Surfing in Famara: 2 hours of pure excitement and nature

Famara gives you a fine place to meet the Atlantic: a broad, protected beach backed by Lanzarote’s stark volcanic scenery. Calima Surf turns that setting into a focused two-hour lesson, with certified instructors, equipment included, and groups capped at eight people.

I like the small-group setup and the fact that the class is matched to your level, from first-timer to advanced surfer. I also like the practical extras: board, leash, wetsuit, Lycra, and liability insurance are included, and Tuesday or Friday morning sessions come with free water photos.

The main limitation is the short format. Two hours is enough for a lively introduction or a useful practice session, but it is not a full surfing course. You also need to choose the photo days and morning time carefully, since the free photo session runs only from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Key points to know before booking

• Famara is the setting: You surf at one of Lanzarote’s most famous protected beaches, surrounded by open Atlantic views and volcanic scenery.
• The class lasts two hours: Choose the 10 a.m. to noon session or the 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. session.
• Groups are limited to eight: That gives the instructor room to offer individual pointers instead of treating the class as one large crowd.
• All core equipment is supplied: You receive a surfboard, leash, wetsuit, Lycra, and liability insurance.
• Photos are tied to a specific schedule: Free in-water photos are offered Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon.
• The $59 price covers the essentials: You pay for the lesson, gear, instruction, and insurance, but not food, drinks, or accommodation.

Why Famara works so well for a first surf lesson

Famara is not simply a beach with a surf school on it. The setting is part of the experience. You are learning in a protected nature reserve, with a wide stretch of sand and the Atlantic in front of you rather than in a crowded urban waterfront.

That matters because a first surf session can feel busy enough without extra distractions. The open setting gives the lesson a strong sense of place, and you get a better feel for why surfing in Lanzarote is tied so closely to the sea and the island’s natural character.

Calima Surf School has been teaching here since 1996. The school’s approach goes beyond trying to get you upright on a board. You are also taught to read the sea, understand the conditions, and pay attention to your connection with the water.

Those ideas are useful even if you only surf once. Standing up for a few seconds is fun, but learning how waves work gives the activity more meaning and helps you make better choices in future sessions.

What happens during the two-hour session

The meeting point is the Calima surf school. Look for the large sign with the school’s logo and name at the entrance, which makes the starting point straightforward to find.

The session is offered in two shifts:

• 10 a.m. to noon
• 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The exact minute-by-minute lesson plan is not specified, but the stated format is clear. You meet the instructor, receive the required equipment, and take part in a level-appropriate surf lesson with practical guidance throughout the two hours.

The school provides the surfboard, leash, wetsuit, and Lycra. You only need to bring swimwear. That keeps the preparation simple, especially if surfing is one activity among several on your Lanzarote holiday.

The teaching is designed for three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. A beginner can expect step-by-step help, while a more experienced surfer can use the session to work on technique and progress rather than repeat a basic introduction.

The small-group limit of eight is important here. Surf lessons work best when an instructor can see what each person is doing, correct small errors, and offer advice at the right moment. A larger group might cost less, but it can leave you waiting for attention. This format aims for closer instruction.

The beginner experience: more than standing up

If this is your first time surfing, the first challenge is usually not courage. It is coordination. You need to handle the board, work with the water, and respond quickly to an incoming wave.

Calima’s lesson is built around a step-by-step method, which is the right approach for beginners. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to paddle, position the board, or read a wave. The instructor’s job is to break those tasks into manageable pieces.

The school also places emphasis on reading the sea. That is a useful distinction. A class focused only on getting you standing may give you a quick thrill but little understanding. Learning to notice the conditions helps you become more independent and safer as you continue.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Two hours can provide a strong introduction and plenty of time to practice, but it cannot turn a complete beginner into a polished surfer. Your first session may involve more falling, adjusting, and trying again than long rides. That is normal, not a sign that the class has failed.

The best way to judge this experience is by progress rather than perfection. If you finish with a better sense of how the board responds and what the sea is doing, the session has done its job.

What intermediate and advanced surfers can expect

The class is not limited to first-timers. Intermediate and advanced participants can book a session tailored to their level, making the small group more useful for people who already have some experience.

The available information does not specify particular drills or performance goals for stronger surfers. Still, the level-based format means you should not be placed into a one-size-fits-all beginner lesson automatically.

For an intermediate surfer, the value may come from practical feedback and time in the water. You can use the session to work on consistency, timing, or confidence. Advanced participants may prefer to treat it as guided practice in Famara, with the instructor helping them make better use of the conditions.

If you are booking for a mixed-ability group, ask at the time of booking how the class will be organized. The activity is designed for different levels, but the precise group arrangement is not stated.

Equipment included, and what you still need

The $59 fee includes the main items you would otherwise need to rent separately:

• Surfboard
• Leash
• Wetsuit
• Lycra
• Liability insurance
• Instruction from a qualified instructor

That is a useful package for a short lesson. You do not need to carry a board through town, compare rental prices, or arrange separate insurance for the activity.

