About Us – Surf Coaching with a Personal Touch in Gran Canaria
At Surf Canaries, we run things the way we believe a surf school should be run — with care, attention to detail, and time for each person. We’re a family-run surf school, and that shows in how we teach and how we look after people from the moment they arrive.
Surf Canaries grew from years in the water — not just surfing, but understanding how people learn; we’ve spent years refining how to teach it properly. What started small has grown naturally, but we’ve kept the same idea from day one: keep it personal, keep it honest, and do things properly.
We keep our groups small — maximum five surfers per instructor — so sessions stay focused and personal and don’t turn into crowd control. It means we can actually watch what’s going on: your timing, your position, what you do in the water. Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’re looking to improve, we adapt the sessions to your level, the conditions, and how you progress. No rushing, no pressure — we offer solid coaching, good energy, and a relaxed atmosphere in the water.
We’re on the beaches most days, so we look after them — keeping plastic to a minimum, organising beach cleans, and supporting local reforestation efforts.
We are based right on the beach — the perfect spot to learn or improve your surfing, almost every day of the year.
If conditions change, we go mobile. Our surf van takes you to the best waves for learning on the island that day. You focus on surfing — we handle the rest.
Whether you join us for one day or a full course, our aim is the same: safe, enjoyable surfing and a good experience throughout your time with us.
We’re not trying to run the biggest surf school — just one that gives people the best surf experience possible.
Danny
Danny is originally from the UK and has been living in the Canary Islands since 2004. As the founder and director of Surf Canaries, he has spent decades teaching surfers of all levels and helping shape the school's coaching philosophy and standards.
His focus has always been on creating a safe, supportive environment where every surfer can learn at their own pace. Whether working with complete beginners or more experienced surfers, he believes that great coaching combines clear structure, individual attention, and plenty of enjoyment along the way.
Jordán
Jordán is one of the most experienced surf coaches in the Canary Islands, with close to 20 years of teaching experience. A lifelong waterman, he has built his career around surfing, ocean knowledge, and athlete development.
As Surf Canaries' Head Instructor for many years, Jordán has played a key role in developing the coaching standards and training methods used throughout the school.
Known for his technical expertise and sharp eye for detail, he has a talent for breaking down complex movements into simple, practical steps that help surfers progress faster and surf more efficiently.
Marta
Originally from Italy, Marta discovered surfing a few years ago and quickly turned her passion into a profession. Since then, she has coached in Tenerife and Portugal, gaining valuable experience with surfers of all ages and abilities.
Passionate about helping surfers improve, Marta combines strong technical knowledge with a focused coaching style. Her attention to detail and commitment to progression help students develop solid foundations and take their surfing to the next level. She’s also well known in the online surf community.
Francesca
Originally from Italy, Fra speaks fluent Italian, Spanish, and English. She began coaching in the powerful waves of Western Ireland before bringing her experience to the Canary Islands.
Friendly, approachable, and always smiling, Fra has a natural ability to make surfers feel comfortable in the water. Her positive energy, patience, and encouragement help students build confidence, enjoy the learning process, and get the most out of every session.
Scarlett
Scarlett splits her time between rocking the surf shop and teaching surf classes.
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, supporting both the team and our students with movement, recovery, and injury prevention. Having grown up through the Surf Canaries Surf Club, she has been part of the school for many years and knows our approach inside out.
With her background in physiotherapy and her passion for surfing, Candela brings a unique perspective to coaching. She understands how the body moves in the water and helps surfers improve technique, mobility, and confidence while reducing the risk of injury.
Friendly, energetic, and great with kids, she creates a positive atmosphere in every session and is always ready with a game, a smile, or a helping hand.
Annika
Annika co-founded Surf Canaries with Danny and has been a key part of the school's growth from the very beginning. While you may not always see her on the beach, she's often the first person you'll speak to when contacting us.
She manages bookings, client communication, and the day-to-day organisation that keeps everything running smoothly. She also brings her creative side to the business through our website, graphics, and branding.
With years of experience both on and off the beach, Annika understands what makes a great customer experience. Her attention to detail, organisation, and personal approach help ensure every guest feels welcome and well looked after from first contact to final session.
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:
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the Canary Surfing Federation (FCS)
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the Spanish Surfing Federation (FES)
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or the International Surfing Association (ISA)
…we welcome your application to complete your surf instructor practicum with us here in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria.
Collaboration with DUAL Education
