A New Surfing Adventure in Tenerife

The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon as my wife and I made our way to Playa de las Américas, a place often referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe.” Having spent years chasing waves across Central America, I was eager to see how the surf here compared. My wife, on the other hand, was a complete newbie to surfing, and we were both excited to experience this together.

We were greeted by Kristine, our host for the day, who immediately made us feel at ease. Her warm smile and easy-going nature were a perfect match for the laid-back vibe of the island. She explained the process of our private lesson, and I was impressed by the systematic approach they had in place for beginners. It was clear that they had a passion for teaching and sharing the joy of surfing.

The equipment provided was top-notch, including wetsuits, shoes, and surfboards. The shoes were particularly important here, as the coral-laden waters of Tenerife were unlike the sandy beaches of Bali, where I had previously surfed. Kristine even offered us her own sunscreen when I realized I had forgotten mine, a gesture that spoke volumes about their non-commercial, customer-focused approach.

Riding the Unpredictable Waves

As we hit the water, the conditions were rougher than expected. The waves were unpredictable, a stark contrast to the more consistent breaks I was used to in places like Costa Rica and Nicaragua. But with Kristine and our instructor Vlad by our side, we felt confident and safe.

The lesson began with a thorough warm-up and stretching session, something I always emphasize in my articles as crucial for any surfing adventure. The instructors were attentive, ensuring that we were comfortable and ready to tackle the waves. My wife was a bit nervous, but Kristine’s encouragement and Vlad’s expert guidance helped her find her footing.

Despite the challenging conditions, we managed to catch a few waves. The thrill of standing up on the board, even for a few seconds, was exhilarating. It reminded me of my early days of surfing, the pure joy and adrenaline rush that comes with riding a wave. My wife was hooked, and I could see the spark of a new passion igniting in her eyes.

Reflecting and Learning

After our session, Vlad took the time to go through the photos he had taken during our lesson. This post-surf analysis was invaluable, offering insights into our form and technique. He provided personalized feedback and even gave us “homework” to work on before our next session.

The experience was more than just a surfing lesson; it was a journey of discovery and connection. The team at Tenerife Surf School made us feel like part of their surfing family, and their dedication to teaching was evident in every aspect of the lesson.

As we left the beach, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my wife. It was a reminder of why we live this nomadic lifestyle, chasing waves and writing about the carefree life of surfers. Tenerife had left its mark on us, and I knew we’d be back for more adventures in the “Hawaii of Europe.”