Beginner surf lessons at Las Canteras, Las Palmas

The course is built for people who have never stood on a board, or who last surfed years ago. You start at the school, where the staff fit you with a wetsuit and pick a soft-top board to suit your height and weight. Changing rooms and lockers are part of the deal, so you can leave your valuables behind a key.

The next part happens on the sand. You go through the parts of the board, how to paddle, how to get to your feet, and the safety rules for the beach. Then you head into the white water, where the foam pushes you towards the shore and you can stand on the bottom, with the water around waist or chest height. The instructor stays close and helps you pick waves and get moving.

Afterwards there is a stretch on the sand and a short talk with your instructor about how you got on. If someone in your group picks it up quickly, the coach gives them something harder to work on, like turning or catching the foam earlier, while the rest keep practising the basics.

Lessons depend on the tide, so the school checks the tide chart for your date and suggests the times that work best. Vouchers come in several forms: Flex and Eco are two-hour lessons, VIP adds equipment rental after class and a school t-shirt, and the Intensive voucher runs three hours.

• Lessons take place at Las Canteras beach, with the school as the starting point.
• All surf equipment is included: board, wetsuit and rash guard. Accident insurance is included too.
• Lockers and showers are available at the school, and a photo service can be added.
• Groups have a maximum of seven students per instructor.
• Bring a swimsuit or bikini to wear under the wetsuit, a towel and sunscreen for your face.
• Lesson length is two hours for the Eco, Flex and VIP vouchers, and three hours for the Intensive voucher.
• Minimum age is 9 years, and you need basic swimming skills and to be comfortable in the water.
• Times run from 10am, 11am and 12pm daily, with a 4pm to 6pm slot Monday to Friday. The Intensive voucher runs 9am to 12pm daily.
• The school asks for your enquiry 7 days in advance so they can check the tides and propose times.
• Prices start at 45 euros for one day with the Flex voucher, with multi-day vouchers priced per package. The Intensive voucher starts at 55 euros for one day, and Eco and VIP vouchers are sold from three days.
• Eco vouchers need a minimum of 2 students per class, expire 30 days after purchase, and from 1 November to 31 March can only be used in the afternoon session Monday to Friday. Other vouchers expire 365 days after purchase.
• Date and time changes are possible up to 24 hours in advance on the Intensive, Flex and VIP vouchers. Cancellations 24 hours in advance are credited as a voucher for use on another course or on school merchandise. Rescheduling due to illness with less notice needs a doctor's note.