Surfing starts with one good lesson. Playa Famara is a fantastic place to learn, and Red Star’s 2-hour introduction is built to get you moving fast: briefing, wetsuit and board, short ride to the right spot, then hands-on practice in the water with instructors watching you the whole time.

I like two things a lot here. First, you travel light because the lesson includes the wetsuit, rash vest, and surfboard. Second, you get clear beginner coaching that goes beyond just going out on a board—there’s structured instruction on safety, paddling, standing up, and even how to deal with rips.

One consideration: this isn’t for total non-swimmers. You need to be able to swim at least 50 meters to join the session.

Key things to know before you go

• Beginner-first coaching on Playa Famara: no experience needed, with beach and water exercises.
• Gear included: wetsuit, rash vest, and a surfboard chosen for your level.
• Safety skills are part of the lesson: you learn how to recognize rips and what to do.
• You’ll practice the basics repeatedly: paddling, stand-up technique, and first-wave attempts.
• Small-ish group setting: capped at 35 travelers, with instructors helping you on shore and in the water.
• Optional add-ons later: video analysis only comes with longer 4–5 hour lessons.

Playa Famara is the training ground you want

Playa Famara is known for being a beach break that suits beginners and intermediate surfers, which matters because your goal on day one isn’t “surfer glory.” It’s learning how waves work, how to position your board, and how to move with the ocean instead of fighting it.

A big part of why this spot works is the natural rhythm of the shoreline—there’s enough action to practice, but it’s also the kind of environment where a good instructor can guide you toward safer choices. If you’re new, that’s the difference between floundering and getting your confidence back quickly.

Red Star Surf & Yoga Camp: how the lesson starts

Your lesson starts at Red Star Surf & Yoga Camp in Caleta de Famara (Av. el Marinero, 9, bajo, 35558). The start time is 10:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Before you even touch the board, you’ll do a short briefing at the surf shop. This matters more than it sounds. You learn the basics of what you’re about to do, what to expect in the water, and the key safety ideas right up front—so you’re not guessing while you’re already wearing a wetsuit and holding a surfboard.

Also note the practical bits: it’s in English, and it’s near public transportation. If you’re mixing surf with other Lanzarote plans, this morning timing is usually a good fit.

The 2-hour lesson flow on Famara Beach

This is a straightforward, efficient format, and that’s ideal for beginners. The whole session is about getting you through the key stages without wasting time.

1) Gear up and get to the right spot

After the briefing, an instructor will fit you with a wetsuit and surfboard (board size/type is picked according to your level). Then there’s a short ride to the correct section of the beach for learning.

That “ride to the right spot” is a quiet win. When you’re new, you don’t want to spend the lesson walking around the shore trying to find the easiest conditions.

2) Safety talk and warm-up

You’ll get a quick safety talk, followed by warm-up. Then comes the part that helps you succeed: practice both on the beach and in the water.

3) Exercises that build toward standing up

The lesson is designed around a sequence:

• How to paddle on your board
• How to stand up using the right technique
• How to find and catch your first waves

Most first-timers don’t need more “motivation.” They need repetition with coaching cues. This session gives you that through drills, stretch and warm movement, and ongoing help from instructors while you’re actually trying.

A nice bonus: the instruction doesn’t stop at “hop up and go.” You also learn things like how to recognize rips and deal with them, which gives you real confidence out there, even if you only catch a couple of waves on your first run.

4) Video analysis only with longer lessons

This 2-hour session focuses on getting you into the water and practicing. If you choose a 4–5 hour lesson, video analysis is available then. If you love instant feedback and want to speed up improvement, that longer format is worth considering later.

What’s included with your surfboard, wetsuit, and rash vest

You don’t need to budget for gear rental. The lesson includes:

• surfboard matched to your surf level
• wetsuit
• rash vest
• practical and theoretical instruction on land and in the water
• surf exercises and stretching
• medical insurance during the surf lessons

That insurance detail is quietly reassuring. Surfing has real physical risk, even with beginner waves and a competent team, so it’s good to see it included.

You should also take the gear list seriously when you pack. If they’re providing the wetsuit and rash vest, you can pack lighter. Bring what you need for after: a way to dry off, and something warm to change into once you’re done.

Coaching you can understand (Mariano, Humberto, Borge, Garo, Jerry)

The best beginner surf lessons have one superpower: they make something scary feel doable.