Bring swimwear. Food and drinks are not included, so plan those separately if you need something before or after the session. Accommodation is also outside the activity price.

The inclusion of liability insurance is easy to overlook, but it adds clarity to the cost. You know that the price covers not just equipment and teaching, but also the basic insurance connected with the activity.

Free photos on Tuesday and Friday mornings

The photo offer is one of the more useful extras, but it comes with strict timing. Calima provides a water photo session at no extra cost on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon.

That means you need to choose the morning shift on one of those two days. Booking a Tuesday afternoon or Friday afternoon class does not match the stated photo schedule.

For a first surf lesson, photos can be more than a souvenir. It is difficult to remember exactly what your body and board were doing while you were trying to stay upright. Images can show your position on the board, your first successful ride, or simply the fun of being out in the water.

If photographs matter to you, check availability before booking. The free photo session is a nice bonus, but it should not be treated as an anytime service.

Is $59 good value?

At $59 per person, this is a fair price for a two-hour lesson that includes the board, leash, wetsuit, Lycra, qualified instruction, and liability insurance.

The strongest value comes from the complete package. If you already own a wetsuit and board, you might compare the price with a lesson-only option. But most visitors would need to rent equipment and pay for instruction separately, so the included gear makes the cost easier to justify.

The group size also matters. Eight participants is small enough to allow personal attention, while still keeping the price below that of a private lesson. You are not paying for one-to-one coaching, so you should not expect constant individual instruction. You are paying for a guided class where the instructor can work with each person during the session.

The free photo option improves the value on the correct mornings. It does not change the main cost, but it gives you something lasting from an activity that can otherwise leave you with only a wet swimsuit and a good story.

The school reports more than 1,200 ratings with an average of 4.9 out of 5. A recent verified booking from Mariana of Sweden gave full marks and specifically praised the service, equipment, and team. That lines up with the practical strengths of the package, though a high rating cannot guarantee that every class will match your preferred pace or surf conditions.

Who will enjoy this most

This activity suits first-time surfers who want instruction rather than a simple board rental. It also works for visitors who have surfed before and want a short session with equipment and coaching already arranged.

I would especially consider it if you value:

• A small group instead of a large class
• A lesson adapted to your current ability
• A protected natural setting
• A fixed two-hour commitment
• Equipment included in the price
• English or Spanish instruction
• Free photos on a Tuesday or Friday morning

The minimum age for group classes is over 10 years old. Children under 10 cannot join these group sessions, so families with younger children will need another activity.

The two-hour length makes this easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. You can choose the morning or early afternoon shift, though you should allow enough time around the lesson for changing and getting settled. The activity itself lasts two hours, and the meeting point is the Calima school.

What may not suit you

This is not the right pick if you want a private instructor, a full-day surf program, or a guaranteed long ride on your first attempt. The class is shared, and the experience depends on your level, the lesson pace, and the sea conditions.

It may also disappoint if you book mainly for photographs but choose a time outside the stated photo schedule. Free water photos are available only Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon.

You will need to arrange your own food and drinks, and the price does not cover accommodation. Those are minor concerns for a two-hour activity, but they matter if you are comparing a fully packaged excursion with a stand-alone lesson.

The school teaches in English and Spanish. If you need another language, this activity may not be a good fit because no additional language options are given.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Lanzarote plans are still shifting.

Check the available start times before choosing a date. The two regular options are 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., but availability should be confirmed for your chosen day.

At the school, look for the large Calima sign at the entrance. Bring swimwear and arrive ready to use the supplied equipment. No food, drinks, or accommodation are included.

Should you book this Famara surf lesson?

Book it if you want a well-organized introduction to surfing in one of Lanzarote’s best-known natural settings, with equipment and insurance included. The $59 price is sensible for a two-hour, small-group class, and the level-based instruction gives you a better chance of getting useful feedback from the first session.

Choose a Tuesday or Friday morning if free water photos are important. Choose the activity for the setting, the teaching, and the chance to spend two active hours in the Atlantic, not because two hours will make you an expert.

For most visitors over 10, especially beginners who want a friendly first step into surfing, Calima Surf is a practical choice. Experienced surfers should book with realistic expectations and confirm how the class will be matched to their level.

FAQ

Where does the surfing activity take place?

The activity takes place at Famara beach in Lanzarote, Spain. You meet at the Calima surf school, marked by a large sign with the school’s logo and name.

How long does the surf lesson last?

The lesson lasts two hours.

What start times are available?

Classes are offered from 10 a.m. to noon or from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Check availability for the date you want.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a surf lesson suited to your level, a surfboard, leash, wetsuit, Lycra, personalized instruction, small-group teaching, and liability insurance.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instruction is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear. The surfboard, leash, wetsuit, and Lycra are supplied.

Are photos included?

Free water photos are available on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. The stated photo offer applies to the morning session.

What is the minimum age?

Group classes are for participants over 10 years old. Children under 10 are not suitable for this group activity.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking terms.