Surf and Bodyboard

Tenerife has gone from being the Atlantic’s best-kept secret to becoming one of Europe’s key surfing destinations. Thanks to its volcanic origins and privileged location, the island offers 365 days of waves, consistently spring-like weather, and an infrastructure that combines local charm with top-of-the-line services for surfers.

If you’re planning your next surf trip, here’s a strategic breakdown of the best spots, divided by zones and levels.

🧭 North vs. South: Two Worlds, One Island

Tenerife has a dual personality.While the North is wild, powerful and technical (ideal for bodyboarders and experienced surfers), the South stands out for its consistency, favorable winds and an unbeatable leisure offer.

Comparison of Zones

🏄 The Best Spots for Surfing and Bodyboarding

1. El Socorro (Los Realejos) – The Cradle of the North

It is the quintessential black sand beach.With a blue flag and a very active local community, El Socorro is famous for its consistency.

• Ideal for: Surfers of all levels (with caution due to currents) and bodyboarding enthusiasts thanks to its fast ramps.
• Pro Tip: The parking lot usually fills up before 10:00 AM. If you’re a digital nomad, the beach has free Wi-Fi zones so you can work remotely between sessions.

2. The Left Side of Las Palmeras (Playa de las Américas)

Located in the heart of the southern tourist area, this wave is a world-class gem.It’s a long, maneuverable left that breaks over a volcanic reef.

• Event: Don’t miss the Las Américas Pro at the end of the year, an event that attracts the European professional circuit.
• For Bodyboarding: Its fast final section is perfect for practicing aerial maneuvers.

3. Igueste de San Andrés (Santa Cruz)

One of the longest and most fun left-hand breaks in the Canary Islands. Located near the capital, it offers several sections that allow for endless rides.

• Conditions: It needs a well-defined North/Northeast swell to function at its best.

4. El Médano (El Cabezo and La Machacona)

Although El Médano is the kingdom of the wind (Windsurf and Kitesurf), the La Machacona area is a sanctuary for bodyboarders .It offers powerful, hollow waves that require nerves of steel.

• Level: Experts only. The rocky bottom is very close at low tide.

🎯 Lead Generation Strategy for Your Journey: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking to improve your level this year, local schools have reached an incredible level of professionalism.

1. Surf Coaching with Video Analysis: Just getting in the water is no longer enough. Surf schools in Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz are using drones and biometric analysis to correct your posture in real time.
2. Sustainability: Look for centers with Eco-Friendly certification . The surfing community of Tenerife is leading the protection of “Wave Sanctuaries” against mass development.
3. Calendar of Events: Various events are held each year, such as:
   • Punta Blanca Pro (Guía de Isora), usually between February and April or May. A high-level event that awards points towards the national league (1000 points).
   • ETL Puerto de la Cruz (longboard). Qualifying event for the National and International Longboard Circuit.
   • Spring Surfest Las Américas Pro (Arona). Traditionally held at the end of the year (November-December), it is one of the most high-profile surfing events and is part of the European Tour of Surfing .
   • Tenerife Punta Blanca Young Series (Guía de Isora). A key competition for young surfing and bodyboarding talents (Under-21) on one of the island’s most powerful waves.
   • ETB El Socorro Classic (Los Realejos). It is usually held between September and October. It is one of the classic bodyboarding events in the north of the island, within the European Tour of Bodyboarding .
   • Punta Blanca Masters / Young Series . Special events that close the year for veteran categories and young promises.
   • Canarias Surf Film Festival (itinerant). Film festival celebrating ocean culture and surfing.

List of Surf Schools

The Santa Cruz – La Laguna Axis

Fitenia Surf Shop & School

If you’re looking for authority and legacy , Fitenia is the absolute benchmark. With over 40 years of history, they’ve evolved from being a go-to shop to a complete ecosystem for surfers.

• Specialty: High-performance surfing, technical training and advice on Pro equipment.
• The “Plus” (Marketing Vision): Their differentiating value is expertise . They don’t just sell you a lesson; they integrate you into the Canary Islands surfing community. Their instructors know every rock on the island, guaranteeing safety and learning based on a real understanding of the ocean.
• Location: They have their bases of operations (stores) in Santa Cruz and La Laguna, but their school moves towards the best “peaks” in the north, mainly in the Anaga area (Almáciga and Benijo) or El Socorro , depending on the conditions.

Tenerife South: The Learning and Progression Hub

The south is ideal for those seeking consistency and a fast learning curve thanks to its flat reef bottoms and stable climate.

• Tenerife Surf Point (Playa de las Américas):
  • Specialty: Surfing (all levels).
  • The “Plus”: Highly structured methodology. They are experts at getting a complete beginner up and running in their first session. Strategic location near the best waves in Arona.
• Surf Life Tenerife (Playa de las Américas):
  • Specialty: Surfing and functional training.
  • The “Plus”: They are very focused on customer experience . They offer small groups and a very cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Sognicanarias (El Médano):
  • Specialty: Surfing, Windsurfing and Bodyboarding.
  • The “Plus”: Being located in El Médano, they specialize in stronger wind and wave conditions. They are one of the few companies that actively promotes specific bodyboarding courses in the area.

Tenerife North: Authenticity and Technological Advancement

The north is where the “oldies” and those looking for waves with more “punch” meet. Here, the surf schools are usually mobile to adapt to the tides.

• AtlantikSurf (Puerto de la Cruz / Los Realejos):
  • Specialty: Surfing and Bodyboarding (Mobile School).
  • The “Plus”: Their business model is brilliant: they travel around looking for the best wave of the day between El Socorro and other coves in the north. They offer specific bodyboarding courses, essential if you want to learn how to use fins and an arm leash correctly.
• Mahalo Surf School (North and South):
  • Specialty: Technical coaching.
  • The “Plus”: They have locations on both sides of the island, giving them a 360º view. They use video analysis in almost all their intermediate courses, a fantastic marketing and learning tool for seeing your mistakes on a big screen after the session.
• La Caleta Surf School (Near Garachico):
  • Specialty: Basic surfing.
  • The “Plus”: Ideal for those who want to escape the crowded areas and seek a more familiar and local experience.

More information

Canary Islands Surfing Federation: https://fcsurf.es/

Are you a free spirit or looking to perfect your technique? Tenerife has a wave with your name on it waiting. See you at the peak!