Key details
One lesson, two sports: the sea decides
The centre sells the same hour-and-a-half lesson for surf and SUP, at the same price, and chooses on the day according to the sea: with waves, surf; with a flat sea, paddleboarding. We think that's honest, because in El Médano many mornings don't have enough wave. In a group of three or more, €55 a session, €110 for two and €165 for three. Semi-private (two students), €70, €140 and €210. Private, €75, €150 and €225. All with instructor, board, wetsuit and insurance. If you already surf, the 3 h video coaching (€199 with your board, €249 with the centre's) films you and shows you what you're doing wrong, which is what fixes your paddling and pop-up fastest.
Rental: cheap, but only if you know what you're doing
Surfboard at €10 an hour, €25 a day and €90 a week; SUP board at €15 an hour, €40 a day and €140 a week; wetsuit separately, €25 a day or €55 a week. Booking between three days and three weeks ahead, 10% less. Anyone who can swim and picks an hour of calm sea, in the morning, can rent a SUP. A surfboard, on the other hand, only makes sense if you already pop up on your own: at €25 a day it's easy to rent, but without knowing how to read the wave and with El Médano's wind, you'll spend the hour paddling. If that's you, take the lesson instead.
When not to book surfing in El Médano
If you already surf and are coming for waves, don't book here: the spot has small, windy waves, designed for learning. Tell us your dates and we'll point you to the north of the island. Nor if you want to be sure it'll be surf and not SUP: the centre decides on the day according to the sea, and in El Médano a flat sea is common. And if you're travelling with small children, SUP in the bay in the morning is usually a better plan than a surf lesson. Where it does pay off: your first ever surf lesson, with instructor, board and wetsuit for €55; or an afternoon of paddleboarding in a sandy bay with Mount Teide in the background.
Included
- Instructor and insurance in lessons
- Board (surf or SUP) and wetsuit in lessons
- On-the-spot switch of sport depending on the sea
- Filming and analysis in video coaching
Not included
- Getting to El Médano
- Wetsuit with board rental (extra)
- Food and drinks
Cancellation & conditions
Up to 48 h before, you cancel at no cost. If the sea isn't right, the centre changes the lesson's day or sport (from surf to SUP) at no cost; if there's no room left in your trip, we review it case by case.
Naventia Trips as local curator
Naventia Trips acts as a local intermediary and experience curator. Activities are operated by selected professional providers. Final availability, schedules and conditions are confirmed before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Are there waves in El Médano to learn to surf?
Small and windy, which is exactly what a beginner wants: whitewater to get up without fear. For real waves, the north. And when there's not even whitewater, the lesson turns into SUP at the same price.
Will I stand up after one session?
In whitewater, almost everyone stands up within the first hour and a half. Catching an unbroken wave and turning takes the three sessions (€165 in a group), and even then it depends on the sea you get those days.
Surf or SUP with children?
SUP in the bay in the morning, with a calm sea: they have fun from minute one. Surfing in whitewater works with children who swim confidently and aren't scared of falling. The centre doesn't publish a minimum age; tell us the ages and we check.
What's the cheapest lesson to try it?
The group one, €55 for an hour and a half all-inclusive. It's the cheapest instructor-led water activity in our catalogue. If there are two of you and you want more attention, semi-private is €70 each.
Is video coaching worth it?
If you already stand up and have been stuck for a while, yes: seeing yourself on video fixes in 3 h what would take weeks of sessions. If you're still in whitewater, no; spend that €199 on three group lessons.
Do you charge the same as the centre?
Yes, Duotone's public price. Our job is telling you whether El Médano or the north suits you, surf or SUP, and fitting it into the rest of your trip.
What do I bring?
Swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. The wetsuit and board are provided by the centre for lessons; for rentals, the wetsuit is paid separately. Leave your phone on land.
Where is it?
On El Médano beach, in front of the centre, on the promenade. From the south airport, 10 minutes by car; from Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje, 20-25. It's the windiest beach in the south: bring something warm for afterwards.
How is the booking confirmed?
Naventia Trips checks availability, provider conditions and the traveller's level before confirming the experience.
Can you tell me what else to do on those days?
Yes, and it is what we get asked most. Tell us which days you have free and where you are staying, and we will say what pairs well with this excursion and what should not go on the same day.