About Us – Surf Coaching with a Personal Touch in Gran Canaria

At our surf school in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, we believe the best way to learn is through experienced, passionate instructors and personalized attention. That’s why we keep our group sizes small—one instructor for every five students—so you get the coaching you need to progress, stay safe, and have fun.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to level up, we tailor every course to your skill level and goals, making your surf experience in Gran Canaria truly unforgettable.

We also care deeply about the ocean we surf in. Our school follows eco-conscious practices, from reducing plastic use to respecting local marine life—because surfing and sustainability should go hand in hand.

Danny

Originally a surfer from West Wales, Danny has been living on the Canary Islands since 2004 and is the founder and director of Surf Canaries. Danny is qualified as a National Surf Coach with the Spanish Surf Federation and is a Level II coach with the British Surfing Association and International Surfing Association. Highly experienced in the process of teaching surfing, he will enthusiastically take you through your first moments of surfing, right up to perfecting your technique and new moves.

"Although our Surf School has its well studied "method" for teaching how to surf, this method also has to be flexible to accommodate each students individuality. Each person learns in a different way, this should be treated individually and with attention to detail, patience and above all with a sense of fun."

With years of experience, Danny is a tireless student of the science: "how people learn to surf" . Danny brings to the team different teaching techniques which fit specifically to each student.

Jordán

Jordán is one of the best qualified surf coaches from the Canary Islands with his wealth of experience in teaching spanning over 15 years. He became a waterman at a very early age and continued his career in this world.

Jordán has been our head instructor for many years now and will make sure that each participant receives top class instruction in safety.

He has an excellent way of analysing and explaining to every level of surfer how to improve their technique and really brings to the table his intimate knowledge of the ocean and local conditions.

Jordán also trains a local team of surfers to a high level and often competes himself in the Canarian Circuit.

Julien

Julien is originally from Madrid. With family near Hossegor in France, it was there where he fell in love with surfing when he caught his first wave. Since then he enjoys spreading that feeling to others.

Julien enjoys teaching and is always training to improve as a sports professional. What he likes most about teaching surfing is seeing how people get excited in the water and experience something that they will remember for a lifetime.

Carlos

Carlos is mainly working in the surf shop. Being super organised he is the perfect addition to all these crazy cats;)

He is making sure that everything in the surf shop is running smoothly and as sand free as possible...

Scarlett

Scarlett is manning the surf shop in the mornings and also an excellent junior instructor.

She was born in the UK but has been living on Gran Canaria since she was 2, Scarlett is friendly, calm and easy-going. She will be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding our surf courses and board rentals, and if you are lucky, she will be in the water with you as well!

Our Surf School on Gran Canaria

Located at the foot of the stunning Maspalomas sand dunes, Surf Canaries Surf School in Playa del Inglés is the ideal spot to learn to surf or take your skills to the next level—all year round. Thanks to Gran Canaria’s endless sunshine and consistent waves, we operate in perfect surf conditions almost every day of the year.

Founded in 2007, we quickly gained a reputation as one of the best surf schools in Gran Canaria, known for our high-quality coaching, personal attention, and a truly welcoming vibe. Our experienced instructors teach in small groups, adapting to each surfer's ability—whether you're a complete beginner or building on past experience.

Our local beach break at Playa del Inglés offers ideal waves for learning. If the conditions aren’t just right, we load up the Surf Canaries VW van and head to one of our carefully selected secret surf spots around the island—because the surf always goes on.

At Surf Canaries, you’re not just a number. We genuinely care about each student’s experience—in the water and beyond. Whether you join us for a one-day adventure or a week-long course, we’ll make sure your time surfing in Gran Canaria is fun, safe, and unforgettable.

And above all, we respect the island and its nature. From eco-conscious practices to our deep local knowledge, we’re here to share the beauty of Gran Canaria, its surf culture, and the magic of catching your first wave.

Proud Partner of O’Neill Wetsuits

Surf Canaries is proud to be an official partner of O’Neill Wetsuits, one of the world’s most iconic and innovative surf brands.

In 2021, O’Neill selected us as a standout surf school in Gran Canaria and reached out to collaborate. True to our spirit, the meeting was held not in an office—but out in the line-up. Waves were shared, smiles exchanged, and the partnership sealed in the Atlantic. We couldn’t imagine a better setting.

Founded in 1952, O’Neill created the world’s first wetsuit, helping surfers extend their sessions and push limits. Since then, they've led the way in performance surf gear—like the first stitch-less boardshorts and the surf leash.

But our connection goes deeper than gear. O’Neill’s commitment to ocean sustainability aligns perfectly with our philosophy. Through the O’Neill Blue initiative and the Sea Odyssey program, they support ocean conservation, responsible manufacturing, and youth education—values we deeply share at Surf Canaries.

Together, we ride waves, respect nature, and inspire the next generation of surfers to protect our oceans.

Surf Instructor Practical Training in Gran Canaria

Surf Canaries is an officially accredited surf school by the Canary Surfing Federation (FCS), authorized to provide practical training hours for future surf instructors.

We hold the Certificado de Tutor Federativo from the Spanish Surfing Federation (FES), giving us the legal authority to sign off your required internship or practicum hours as part of your surf instructor certification.

If you’ve completed your instructor course with:

the Canary Surfing Federation (FCS)
the Spanish Surfing Federation (FES)
or the International Surfing Association (ISA)

…we welcome your application to complete your surf instructor practicum with us here in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria.