Reviewed · SURFING & PARAGLIDING
Surfing experience in Lima
Lima’s Pacific coast is a fine place to learn because you can go from city pavement to breaking waves without a long transfer. This 90-minute session at Anka Surf School focuses on the basics, with instructors who explain the technique on shore and then stay attentive in the water. Gerardo’s patient, step-by-step teaching is a real draw, especially if standing on a board feels like a distant ambition.
I like the new wetsuits and surfboards, and I like having English, German, and Spanish available. The private-group format also gives the lesson a more personal feel than a large class. The main consideration is time: 90 minutes passes quickly, and if you want to remain in the sea afterward, extra time costs more.
Key points to know before you paddle out

- A 90-minute beginner lesson: The session covers instruction and practice, not just equipment rental.
- Patient guidance in the water: Gerardo is praised for teaching each movement step by step and following every attempt closely.
- New equipment included: Your price covers a wetsuit, surfboard, and qualified instruction.
- Private-group format: The lesson is arranged as a private group rather than a large shared class.
- Three languages available: You can take the lesson in English, German, or Spanish.
- Miraflores beach meeting point: Meet at Anka Surf School directly at the beach, with no complicated meeting-point hunt.
Starting at Anka Surf School in Miraflores

The practical appeal begins with the meeting point. You go directly to Anka Surf School at the beach in Miraflores, one of Lima’s easiest areas for visitors to reach and explore. The information provided does not include hotel pickup, so plan to make your own way to the school.
Once there, the school provides the main gear: a surfboard and wetsuit. That matters in Lima, where the Pacific water is cold enough that a wetsuit is part of the basic setup, not an optional extra. You need to bring a towel, beachwear, and clothing suited to the weather.
The school emphasizes punctuality and clear, honest service. That is useful when you are fitting a surf lesson into a day of sightseeing, since a late start would eat into a short 90-minute session. Arriving with enough time to change and get ready is sensible, even though a precise arrival window is not provided.
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The first lesson: technique before the waves

The lesson is aimed at beginners, so you should expect the opening part to focus on how to use the board and how to position your body. The school describes its teaching as technical and patient, and the strongest detail from the instruction is the step-by-step method used by Gerardo.
That approach makes sense for first-timers. Surfing asks you to coordinate your hands, knees, feet, balance, and timing in a few quick seconds. A short explanation followed by repeated attempts is more useful than a long talk on the beach. The goal is not to turn you into an expert in one session. It is to give you enough control and confidence to make a proper attempt in the water.
You should also expect the instructor to adjust the lesson to your pace. The school accepts both young and older participants, and the private-group setup may make it easier to ask questions or slow down when a movement is not clear. The age rules are simple: children under 3 are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 80.
One detail I value here is the language choice. Instruction is available in German, English, and Spanish. That is especially helpful for a physical activity, where a small misunderstanding about foot placement or board position can make the difference between a calm attempt and a frustrating one.
Into Lima’s cold Pacific water

After the land instruction, you move into the sea to practice. The school describes this as a session at one of Lima’s best waves for beginners, and the teaching is designed to continue in the water rather than end once the theory is finished.
This is where the instructor’s patience matters most. The most useful kind of beginner support is not simply cheering from the shoreline. It is watching each attempt, helping you set up, and giving you another chance when the first try goes wrong. Gerardo is specifically praised for staying attentive to each attempt and giving the confidence needed to stand on the board.
You should keep your expectations realistic. A first lesson may give you the thrill of getting upright for a few seconds, but it may also involve plenty of kneeling, falling, resetting, and trying again. That is normal. The lesson is a starting point, not a promise of polished surfing.
The water temperature is another practical factor. Lima’s waves may be inviting, but they are described as cold, so the included wetsuit is important. Bring a towel for afterward and clothing that suits the day’s weather. The activity information does not promise showers, lockers, or changing facilities, so you should not assume those extras are available.
What $44 includes, and what it does not

At $44 per person, the price covers a 90-minute surf lesson, the wetsuit, the surfboard, and qualified instruction. For someone who does not own equipment and wants actual coaching rather than simply hiring a board, that is a fair package.
The value is strongest for a first attempt. You avoid buying or arranging separate equipment, and you get help with the technique rather than guessing your way through the waves. The three-language instruction and private-group format also add practical value, particularly for families or small parties who want direct attention.
The main limit is the short duration. Ninety minutes is enough for an introduction, but not enough for a full day of practice. If you finish the lesson and want to stay in the sea, you can pay for extra time, up to a maximum of four additional hours. The extra cost is not specified, so ask about it before extending the session.
That rule makes the booking flexible, but it also means you should compare the total price if you already know you want a long session. For a simple first lesson during a Lima visit, the base price is easier to justify than a long rental period because the instruction is the main benefit.
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Why the private-group format matters

