Kalufa Surf school in Caleta de Famara, Lanzarote

Imagine standing on a beach with your toes in the sand, a surfboard beneath your feet, and the Atlantic waves rolling in just waiting for you to catch them. For those seeking a genuine surfing experience in Lanzarote, Kalufa Surf School offers exactly that—professional, friendly, and tailored lessons right in the heart of one of Europe’s most scenic surf spots. With over 15 years of experience, this school has built its reputation on small groups, expert instructors, and flexible scheduling that adapts to the whims of the weather. All of this is available at $57 per person for roughly 2.5 hours of instruction—an accessible way to dip your toes into the sport or sharpen your skills.

What we find especially appealing about Kalufa is their dedicated ISA-certified instructors and the emphasis on a comprehensive land-based component. They don’t just throw you in the water and hope for the best; instead, they prepare you by teaching you how to read the ocean, understand wave dynamics, and recognize currents. This educational approach means you’ll not only learn faster but also gain a respectful understanding of the surf environment. Plus, the small group size—maximum 8 students per instructor—ensures personalized attention and a more fun, less crowded atmosphere.

A potential consideration? The meeting times are weather-dependent, which means you might need a flexible schedule and should contact them beforehand via WhatsApp to confirm availability. This can be a bit of a shuffle if you’re on a tight itinerary, but it’s a small trade-off for optimal surf conditions.

This experience is ideal for families, beginners, or anyone eager to learn from experienced guides in a relaxed yet professional setting. If you enjoy scenic beaches, personalized coaching, and a genuine connection to the ocean, you’ll find Kalufa a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Professional and Experienced Instructors: Over 15 years of teaching and ISA certification ensure quality guidance.
• Small Group Sizes: Max 8 students per instructor for personalized attention and better learning.
• Flexible Schedule: Contact via WhatsApp to confirm the best time based on weather conditions.
• All-Inclusive Package: Surfboard, wetsuit, and free material for the remainder of the day.
• Comprehensive Learning: Combines land-based instruction on wave reading with practical water time.
• Family Friendly & Suitable for Beginners: Not suitable for children under 8 or non-swimmers, but perfect for new surfers seeking a fun, safe environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Kalufa Surf Experience

When researching a surf school, it’s crucial to consider the quality of instruction, the atmosphere, and the overall value for your money. From what we gather, Kalufa Surf School checks all these boxes. Their $57 price point covers 2.5 hours, which includes both land and water components—a balanced approach that maximizes learning and fun without feeling rushed or sparse.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Meeting Point & Arrival:
Your adventure begins at Famara Beach’s parking lot, where you’ll spot their vibrant blue VW T4 or red VW T5 van. The school emphasizes confirmation of your reservation via WhatsApp before paying or starting the lesson, which helps align expectations and weather considerations.

Preparation & Warm-up:
Once gathered, the first phase involves welcoming and gearing up in wetsuits, along with a 30-minute land-based session. This part is where they teach the rules of surfing, how to read the ocean, identify wave peaks, and understand rip currents. As Sarah’s review notes, “Corrado does a great job! The theory before the lesson is intense, and during the lesson, you get useful tips.” This is crucial because understanding the ocean’s language makes a big difference—especially for beginners.

Water Practice:
After theoretical grounding, you’ll move into approximately 2 hours of practical surfing. The guides stay beside you, offering tips both on land and in the water, which accelerates your progress. Whether you’re catching your first wave or just honing your technique, you’ll appreciate the small group size, ensuring plenty of personal coaching. Participants like Danielle, whose son had “the best day,” emphasize how knowledgeable guides make a difference in building confidence and skills.

Optional Full Day:
For those eager for more, there’s a full-day option with a 30-minute break, an additional theory session, and another hour of surfing. This extended version offers more time to practice and refine skills, ideal for dedicated learners or those with a full day to spare.

The Quality of Instruction

We love the fact that instruction is systematic and progressive, aligned with the International Surfing Association (ISA) program. It’s not just about riding waves but understanding the ocean environment, which leads to safer and more rewarding surfing. The passionate coaches, as one review highlights, “are always beside you, providing tips inside and outside the water,” which makes a noticeable difference in learning speed and comfort in the water.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need

For $57, the package includes a surfboard, wetsuit, and free access to equipment after the lesson for the rest of the day—an excellent value considering the personalized instruction and gear. Remember to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Children under 10 need to be accompanied by an adult, and non-swimmers should be aware that this activity isn’t suitable for them—this keeps safety a priority.

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Group Size & Atmosphere

The maximum of 8 students per instructor means you’re not lost in a crowd. From the reviews, we see that families, children, and even groups of friends find the environment approachable. Danielle’s comment that her 10-year-old “had the best day” suggests it’s a family-friendly option that balances safety, fun, and learning.

Flexibility & Weather Dependence

Since timing depends heavily on weather conditions, it’s wise to plan some flexibility. Contactting the school beforehand via WhatsApp helps ensure your session fits into your itinerary. This might mean some waiting or shifts but is worth it for ideal surfing conditions.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re a first-time surfer, you’ll appreciate the systematic approach and small group setting that encourages rapid learning and confidence. Families with kids over 8 will find it a fun and safe activity, especially with the positive reviews from other families. Experienced surfers might enjoy the chance to fine-tune their skills or simply enjoy the stunning scenery while practicing with expert guides. Those who value authentic local instruction and a relaxed environment will find this experience suits their travel style perfectly.

Final Thoughts: The Value of Kalufa Surf School

For $57, you get more than just a few hours in the water. You receive professional coaching, comprehensive ocean education, and gear that’s included—an excellent deal considering the quality of instruction and personalized attention. The combination of small groups, experienced instructors, and the beautiful Famara Beach setting makes it stand out from more generic surf lessons.

Travelers who want to learn fast, surf safely, and enjoy a genuine local experience will find Kalufa delivers on all fronts. It’s especially well-suited for those eager to understand the ocean, improve their technique, or simply have fun in a friendly, supportive environment.

FAQ

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to join the surf lesson?
Non-swimmers are not suitable for this activity. You should be comfortable in the water to participate safely and enjoy the experience.

How do I confirm my booking?
You need to send a WhatsApp message to the provided number to check availability and confirm your meeting time before paying or starting the lesson.

What should I bring for the lesson?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The school provides wetsuits and surfboards, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.

Can children participate?
Children under 8 years old are not suitable for this activity. Kids over 8 can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

What if the weather conditions aren’t good on my chosen day?
Since the timings depend on weather conditions, your lesson might be rescheduled or postponed. Confirm with the school via WhatsApp before your planned session.

Is there a full-day option?
Yes, for those wanting more, the full-day lesson includes an extra theory session and an additional hour of surfing, with a break in between.

To sum it up, Kalufa Surf School offers a balanced, authentic, and expert-led surf experience in Famara Beach—perfect for beginners, families, and anyone craving a safe, educational introduction to surfing. With friendly instructors, beautiful scenery, and flexible scheduling, it’s a wise choice for travelers eager to connect with Lanzarote’s surf culture without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here: