Surfing starts with one awkward step, then suddenly you’re standing. At Playa Makaha in Miraflores, this 75-minute class gives you a clear path from basic paddling practice to your first time in the water. I like that the session is built for both youth and adults, so you’re not stuck watching other people have fun while you wait your turn.

Two things I’d highlight: first, you get a focused start with about 30 minutes of instruction and simulation plus stretching to help with cramps. Second, the small group size (max 6) means you’re more likely to get real attention while you’re learning. One consideration: if your guide doesn’t click with your energy, the experience can feel less hands-on, so choose a class that matches your expectations.

Key Things To Know Before You Hit Playa Makaha

• Small group size (max 6) means less waiting and more coaching time in the lineup
• 75-minute structure: 30 minutes of land practice, then about an hour in the sea
• All equipment is included, so you don’t need to figure out boards, suits, or gear on your own
• English-speaking instruction is offered, which helps you learn fast instead of guessing
• Most people stand within the first class, based on how the lesson is taught
• Playa Makaha meeting point, with the activity ending back where you start

Price and Value for a Real Beginner-Friendly Lesson

At $39 per person, this isn’t a “try it sometime” activity—it’s priced like a proper lesson. You’re paying for an instructor-led learning plan, not just time near the water. And because equipment is included, that value stays simple: you’re not hit with extra gear costs that creep up at the last minute.

Also, the lesson timing matters. With about 1 hour 15 minutes, you get enough time to learn the basics and still feel like you actually did something in the ocean, not just warmed up on the beach. In a place like Lima, where your day can fill up quickly, that kind of concentrated session is a big plus.

Just know one more pricing reality: transport isn’t included. If you’re coming from farther inside Miraflores or from elsewhere in Lima, plan for how you’ll get to Playa Makaha and back. The good news is that it’s near public transportation, so you’re not forced into private logistics.

How the 75 Minutes Run: From Paddling Practice to Your First Stand

This class is built with one simple idea: reduce the first-wave panic. The first phase is designed to help you get comfortable with what your body needs to do before you’re fighting actual surf.

The first 30 minutes: explanation, simulation, stretching

You start with basic explanation and simulation of paddling and standing on the board. This is where you learn the sequence—how you move, where your weight goes, and what you should do when the board starts to feel unstable. It’s not complicated, but it’s practical.

You also get a small stretch session to help avoid cramps. That detail matters more than it sounds. Surf uses muscles you don’t always notice on land—especially in your shoulders, core, and legs. Stretching beforehand helps you stay loose enough to practice instead of tightening up too soon.

The next hour: into the sea with teachers

After the warm-up and practice, you head into the water with the teachers. This is where the lesson turns from theory into muscle memory. The plan is to keep you moving through attempts and adjustments, not stuck in one spot.

One of the most encouraging details is that most students stand up within the first class. That doesn’t mean everyone nails it every try. But it does suggest the instructors coach in a way that makes early success more likely.

Playa Makaha in Miraflores: A Practical Surf Setting

The meet-up and start point is Playa Makaha, Miraflores, and the activity ends back at the same place. That matters because you’re not spending your energy trekking across town before you even get wet.

Playa Makaha is a logical choice for a short lesson: it’s right in the Miraflores area, which makes it easier to pair with other Lima plans. You can keep the day simple—surf, then go eat, shower, and move on with less stress about where you’ll be later.

The water time is the point here. Your job is to show up and focus on what the instructor says, not on reinventing how to get ready for the ocean.

Equipment Included Means Less Stress and More Learning

This experience includes all the equipment you need. For a first surf lesson, that’s a big deal. Figuring out gear on your own is one of those chores that steals momentum, and momentum is everything when you’re learning balance and timing.

What I like about included equipment is that it lets you treat this like a skill session. You can arrive with a clear mind and spend your mental energy on paddling, popping up, and staying calm when a wave does what waves do.

You’ll also want to think about getting changed. One lesson feedback mentioned that a guest would have loved a changing room to jump into the surf suit more peacefully. So while you should expect surf gear to be part of the setup, don’t assume you’ll have a private, cozy space to change like you might at a gym. If that comfort matters to you, plan to keep your changing routine flexible.

Instructor Quality: Hector and Lorenzo, Plus a Word of Caution

The class is instructor-led, and the coaching can make or break your experience. Two names show up clearly in positive feedback: Héctor and Lorenzo. People praised them for being professional, safe, knowledgeable, and fun—and for teaching across ages and abilities.

That combination matters. Surf is physical, but it’s also risk management. Safety-first guidance helps you keep learning instead of stopping after one scary moment. And fun matters because you’re going to wipe out at least once—probably more—especially when you’re learning pop-up timing.

A fair caution: one piece of feedback wasn’t great, mainly because the guide didn’t feel involved or enthusiastic. That doesn’t mean every instructor will be like that, but it does mean you should arrive ready to communicate if you need help. If you’re the type who learns better with active engagement, go in expecting coaching, not a passive experience.

Who This Surf Class Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This is offered to everyone: youth and adults, and most students can participate. The learning structure supports beginners: first the basics and simulation, then time in the water with teachers.

If you’re:

• Doing a first surf experience in Lima and want a guided start
• Traveling with someone of a different age or fitness level
• Looking for a short, focused activity that won’t eat your whole day

this class makes a lot of sense.

If you’re expecting a long, hardcore surf session or hours of free riding, you might find the pacing too short. This is teaching-focused, not just wave hunting. Also, if you want lots of quiet preparation time, remember the session moves from land practice to sea fairly quickly, and you may have limited changing comfort based on prior feedback.

Logistics That Affect Your Day (So You Can Plan Smart)

Meeting point and timing

It starts at Playa Makaha, Miraflores and returns you to the same meeting point. That reduces end-of-activity confusion, which is especially helpful when you’re pairing this with food plans.

The duration is about 1 hour 15 minutes. In practice, plan a small buffer so you’re not sprinting to the meeting point. Surf timing is tight; being late can mean less wave time.

Group size and attention

With a maximum of 6 travelers, you’re not competing for coaching attention. Smaller groups tend to produce faster feedback because instructors can watch more closely and fix common issues without everyone waiting their turn.

Language

Classes are offered in English, which helps you learn the cues. Surf instruction works better when you understand the steps immediately rather than trying to translate while you’re in motion.

Getting there

Transport is not included, but the activity is near public transportation. If you’re using transit, give yourself time to walk the last stretch and arrive ready to move straight into gear and lesson mode.

What You’ll Take Home After This Lesson

A good surf class isn’t just about standing once. It’s about leaving with a better relationship to the board and the water.

By the end of this session, you should have:

• A practiced feel for paddling and popping up from the simulation portion
• Confidence from having real time in the sea with guidance
• A clear sense of what to focus on next time you surf

And because it’s built so that most people stand within the first class, you’re more likely to leave with that first taste of momentum. That matters. It turns surfing from an intimidating idea into a skill you can keep working.

Should You Book This Surf Class at Miraflores?

I’d book it if you want a structured, beginner-friendly surf lesson with equipment included, English instruction, and a small group size. The lesson plan—start with simulation and stretching, then move into the water with teachers—is exactly what helps first-timers progress without wasting time.

I’d think twice if your top priority is comfort and privacy during changing, or if you know you need a highly hands-on, energetic guide to enjoy the experience. In that case, you can still book, but go in with your expectations clear and ready to ask for help early.

If you’re staying in Miraflores, this is also an easy win: it’s located at Playa Makaha, it runs about 1 hour 15 minutes, and it ends right where it starts—so your day stays simple.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Surf Class at Miraflores?

The surf class lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes.

How much does it cost?

It costs $39.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

The class includes an instructor and all the necessary surf equipment. Transport is not included.

Where does the class meet and end?

The class starts at Playa Makaha, Miraflores, Peru, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the class offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Is this class suitable for beginners?

It’s designed for everyone, including youth and adults, and the first 30 minutes include basic explanation and simulation of paddling and standing. Most students stand up within the first class.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.