In this school’s case, I’d point to the coaching vibe that shows up again and again in the lesson outcomes. Names you’ll see connected with great results include Mariano, Humberto, Borge, Garo, and Jerry. The common thread in their teaching style is practical, step-by-step guidance that builds confidence.

Here’s what that usually looks like for you in the water:

• instructors help you fix one thing at a time (paddling, then takeoff, then balance)
• they’re watching you both on shore and in the water
• they keep the atmosphere relaxed so first-day jitters don’t hijack your focus

If you’re learning as a teen or adult who’s worried you’ll be the slow one, that supportive coaching style matters. Beginners often improve faster when they feel safe enough to try again immediately after a wipeout.

Safety and rips: the skill you’ll remember

Lots of surf lessons teach you how to catch waves. Fewer teach you how to stay smart around ocean hazards.

Here, you learn how to recognize rips and how to deal with them. Even if you never become an expert, that knowledge helps you understand why conditions feel different and what to do if something unexpected happens.

You’ll also learn how to find and surf in safer ways, including instruction on:

• finding the right places to surf safely
• how to choose the right surfboard and wetsuit for your needs
• paddling mechanics and standing-up technique

This is one of those “future you will thank present you” parts of a surf lesson. On your first day you’re building habits, and safety habits are the ones that last.

Price and value: $60.34 for a full beginner session

At $60.34 per person for about 2 hours, you’re paying for a real instruction plan, not just board time. The value comes from three places:

First, the included gear saves you the hassle and cost of rental. Second, you get both theory and practice, including exercises, stretching, and safety instruction, not only time in the water. Third, the team brings experience—this surf school has been operating for over 10 years.

If you’re comparing lesson value, think less about the clock and more about what happens in those two hours: briefing, equipment setup, warm-up, structured exercises, and coaching while you’re trying to stand and catch your first waves. That’s what makes the session feel like a lesson instead of a tour.

Also, it’s booked fairly steadily. It’s often reserved about 9 days in advance on average, so if your Lanzarote schedule is fixed, don’t wait until the last minute.

Who should book this surf lesson in Famara

This is a strong fit if you:

• want to start surfing with no experience required
• learn best with hands-on coaching and clear drills
• want to practice on one of Europe’s well-known beginner-friendly beach break areas
• like the idea of structured safety skills (including rips)

It’s not a great fit if you:

• can’t swim at least 50 meters
• need a lesson that lasts longer than 2 hours to fully settle into the skills (some people may prefer a longer session, especially if you’re older or learning at a slower pace)

Group size is capped at 35 travelers, which suggests a busy but organized operation. You’ll still get instructor help on land and in water, but if you prefer a quieter class, you might want to consider a longer or smaller-format session if that option is available.

Weather, timing, and what to do on surf day

This experience needs good weather. If conditions aren’t suitable, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s important because surf is weather-driven, and a “same day no matter what” approach would usually be worse for beginners.

Plan your day around being flexible. A 10:00 am start is great, but keep some slack in the schedule so you can switch to the alternate date if needed.

Should you book this beginner surf lesson?

I think you should book it if you want a first surf experience that’s structured, safe, and focused on actually getting you standing up. The combination of included gear, beginner pacing, and coaching that addresses safety and technique makes it a solid entry point to surfing on Lanzarote.

Skip it (or switch to a different format) if swimming isn’t comfortable yet, because the session assumes you can handle time in the water. And if you’re the type who learns slowly, consider whether a longer lesson with video feedback would fit you better—especially since video analysis is only available for 4–5 hour sessions.

If you’re ready to try something that can genuinely become a hobby, Playa Famara with Red Star is about as sensible a first step as you can take.

FAQ

Do I need experience to join the beginner lesson?

No experience is required. The lesson is designed specifically for beginners and includes instructions on safety, paddling, and standing techniques.

What gear is provided during the lesson?

You’ll be provided with a wetsuit, a rash vest, and a surfboard. The surfboard is chosen according to your surf level.

Where does the surf lesson take place?

The lesson happens at Playa Famara. You’ll meet at Red Star Surf & Yoga Camp in Caleta de Famara and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the lesson?

The session is about 2 hours.

Can I join if I can’t swim?

Not if you can’t swim at least 50 meters. That’s the stated participation requirement.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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