Fuerteventura Surf Lessons: A 3-Day Beginner’s Breakdown

So, you’re thinking of giving surfing a shot in Fuerteventura, right? The Canary Islands, with their year-round sunshine and approachable waves, seem to shout “learn to surf here”. I spent three days doing exactly that with a beginner surf lesson package in Corralejo, and I thought, well, why not pass on what I learned?

First Impressions and the Corralejo Vibe

Arriving in Corralejo, I quickly got a sense it’s almost like a relaxed surf town. There’s that breezy feel to it, with surf shops dotted all over the place, and boards strapped to car roofs seemingly everywhere you look. The main beaches are golden and sandy, and that water looks so inviting, even to someone who hadn’t touched a surfboard before.

The surf school itself, well, it’s pretty easy to find, usually situated near the main street. My initial worries – like, you know, “Will I be the most hopeless person there?” – soon faded. Everyone was really in the same boat, pretty much a mix of ages and backgrounds, but all keen to stand up on that board, or at least try to! That instructor was super approachable too, with an easygoing attitude that put everyone at ease, more or less.

Day 1: Land Drills and Getting Wet

Day one started off with that crucial land lesson. Turns out, there’s slightly more to surfing than just leaping onto a board and hoping for the best! The instructor explained the pop-up technique, demonstrating the moves in a really clear way, and we practiced it on the beach a bunch of times. I’ll be honest, feeling like you are not coordinated doesn’t really help here!

Then, the time came to hit that water. Corralejo is quite good for beginners, or so I’m told, because that waves are typically pretty gentle. Wetsuits on, and a little wobbly, and we paddled out with the instructors keeping a close watch. Catching that first wave is something else, and although I didn’t exactly “shred,” standing up for a couple of seconds felt like a victory. Lots of face-planting too, obviously, that is almost to be expected.

Days 2 & 3: Progress and Paddling Power

Those next two days involved much more of the same, yet with the emphasis on fine-tuning the technique and trying to actually read the waves. I definitely got the hang of paddling more efficiently, which, trust me, is quite an arm workout! The instructors gave that helpful individual feedback, and pushing you when you felt a bit stuck.

That satisfaction of linking a few turns together, even on those smaller waves, well, that feels pretty special. And that view from the board when you are waiting for that next wave, seeing that coastline of Fuerteventura, it is really wonderful. It is almost easy to see why people get hooked on this surfing thing.

The Instructors: Patient and Knowledgeable

The instructors really make a huge difference to a surf lesson. Our instructors seemed genuinely passionate about surfing, but also very patient with total beginners. They were full of tips on technique, and spotting that potential danger in the water, and generally keeping everyone motivated. I also want to say that their local knowledge was invaluable, as it were, guiding us to the best spots depending on that conditions.

I also really liked that they stressed surf etiquette and ocean awareness, which, you know, felt important. Learning how to respect that waves and be mindful of other surfers, it’s all just a part of that surfing experience, clearly.

What to Expect from a Beginner Package

Those “3-day beginner package” deals typically include all equipment hire (board and wetsuit), instruction, and usually insurance. They often run for about three hours a day, which felt like a nice balance. Long enough to feel like you are making headway, yet not too exhausting that, you know, you give up on day one.

The surf schools usually provide transport to that best beach each day, depending on that wave conditions, that is a bonus. And those schedules are generally quite flexible, so, too it’s almost easy to reschedule if that weather isn’t cooperating.

Who is this for?

That 3-day surf lesson in Corralejo is spot on for people who’ve never surfed before or who have tried it just a bit. That beauty of it is that you don’t need to be particularly fit or coordinated (trust me on that one!). An open mind and a willingness to get wet are pretty much enough. It’s rather great for anyone who wants to have a go and see what it’s all about.

Families, friends, solo travellers, actually anyone can find a lot to enjoy from this. And that age range in our group was huge, from teenagers right up to, well, more mature adults. Don’t be put off thinking you are too old or not cool enough. Surf culture in places like Corralejo, really embraces everyone, so it does!

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

I found that 3 days was just enough to get me up and riding small waves, and, like, feeling the buzz of surfing. I’m certainly not ready to take on that professional circuit, but I did find a new appreciation for the sport, as a matter of fact.

Fuerteventura offers ideal learning conditions for beginners. The instructors were ace, the waves were gentle, so, too it’s almost a relaxed environment. If you are contemplating learning to surf, then I’d happily suggest giving this package a try. Just be ready for that addiction to kick in!

Key Takeaways

• Fuerteventura’s Corralejo offers very welcoming conditions for beginner surfers.
• That 3-day beginner packages offer a thorough introduction to surfing basics.
• Experienced and that patient instructors are fundamental to an enjoyable learning process.
• Be ready for that possibility of a brand-new hobby!