The activity is listed as a private group. That does not necessarily mean a one-person lesson, since the number of people in each private group is not stated, but it does suggest a more focused arrangement than a large public class.
For beginners, that can make a real difference. You may get more chances to practice, clearer corrections, and less time waiting for an instructor to rotate through a crowded class. Families and small parties may also appreciate being taught together.
The format is especially useful if ability levels vary. One person may be trying to stand for the first time, while another may already feel comfortable on a board. The available information does not promise a customized schedule for different abilities, so it is worth asking the school how the group will be handled if that applies to you.
The private setup also fits the school’s emphasis on patience and personal attention. The strongest teaching detail available is not a flashy trick or a long list of credentials. It is the simple promise that the instructor will watch your attempts and help you improve them.
A good choice for families and mixed-age groups

The school works with children and adults, making this a useful option for families with older children and teenagers. A family group can learn together, share the first successful stand, and keep the activity social rather than splitting up for different tours.
There is one clear boundary: children under 3 cannot participate. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women or people over 80. No other age restrictions are given, but surfing is physical, and you should consider your own comfort with cold water, balance work, and repeated attempts.
The experience may also suit solo visitors who want a structured introduction. A qualified instructor and supplied equipment remove much of the uncertainty that comes with trying to learn alone. You still need to accept that the first session may be tiring and that success depends on conditions, timing, and your own balance.
The school’s language range makes it more accessible to international visitors. English, German, and Spanish are available, so you can choose the language in which safety instructions and technical corrections are easiest to follow.
Safety, conduct, and what to pack

The school highlights safety, professionalism, and technique as part of the lesson. In practical terms, you receive instruction from qualified teachers and use the supplied wetsuit and board. The information does not give a detailed safety briefing, instructor-to-student ratio, or specific wave conditions, so you should ask any personal safety questions before entering the water.
The basic packing list is short:
- Towel
- Beachwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Do not bring alcohol or drugs. Those are specifically prohibited, and arriving sober is essential for any water activity.
A towel is easy to overlook when you are packing for a city day. Bring one, since the lesson includes time in the sea and the provided information does not say that the school supplies towels. You may also want to protect your sightseeing clothes from damp beachwear, though no storage details are provided.
Languages, instructors, and the feel of the lesson

The instruction is available in German, English, and Spanish. That makes the experience a practical fit for many visitors to Lima, but the language choice is only useful if you select it clearly when booking or contact the school beforehand.
Gerardo is the only instructor named in the available information. His teaching style is described through patience, close attention, and a step-by-step method. Other qualified teachers may lead sessions, but no additional names or specific backgrounds are provided.
The overall tone is friendly and informal, with the school presenting the session as a chance to enjoy Lima’s waves rather than as a strict athletic course. That can be a plus if you feel nervous. You want enough structure to learn safely, but not so much pressure that a missed stand ruins the morning.
At the same time, do not mistake a relaxed mood for a lack of instruction. The school specifically focuses on technique, equipment quality, punctuality, and safety. Those are the details that matter more than a polished beach presentation.
When this lesson fits best in your Lima plans

The 90-minute length makes this easy to place in a day around Miraflores. You can schedule it as a focused morning or afternoon activity rather than giving up an entire day. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.
The direct beach meeting point keeps the plan simple. There is no listed transfer, sightseeing stop, or second destination, so you know the experience is centered on surfing. That is good if you want a clear activity, but less suitable if you are looking for a broader Lima tour.
Weather-appropriate clothing matters because the lesson takes place outdoors. The information does not provide a forecast policy or a detailed description of what happens if conditions change, so check the current arrangement when you reserve.
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those policies help if your Lima schedule is still shifting, though they do not change the short lesson length or the extra charge for staying in the sea afterward.
Who should book this surf session
I would recommend it to first-time surfers, small groups, families with older children, and visitors who want a physical activity close to central Lima. It is also a good match if you prefer direct instruction in English, German, or Spanish and want equipment included.
It may not suit you if you want a long independent surf rental from the start, since the basic booking is only 90 minutes and additional sea time costs extra. It is also not for children under 3, pregnant women, or people over 80.
The strongest reason to choose this session is the teaching style. A patient instructor who explains the technique, watches your attempts, and helps you build confidence can make a first surf lesson much more rewarding than simply being handed a board.
Should you book Anka Surf School?
Book it if you want a straightforward beginner lesson at Miraflores beach, with a wetsuit, board, qualified instruction, and help available in three languages. The $44 price makes the most sense when you value coaching and equipment together, not when you only want time in the water.
I would be especially comfortable recommending it to a nervous beginner or a family group. Just allow for the cold Pacific water, bring a towel, arrive ready for a physical session, and ask about the cost of extra time if 90 minutes sounds too short. If those limits suit your plans, this is a practical way to get your first Lima wave.
FAQ
Where does the surf lesson meet?
The meeting point is Anka Surf School, located directly at the beach in Miraflores.
How long is the surf lesson?
The lesson lasts 90 minutes. You may stay in the sea for up to four additional hours after the lesson if you pay extra time.
What equipment is included?
The price includes a wetsuit, surfboard, and qualified instruction.
Which languages do the instructors speak?
Instruction is available in English, German, and Spanish.
Is this a private lesson?
The activity is arranged as a private group. The exact number of participants in each private group is not specified.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel, beachwear, and clothing suitable for the weather.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.
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