speak English and Spanish. The information provided does not name individual instructors, so you should not expect a particular teacher unless the school confirms one when you book.

Walking 100 meters from the shop to the water

The short walk to the beach is one of the rental’s strongest practical features. You do not need to arrange transport, carry your board across town, or spend the first part of your session searching for a place to start.

A distance of about 100 meters is still worth considering if you are carrying a larger longboard or a SUP. Pack light and wear something easy to change out of later. The shop provides changing areas, so you can arrive in beachwear and get ready there.

The supplied details do not specify one fixed surf spot, wave size, or exact water conditions. That means the staff’s equipment advice is important. Ask which board suits the conditions on the day, especially if you are choosing between a softboard and a hardboard.

Tenerife’s volcanic coastline can include rocky entry areas. The included reef shoes are useful here, not just a nice extra. One visitor specifically found them important for getting over the rocks, and I would treat them as part of the safety kit rather than an optional fashion item.

What comes in the rental package

The standard package includes a surfboard and leash, wetsuit, reef shoes, locker use, and access to changing and shower facilities. That is a solid package for a one-day rental because it covers the awkward items that are expensive or inconvenient to carry on holiday.

The wetsuits come in a range of sizes. A good fit matters more than people sometimes think. A loose suit lets in more water and can feel heavy, while one that is too tight restricts movement. Ask the staff for help rather than simply grabbing the size you normally wear.

The reef shoes protect your feet from rocks and uneven surfaces. They also make entering and leaving the water feel less nerve-racking, especially if you are still learning how to manage a board near shore.

Lockers are available with keys and CCTV surveillance. I like this feature because it lets you leave clothes and small valuables at the shop instead of placing them on the beach. You should still avoid bringing anything you do not need.

The facilities include separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, changing areas, and hot showers. There is also a toilet and shower for people with reduced mobility, along with ramp access. Those details make the shop more useful before and after your session, though the activity is not suitable for everyone with mobility or medical concerns.

Choosing between softboards, shortboards, and longboards

The board choice changes the entire feel of the rental. A softboard is the sensible starting point for a first session. Its stability and buoyancy help you focus on balance and wave timing instead of fighting a narrow, less forgiving deck.

A hardboard is better suited to an experienced surfer who wants sharper handling. Shortboards favour speed, control, and performance. They are not the obvious choice for someone who has never surfed, even if they look more exciting.

Epoxy boards sit somewhere between practical durability and performance. They are light and suitable for different skill levels. If you have surfed before but are not fully comfortable on a shortboard, an epoxy board may be a reasonable middle ground.

Longboards give you a classic, smooth ride and make it easier to catch waves. I would consider one if you prefer relaxed surfing or want a board that feels more stable without choosing a softboard.

Bodyboards and SUPs give you alternatives when standard surfing is not what you want. The available selection means you can also change plans at the shop instead of booking one narrow type of equipment in advance.

How the two-hour surf pack compares with a full day

The advertised Surf Pack costs €25 for two hours, while the activity is listed at about $28 per person and described as valid for one day. Since the exact rental length and current currency conversion can vary, check the price and time option at booking.

At €25, a two-hour package is reasonable if you want a short introduction, are fitting surfing between other Playa de Las Américas plans, or are unsure how much energy you will have. Two hours in the water can be plenty for a first attempt, particularly when you add time for changing and walking to the beach.

A longer rental makes more sense if you already surf and want to wait for better conditions or take breaks. The school offers flexible options, including multi-day packages. Ask for the exact cost before you commit, since the supplied information does not give a complete price table.

The value comes from more than the board. A wetsuit, reef shoes, locker, and shower would each be a nuisance to arrange separately. You are also paying for convenience close to the shore. Towels are the one small add-on, at €1 each, while wax and water are not included.

Adding a lesson for €20 or private instruction for €70

You can add a group lesson for €20. This is worth considering if you are a beginner and want help with stance, paddling, board control, and basic safety before heading into the water. A rental alone gives you equipment, but it does not automatically give you technique.

Private instruction costs €70 and includes insurance. That option may suit you if you want one-to-one attention or need help correcting a specific problem. The information does not state the private lesson duration or group size, so confirm those details before paying.

