As Lanzarote’s third largest resort, Costa Teguise offers a range of family activities, including playing on the many beaches, riding the attractions at AquaPark, and visiting the Aquarium. There are also many touristy shops and a wide range of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. Mostly though, the resort is famous for its windy weather which makes it the perfect windsurfing destination.
Costa Teguise is a paradise for aspiring windsurfers. Before you embark on your athletic adventures though, there are a few things you should do to prepare.
Preparing to Windsurf
- Practice Swimming
The best form of training is to swim regularly. Make sure your kids go to the pool or have weekly swimming lessons. The more confident they are, the easier it will be for them to get back onto their board when they fall off.
- Recognise the Signs of Tiredness
Windsurfing can be tiring work, and when you’re out in the sun all day, you might not realise quite how tired you or your kids are. It’s important to know when your body is growing tired or dehydrated so you can safely return to shore and take a break.
- Know What Equipment to Use
As a beginner, you’ll want a board that is both large and wide to give your more stability. Once you’ve developed your balancing skills, you can then rent a smaller board and practice manoeuvring. You’ll also need a sail, mast and boom.
- Take Some Lessons
The best thing to do is to have a few practice lessons before you go. You’ll want to learn the basic skill of grabbing the up-haul and bending your knees to navigate. If you get into the habit of putting the pressure on your legs rather than your lower back, you’ll avoid straining anything.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When windsurfing, you’ll need to keep an eye on what your board is doing, where the wind is blowing and how your kids are faring. Practice keeping track of these various targets by going out onto the water in a rowing boat and building up your navigational awareness. You’ll need to learn to judge how quickly someone is going, how far away they are and what trajectory they’re taking.
- Stay Active
I’m willing to bet your kids are naturally fit, constantly out on their bikes, playing outside or at sports practice. It’s worth noting, though, that windsurfing is a relatively strenuous exercise. For the kids, just make sure they’re keeping up their sports and swimming regularly. As an adult though, I’d recommend doing a few exercises to strengthen your legs, upper body and core. Some daily press-ups, pull-ups, squats and lunges should do the trick.
Windsurfing Lessons in Costa Teguise
In Costa Teguise there are windsurfing courses for all levels. Classes are run by experienced instructors who stand in rescue boats and are always within talking distance.
- Kids’ Course – this is specifically tailored to children between the ages of 8 and 12. They’ll learn the basic skills using sails that are very light.
- Beginners’ Course – this provides the basic know-how. You’ll learn to detect the wind direction and be taught balancing techniques. You’ll also discover how to control your sail, steer and turn.
- Intermediate Course – if you’ve practiced windsurfing beforehand, this course will help perfect and refresh your technique. You’ll be expected to go in and out of the water, sail upwind and jibe. You’ll also get an induction on both beach and water starts.
- Other Options – if your kids are particularly enthusiastic, you can also book private lessons or follow a coaching programme. Or, if they just want to practice on their own, you can rent windsurfs on an hourly basis.
How to Get to Costa Teguise
The easiest way of getting to Costa Teguise is to fly to Lanzarote Airport (ACE). Ryanair and easyJet offer direct flights from London. It’s a four-hour trip though, so don’t forget snacks and games to keep your little ones entertained.
Once you’ve landed, the last thing you’ll want to do is shepherd your kids onto hectic public transport. It’s much simpler to book a transfer with Shuttle Direct and have a friendly driver take you to your hotel in just 15 minutes.
Where to Stay
Occidental Lanzarote Playa: Set on the beachfront, this all-inclusive resort offers direct access to the El Ancla Cove. Your teens can safely go to the seaside on their own or play in the outdoor pool. While you’ll appreciate the rooms for their modern décor, air-conditioning and terrific ocean view, the kids will love that they have a flat-screen TV.
BlueBay Lanzarote: This resort boasts large apartments with a kitchen and seating area. You can enjoy the spa facilities while the kids play in the outdoor swimming pool. There are also tennis, squash, football, basketball and volleyball courts. Best of all, though, there’s a waterpark just 2km away!
Grand Teguise Playa: Situated just a minute away from the beach, you can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic from your balcony window at the Grand Teguise Playa. The hotel also boasts a lagoon-style pool, tennis courts and squash courts. The buffet restaurant offers both an American and European breakfast, while serving Mediterranean dishes at lunch and dinner.
About Shuttle Direct
Thanks to its family-friendly service, Shuttle Direct is Europe and North Africa’s leading airport transfer provider. Make this holiday a stress-free experience and book a private, shared or group transfer in advance via their easy-to-use website.
