2025 Surf Class Miraflores Review: Is It For You?

So, the idea of surfing in Lima, you know, it just sounds pretty cool. There you are, in this huge city, and then there’s this coastline that, frankly, calls out to you. From high up on the cliffs of Miraflores, the Pacific Ocean seems almost like a painting, with little specks of surfers bobbing around. I had always been, like, super curious about what it would be like to be one of those specks. So, for my 2025 trip, I figured, well, this is the time to actually do it. It’s almost a rite of passage for people visiting Lima who have a bit of a taste for adventure. I wanted to see if I, a person who is really not a natural at sports, could actually stand up on a surfboard in the Pacific. Honestly, the whole thought was a little nerve-wracking but at the end of the day, very exciting.

First Looks and Getting Suited Up

Anyway, getting down to the beach from the main part of Miraflores is kind of its own little adventure. You walk down this winding path, and the city sounds, you know, they just start to fade away, replaced by the sound of waves hitting the rocky shore. At the bottom, you find a collection of surf schools, basically little tents and stands right on Playa Makaha. We found our spot, and right away, the mood was just really relaxed. The person who greeted us was actually very friendly, not some super-intense surf pro, which, to be honest, was a big relief. He pointed us towards the wetsuits, which were, well, a challenge to get into.

The wetsuit, you know, is definitely a tight squeeze, and pulling it on over your arms and legs is pretty much a full-body workout before you even see the water. It’s obviously needed because the Pacific here, even in summer, is a bit chilly. So, once you are finally zipped in, you actually feel kind of like a superhero, or at least someone who is prepared for something serious. Next, they gave us these huge, foam-top longboards which, honestly, seemed impossibly big. The instructor explained that a bigger board is, like, more stable and stuff, which makes a lot of sense for someone who has never done this before. He was really good at making us feel at ease, just cracking some jokes and keeping the atmosphere light, which was, you know, pretty much what we all needed right then.

From Beach Drills to the Ocean’s Chill

So, before we were allowed to even touch the water, we had our practice session right there on the pebbles of the beach. The instructor, his name was Carlos I think, had us lay our boards on the ground and then he walked us through the basics. You know, like how to lie on the board, where to put your hands, and how to paddle. Then came the most important part, the “pop-up,” which is basically the move where you go from lying down to standing up in one motion. We practiced it over and over, you know, pop, pop, pop, on the stable ground. It felt a little silly, kind of like doing a weird yoga move on a giant piece of foam, but obviously, it was really useful. Carlos gave everyone personal tips, like telling me to keep my feet a bit wider apart for better balance.

After maybe twenty minutes of that, he decided we were, like, pretty much ready for the real thing. Walking into the Pacific with this giant board was, to be honest, a little clumsy. The first wave that hit me was a definite shock—the cold water seeping into the wetsuit is a feeling you won’t forget. Still, it was also incredibly refreshing. We waded out until the water was about waist-deep. The feeling of the pebbles shifting under your feet and the pull of the waves is, in a way, very powerful. I mean, you definitely feel like you’re in nature’s territory now. Carlos was right there with us, giving instructions and, you know, a lot of encouragement. It was seriously time to see if the beach practice meant anything at all.

My Battle to Catch a Wave

Okay, so Carlos would spot a good, gentle wave coming for me and would tell me to get ready. The first instruction was to start paddling, so I started paddling with all my might. Then he would yell “Now, pop up!” and I would, you know, try to copy the move we practiced on the beach. My first attempt was, well, a complete failure. I pretty much went sideways and fell straight into the water. The good thing is that the water is not deep and the board is attached to your ankle with a leash, so, like, you just pop right back up again. I mean, my nose was full of salt water, but I was just laughing. The next few tries were honestly more or less the same. I’d get to my knees, wobble for a second, and then splash.

It’s sort of a frustrating, yet really fun cycle. You just keep trying. Carlos was incredibly patient, offering little bits of advice each time, like “Look forward, not down at your feet!” or “Use your core!”. Then, you know, it happened. On maybe the tenth try, a nice, rolling wave came along. I paddled hard, I heard Carlos yell, and I popped up. For about three seconds, I was actually standing on the board, riding a wave toward the shore. Seriously, it felt absolutely amazing. The feeling of gliding on water, even for a moment, is just a total rush. Of course, I immediately lost my balance and fell off, but at the end of the day, I didn’t even care. I had done it. I had, for a few glorious seconds, surfed in Miraflores.

The Instructors and the General Atmosphere

I have to say, the instructor really makes or breaks the whole experience, you know? In my case, Carlos was fantastic. He was clearly very skilled but also seemed to genuinely enjoy teaching beginners, which, I mean, must take a lot of patience. He was just very good at managing the group, giving each person attention while making sure everyone was safe. He had this, like, really calm and positive energy that made you feel okay about falling over and over again. You never felt like you were failing; instead, it felt like you were, you know, just part of the learning process. It seemed like all the instructors from the various schools along the beach had a similarly laid-back but professional attitude. They all seemed to know each other, creating a really nice community feel down on the shoreline.

The whole atmosphere was just really supportive. We were a small group, just four of us, so it felt pretty personal. Everyone was, you know, cheering each other on. When someone managed to stand up, even for a second, everyone else would hoot and holler. It was just a really positive environment to learn in. It wasn’t competitive or intimidating at all, which I was honestly a little worried about. It felt more like a group of friends just messing around in the ocean and trying to learn something new together. At the end of the two-hour lesson, I was completely exhausted but also, like, really, really happy. The feeling of accomplishment was, frankly, huge, and it made the whole day so much more memorable.

So, Is a Miraflores Surf Class for You?

To be honest, I think this kind of experience is perfect for almost anyone visiting Lima. You obviously don’t need any prior surfing experience; as a matter of fact, it’s designed for people who have none. If you’re a solo traveler, it’s a great way to meet some people and do something active. If you’re with family or friends, it’s just a really fun group activity that will have you all laughing. It’s especially good for people who, like me, want to add a little bit of soft adventure to their city trip. You just need to have a positive attitude and be okay with looking a little silly while you’re learning.

There are, of course, a few practical things. Definitely bring sunscreen, because even on a cloudy Lima day, the sun can be quite strong, especially reflecting off the water. It’s also a good idea to have a bottle of water and a towel waiting for you on the beach. As for the best time, morning lessons are usually good because the wind tends to be calmer. The schools provide all the gear, so you really just need to show up with your swimsuit and a willingness to try. It’s more than just a sports lesson; it’s an experience. You get to see the famous coastline from a completely different perspective, literally in the water, looking back at the beautiful cliffs. Honestly, it was one of the absolute highlights of my time in Peru.

You might fall a dozen times, but the one time you stand up, even for just a couple of seconds, makes it all completely worth it. It’s that feeling of, you know, actually gliding on the water.

Key Takeaways from the Experience:

• You absolutely don’t need any experience. The lessons are really designed for first-timers.
• The instructors are super patient and helpful. Their guidance, you know, is key to your success and enjoyment.
• The Pacific water is chilly. So, that wetsuit they give you is definitely your best friend.
• Be ready to fall, a lot. Seriously, just laugh it off, it’s all part of the fun.
• The feeling of catching your first wave is incredible. Honestly, it’s a memory that will stick with you for a long time.

Read our full review: Surf Class at Miraflores Full Review and Details

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