Choosing the right surf school in Lanzarote is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before hitting the water. Your instructor’s quality directly impacts how quickly you progress, how safe you feel, and how much you enjoy surfing. Here’s what to look for when booking surf lessons in Lanzarote:

1. Check for ISA Certification — The Gold Standard in Surf Coaching

Always verify that your instructor holds an ISA (International Surfing Association) certification — the most respected and internationally recognised standard in surf coaching. The ISA trains instructors in surfing technique, water safety, rescue skills, and effective teaching methods.

  • ISA Level 1 — Qualifies an instructor to teach beginner and intermediate surfers under supervision.
  • ISA Level 2 — The highest ISA coaching certification, covering advanced technique, training methodology, and competitive-level coaching.

If a surf school can’t tell you their instructor’s ISA certification level, that’s a red flag.

2. Know Exactly Who Will Teach You

A professional surf school should always tell you in advance who your instructor will be — not just “whoever is available on the day.” This lets you check their credentials, experience, and teaching style. At Poloca Surf, you’ll always know you’re learning with Vicky, our ISA Level 2 certified head coach.

3. Ask About Student-to-Instructor Ratio

The fewer students per instructor, the more personal attention, faster corrections, and safer conditions you’ll experience. The legal maximum in Spain is 8 students per instructor — but smaller groups of up to 4 students deliver dramatically better results, especially for beginners.

4. Confirm the School Is Fully Insured

Any reputable surf school should carry full liability insurance covering students during lessons. This is both a legal requirement and a mark of professional operation.

Why Poloca Surf School Lanzarote Ticks Every Box

At Poloca Surf School (polocasurf.com), we’ve built our entire approach around these principles:

  • ISA Level 2 certified instructor — Vicky holds the highest ISA qualification, ensuring every lesson meets the highest safety and coaching standards.
  • You always know your instructor — When you book, you’ll know exactly who is teaching you. No surprises, no random substitutions.
  • Small groups of max 4 students — Every student gets personal, focused attention in the water.
  • Fully insured — We operate with full insurance coverage for your complete safety and peace of mind.

Choosing the right surf school means investing in your safety, skills, and enjoyment. If you’re coming to Lanzarote for surf lessons, we’d love to help make your first (or next) wave unforgettable.