Availability depends on the school’s surf classes that day. If you want a lesson, contact Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School before arriving rather than assuming an instructor will be free. The rental can still work for independent surfers, but the lesson add-on is the better choice for a first-timer who wants a more structured start.

What the shop experience is like before and after surfing

The practical rhythm is straightforward. You check in at the shop, select your board, receive your wetsuit and reef shoes, place your belongings in a locker, and walk to the beach. After surfing, you return the equipment, change, and use the shower before continuing with your day.

That hot shower is one of the most useful details here. Salt water, sand, and a tight wetsuit are less charming once you are finished, so having a proper place to rinse off makes the rental feel more complete.

Bring beachwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. You can pay €1 for a towel if you forget, but I would bring your own if you have room. Pack water too, since water is not included, and do not expect wax to be supplied.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for children under 13, people with back problems, people with altitude sickness, or anyone over 95. Those restrictions should be taken seriously, especially because surfing involves paddling, balance, and repeated movement in the water.

When to go and how much time to allow

Opening hours are listed as 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in winter and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer. You should check the current starting times and equipment availability before setting your beach plans, since rental access depends on the school’s classes that day.

The activity is valid for one day, but that does not mean you have unlimited board use. Your actual rental period depends on the package you choose. A two-hour session is specifically advertised, and multi-day options are also available.

I would allow extra time around the surf itself. You need time to find the shop beneath the BBVA sign, choose equipment, change, walk to the beach, and return for a shower. The short distance helps, but this is not a walk-in, grab-a-board arrangement with no preparation.

Who will get the most from this rental

I think this rental suits three kinds of people particularly well. First are beginners who want to try surfing without buying gear or committing to a full course. The softboards, wetsuits, reef shoes, and optional group lesson cover the basics.

Second are intermediate and advanced surfers who want a board close to the water. The selection of shortboards, epoxy boards, and longboards gives you more control over the kind of session you have.

Third are holidaymakers who value convenience. The lockers, hot showers, changing rooms, and nearby beach save time and reduce the usual hassle of renting beach equipment.

I would be more cautious if you have back trouble or need close medical supervision. I would also check the age restriction carefully if you are booking for a young teenager. The rental is not a substitute for a lesson, so a total beginner should consider adding the €20 group session.

Is Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School good value?

At the advertised $28 per person, or €25 for the two-hour Surf Pack, I see fair value in the package. The board alone is not the whole deal. You also receive a wetsuit, reef shoes, leash, locker, and shower access, with the beach only about 100 meters away.

The strongest points are the equipment choice and the shop facilities. The most praised parts of the service are the friendly welcome, clear introduction, good organisation, hot shower, secure storage, and broad choice of gear. I would give particular weight to the clear pre-surf explanation and the reef shoes, since both affect how comfortable the session feels.

The weak points are minor but worth budgeting for. You pay extra for a towel, and you need to bring water and wax. The schedule can also depend on surf classes, so last-minute plans may need a quick confirmation.

Should you book this Playa de Las Américas surf rental?

Book it if you want a convenient, well-equipped surf rental with choices for several ability levels. I especially recommend it to beginners who will add the group lesson, and to experienced surfers who want a short walk to the water, secure storage, and a hot shower afterward.

Think twice if you want a fully guided surf day included in the base price. This package is mainly equipment rental. For the best value, bring a towel and water, ask which board fits the day’s conditions, and confirm the rental time and availability before you arrive.

FAQ

Where is Ocean Life Tenerife Surf School located?

It is beneath the blue BBVA bank sign in Playa de Las Américas, next to Beer Spa Tenerife.

How far is the beach from the meeting point?

The beach is about 100 meters from the meeting point.

What equipment is included?

The rental includes a softboard or hardboard with leash, wetsuit, reef shoes, locker use, and access to changing and shower facilities.

Are towels included?

No. Towels cost €1 each, or you can bring your own.

Can I add a surf lesson?

Yes. A group lesson costs €20 extra. Private instruction with insurance costs €70. Availability depends on the surf classes scheduled that day.

What are the opening hours?

The listed hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in winter and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer.