How long does it take to learn to surf? The honest truth (and how to speed it up)

Indice

If you’re reading this, that question is probably on your mind. It’s undoubtedly the first question asked by everyone who arrives on our shores with sparkling eyes, dreaming of riding a wave. And the most honest answer we can give you is… it depends.

But that’s not what you wanted to hear, is it?

Let’s be clear from the start: surfing is magical, addictive, and life-changing. But it’s also one of the most difficult and frustrating sports to learn. Don’t be fooled by Instagram videos. You’re not going to be doing radical turns in a week.

The good news is that, although it takes years to master, the feeling of “learning” — that first magical moment when you stand up and the wave carries you — can come much sooner than you think.

As experts with years of experience teaching surfing here in the Canary Islands, we’re going to break down the harsh (and wonderful) reality of the surfing learning curve. We’ll manage your expectations, give you a realistic timeline, and tell you the secrets to speeding up the process.

Ready for the truth? Let’s hit the water.

The quick (and honest) answer to how long it takes to learn to surf

If we had to give you a number, here it is:

Most beginners, with decent physical condition and a good instructor, can start to consistently stand up in the foam (already broken waves) in about 3 to 5 guided sessions. Each session usually lasts about 2 hours.

That’s it.

Surf lessons in Tenerife

Are you looking for surfing lessons in Tenerife for beginners? At Kaizen Surf, your surf school in Tenerife South, we help you take your first steps.

Most beginners, with decent physical fitness and a good instructor, can start standing up on the “whitewash” (already broken waves) consistently within about 3 to 5 guided sessions. Each session usually lasts about 2 hours.

That’s the basics. Standing up.

However, if by “learning to surf” you mean being an independent surfer (paddling out on your own, choosing a wave, catching it before it breaks, and gliding along the “wall” or “green wave”), we’re talking about a different league. To reach that intermediate level, you’ll need several weeks or, more realistically, 6 months to 1 year of very consistent practice (surfing several times a week).

What Does “Learning to Surf” Actually Mean? Defining the Progression

The problem with the initial question is that “learning to surf” is subjective. For some, it’s standing up once. For others, it’s surfing like Kelly Slater. To be practical, let’s break it down into the three real stages every surfer experiences.

Level 1: Absolute Beginner (Your first 3-5 sessions)

This is the “whitewash” phase. The goal here isn’t to look professional; it’s simply to feel the glide.

What you’ll learn: Ocean safety, how to lie on the board (positioning), how to paddle a little, and most importantly, the “Take Off” or “Pop Up” (the movement to stand up).
The reality: You will spend 90% of the time falling. You’ll swallow half the ocean. Your shoulders will burn from paddling. But then, it will happen. It will “click,” you’ll stand up for 3 seconds, and it will all have been worth it.
The goal: The goal here is clear: stand up. Most surf lessons in tenerife for beginners focus 100% on this: giving you the refined technique on the sand so that, once in the water, you can feel that first ride on the whitewash.

Level 2: Intermediate Level (The first 6 months – 1 year)

This is where surfing truly begins. And honestly, it’s where 90% of people give up.

What you’ll learn: You leave the whitewash and go “out the back” (to the lineup where waves break). Here you learn the hardest part: wave reading (knowing which one to catch), timing (when to start paddling), effective paddling (to match the wave’s speed), and the priority rules (to avoid collisions and respect others).
The reality: It’s one step back to take two steps forward. You will feel like a total beginner all over again. You’ll paddle for 50 waves and catch two. You’ll see others glide by effortlessly while you look like a drowning dog. The frustration is INTENSE.
The goal: Consistency. The goal is to catch “green waves” (the unbroken wall of the wave) and be able to ride diagonally, following the wave’s direction (doing a basic bottom turn). When you achieve this, there’s no turning back: you are a surfer.

Level 3: Advanced Level (1-3+ years)

Once you’re comfortably catching green waves, the real fun begins.

What you’ll learn: To “dance” with the wave. You’ll stop just “riding down” it and start generating your own speed (pumping), doing turns (like the cutback to get back to the power source), and, eventually, more radical maneuvers.
The reality: Progress slows down, but every small improvement (a slightly more vertical turn, a simple floater) is a huge victory.
The goal: Fluidity, style, and control.

Key Factors That Influence Your Learning Speed

Why did your friend stand up on the first day while you feel like a drunk seal? We’re not all the same. These factors dictate your speed.

Your Physical Fitness (The Engine of Surfing)

Let’s be brutally honest: surfing is 90% paddling and 10% riding the wave. If you’re not in good shape, you’ll be exhausted in 20 minutes and won’t be able to practice.

Knowing how to swim: This is non-negotiable. You don’t have to be Michael Phelps, but you need to be 100% comfortable in the ocean with waves moving you.
Upper body strength: Your shoulders, back, and chest are your engine.
Balance: If you’ve ever skateboarded, snowboarded, done yoga, or used a slackline, you have a HUGE advantage.
Stamina: You will be in constant motion.

Consistency: The Mother of All Skills

This is, perhaps, the most important factor. Surfing can’t be learned on one vacation.

Someone who surfs twice a week for a year will progress infinitely more than someone who takes a 15-day course every summer. Surfing requires muscle memory. If you wait too long between sessions, your body “forgets,” and you have to relearn the basics.

The Quality of Instruction (The Shortcut)

Can you learn on your own? Yes. Is it a good idea? Emphatically, no.

Learning alone is slow, dangerous, and, above all, guarantees you’ll pick up bad habits (like using your knee to stand up) that will take MONTHS to correct. A qualified instructor gives you the correct technique from minute one. Trust us, you will learn 10 times faster in 5 days with a good surf school tenerife than in 5 months on your own.

The Quality of the Waves (The Playground)

Not all waves are created equal. Trying to learn in a spot with powerful, fast waves that break over rocks (like many in northern Spain during winter) is insane.

You need beginner waves: long, gentle, breaking over sand (a beach break), and consistent. Places like Tenerife or Fuerteventura are famous for this, as they offer mellow conditions almost all year round.

Your Attitude and Patience (The Glue)

You are going to fail. A lot. You’ll paddle for a wave and miss it. You’ll stand up and immediately fall. You will swallow water.

The best surfer isn’t the one who surfs the best; it’s the one who paddles back out the most motivated after the worst wipeout. Patience, humility, and the ability to laugh at yourself are essential.

Expert Tips to Learn Surfing Faster

Alright, you know it’s hard. Now, how do we speed it up?

Take Lessons (Seriously, It’s the Best Investment)
We’ve already said it, but we’ll say it again. It’s the fastest, safest, and most efficient way to start. It will save you months of frustration.
Improve Your “Surf Fitness” Out of the Water
Don’t live near the beach? No problem. Go to the pool and swim freestyle (crawl). Do push-ups (for the pop-up) and burpees. Practice yoga or use a balance board (Indo Board) to improve your balance.
Choose the Right Equipment (BIG)
The number 1 beginner mistake is wanting a small, “cool” board too soon. It’s sporting suicide. You need a big, thick board with lots of volume (a “foamie” or a minimalibu). It will float more, be more stable, and you’ll catch waves much more easily.
Be a “Surf Nerd”: Study and Visualize
Watch surf videos, but not just the pros. Watch technique tutorials. Understand the theory: how waves are formed, how to read a forecast, what the priority rules are in the lineup.
Total Immersion: A Surfcamp
If you have a week of vacation, there’s no better way to progress than total immersion. There is nothing like a SURF CAMP IN TENERIFE to live and breathe surfing 24/7. You eat, sleep, and surf. The progress you can make in a week like this is brutal, because you immediately apply what you learned the day before, creating that vital muscle memory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) We All Ask

We’ve compiled the most common questions we get, so you’re not left with any doubts.

How hard is it to learn to surf?

It’s very difficult. It’s considered one of the most complicated sports in the world for a reason: your “playing field” (the ocean) is alive and constantly moving. Not only do you have to master your body and your board, but you have to do it at the exact moment the wave decides, while the water is moving you. It demands fitness, technique, patience, and ocean knowledge, all at the same time.

How many lessons does it take to learn to surf?

As we said, with 3 to 5 lessons, most people can stand up in the whitewash. But lessons don’t make you a surfer. Hours in the water do. A good 5-lesson package gives you the perfect technical foundation. From there, it’s all about practice, practice, practice.

Is 25 (or 30, or 40, or 50) too late to learn to surf?

Absolutely NOT! It’s a myth. Age is not a barrier; physical fitness and attitude are. Obviously, a 10-year-old kid who is super flexible will progress faster. If you start at 40, it might take a bit longer, your body will be less flexible, and the falls will hurt more. So what? The feeling of gliding on a wave is just as magical at 15 as it is at 45. You just need to be realistic about your goals and take care of your body.

What is a good amount of time for surfing? (Is 7 days enough?)

If you have 7 days (like the Reddit user you mentioned), it’s a perfect amount of time to get hooked. In 7 days of daily lessons, you will almost certainly stand up, feel the glide, and understand the basics. You won’t leave as an intermediate surfer, but you’ll leave with “the bug” (the addiction) and knowing exactly what you need to do to keep progressing.

How much does it cost to learn to surf?

The cost varies a lot depending on where you are, but to give you an idea:

A single lesson (2h): Usually costs between €30 and €60, with all equipment included.
Lesson package (e.g., 5 lessons): It’s more economical, perhaps between €120 and €200.
A Surfcamp (e.g., 1 week): Can range from €300 to €700, depending on whether it includes accommodation, meals, yoga, etc.
Buying your own gear (beginner): A new foam board (soft-top) can cost €200-€350. A wetsuit, between €100 and €250. You can find real bargains secondhand.

Conclusion: Surfing is Not a Destination, It’s a Journey

So, how long does it take to learn to surf? The real answer is: a lifetime.

And that’s the beautiful part.

You never stop learning. There’s always a new wave, a different feeling, a maneuver to polish. Surfing isn’t a sport you “finish” or “master.” It’s a constant practice, an excuse to be in the ocean, and a lesson in humility every time you paddle out.

Don’t obsess over the timeframe. Don’t compare yourself to the person next to you. Focus on enjoying the process: the frustration, the falls, the sore shoulders, and, of course, that first magical wave that will change your perspective forever.

See you in the water!