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

At Surf Canaries, we’ve always believed the best learning happens when it’s personal, calm, and fun. That’s why we keep our groups small — no more than five students per instructor — so you get real coaching, not just crowd control.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to level up, we adapt every course to your skill level and goals. No pressure. Just progress, laughs, and good energy in the water.

And because we surf these beaches every day, we look after them. Our school follows eco-conscious practices, from reducing plastic use to respecting local marine life—because surfing and sustainability should go hand in hand.

This isn’t a touristy lesson. It’s your surf experience — grounded, safe, and made to stick with you long after the wave.

Danny

Originally from West Wales, Danny has been living in the Canary Islands since 2004. He’s the founder and director of Surf Canaries and one of the first licensed surf instructors by the Spanish Surf Federation. He also holds Level II coaching qualifications from both the British Surfing Association and the International Surfing Association.

Danny has spent years in the water and even more time studying how people learn to surf. He brings that experience and curiosity into every lesson — from guiding absolute beginners through their first waves to helping more advanced surfers fine-tune technique and push to the next level.

“Our surf school has a clear, proven method — but that method always stays flexible. Everyone learns differently, and good coaching means spotting that, adapting, and making the process personal. Detail, patience, and fun — that’s the key.”

Danny remains a dedicated student of the craft and constantly develops new ways to help people connect with surfing in a way that works for them.

Jordán

Jordán is one of the most experienced and highly qualified surf coaches in the Canary Islands, with over 15 years of teaching behind him. A true waterman from a young age, he’s built his life and career around the ocean.

As our head instructor for many years, Jordán ensures that every student gets top-level coaching with safety as the first priority. His ability to break down technique and explain it clearly — whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer — makes him a standout coach.

With deep knowledge of local conditions and a natural feel for the ocean, Jordán also trains a competitive local surf team and regularly competes in the Canarian Circuit himself.

Julien

Julien is originally from Madrid, but with family near Hossegor, France — one of Europe’s surfing hotspots — he discovered surfing a bit later in life when he caught his first wave there. From that moment, his passion for the ocean and the sport grew steadily.

He loves sharing that feeling with others and helping people connect with surfing in a way that truly sticks. Julien is always training and pushing himself to improve as a sports professional, bringing fresh energy and knowledge to every lesson.

What Julien enjoys most about teaching is seeing the change happen — watching nervous beginners catch their first wave or more experienced surfers land new moves. For him, those moments aren’t just lessons; they’re memories that last a lifetime.

Carlos

Carlos is originally from Agüimes and mainly works in the surf shop. Super organized and reliable, he’s the perfect addition to our crew of crazy cats ;)

Besides keeping everything in the shop running smoothly and as sand-free as possible, Carlos handles any technical issues that pop up behind the scenes.

You’ll also find him supporting the team on the beach, helping out wherever he’s needed to make sure the whole operation runs without a hitch.

Scarlett

Scarlett splits her time between rocking the surf shop and teaching surf classes. She just got her instructor license and is already killing it out in the water.

Born in the UK but raised on Gran Canaria since she was two, Scarlett’s calm, friendly vibe makes her a breeze to hang out with. She’s especially amazing with kids—patient, humble, and fun—turning every lesson into a good time for surfers of all ages.

When she’s not surfing or working or studying, she’s into Taekwondo—a hobby that keeps her sharp and focused.

Whether in the shop or on the waves, Scarlett brings great energy and is happy to help with any questions.

Candela

Candela is our sports specialist and physiotherapist, offering her expert care to both the team and our students. She’s been surfing with us since she was a kid, growing up through the ranks of the Surf Canaries Surf Club.

Great with kids, Candela keeps lessons fun with plenty of games and good vibes. She knows the local beaches inside out and understands the situations that can come up out there, making her a real asset both in and out of the water.

Annika

Annika co-founded Surf Canaries with Danny and plays a central role in running the school. She handles organization, bookings, email contact, and also puts her creative skills to work designing our graphics, website, and more.

With years of experience both on and off the beach, Annika knows the local conditions inside out. She’s a key part of what keeps Surf Canaries running smoothly, looking sharp, and moving forward.

Our Surf School on Gran Canaria

We're a family-run surf school based right on the beach — the perfect spot to learn or level up your surf, almost every day of the year.

If conditions change, we go mobile. Our surf van takes you to the best waves on the island that day. You focus on surfing — we handle the rest.

FIRST TIME? NO PROBLEM. SURFED BEFORE? LET´S GO DEEPER.

Surfing can be intimidating — especially if you’ve tried before and it didn’t quite click. That’s why we keep things small (max 5 students per coach), relaxed, and personal.

Total beginners feel safe. Improvers get real progress with wave reading, timing, and feedback that actually helps.

NO HYPE. JUST GOOD COACHING

We’ve been teaching since 2007 and still keep it simple: no tourist traps, no egos — just real instructors who care.

Lessons in English, Spanish, and French mean clear guidance from the start.

SURFING WITH RESPECT

We surf responsibly — reducing plastic, respecting nature, and sharing what we love about the ocean.

Whether it’s a one-day splash or a full course, we’ll make sure it’s fun, safe, and worth remembering.

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: