Why Is Surfing One of the Best Sports for All Ages?

Surfing is a complete and demanding sport, but also profoundly transformative. At Oceanside Surf School, located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, we experience it as a tool for physical, mental, emotional, and social development — accessible to all ages and levels. Surfing is not just something you practise; it’s something you live.

1. A Complete Physical Workout

Surfing improves various physical abilities, including:

• Cardiovascular endurance: developed through paddling and continuous movement.
• Functional strength: with a special focus on the core, back, and legs.
• Mobility and agility: essential for take-offs, turns, and adapting to the wave.
• Coordination and balance: naturally trained during every session.

It’s also a sport that adapts to each person’s individual progression — from beginner sessions with softboards on gentle waves to high-performance shortboards in powerful surf.

If you want to learn more about physical preparation for surfing, check out our dedicated post.

2. Mental and Emotional Wellbeing in Every Session

• Stress reduction: direct contact with the ocean has a calming effect and helps regulate the nervous system.
• Natural mindfulness: surfing forces you to be fully present, focused on the here and now.
• Self-esteem and confidence: each wave you conquer is a personal achievement.
• Managing frustration and patience: essential life skills for both young people and adults.

3. A Community and Learning Environment

Surf brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. In our lessons, we create:

• A supportive and friendly atmosphere.
• Teamwork: taking turns, sharing knowledge, learning from others.
• The promotion of positive values such as humility, empathy and perseverance.

4. Environmental Awareness and Respect for Nature

Surfing is one of the sports most connected to the natural world. At Oceanside:

• We promote environmental education from the very first lesson.
• We encourage sustainable habits (avoiding litter, caring for equipment, protecting marine biodiversity).
• We organise beach clean-ups and participate in local conservation initiatives.

5. Spain and the Canary Islands: A Privileged Surfing Destination

Our country offers one of the best combinations of:

• Mild climate all year round
• Variety of surf spots for every level
• An active and growing community
• Specialised schools and infrastructure

The Canary Islands, in particular, are internationally renowned for their wave quality, accessibility, and natural beauty. Playa de Las Canteras, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, provides optimal teaching conditions throughout the year.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 6 or 60 years old, whether it’s your first wave or you already compete: surfing offers a path to improve your health, connect with nature, and become part of a passionate community. At Oceanside, we guide you on that path with personalised lessons, certified instructors, and a methodology focused on progressive and safe learning.