Surf Coaching in Jeffreys Bay: A Long-Term Journey Built on Development, Video Analysis, and Performance

Jeffreys Bay has always been more than just a world-class wave to me. It’s where my journey as a surf coach truly began, where relationships were built over years, and where a deep passion for long-term surfer development took shape.

Kicking off my very first high-performance surf camp with a talented group of top athletes, ready to conquer the waves.

Shannon Ainslie offers professional surf coaching in Jeffreys Bay and online, specialising in intermediate and advanced surfers through video analysis and performance coaching. That approach didn’t appear overnight. It was shaped over decades of working closely with surfers of all ages and levels, right here on the Eastern Cape coastline.

Where It All Started: Coaching in Jeffreys Bay from 2004

I began surf coaching in 2004, working with young kids — many of them as young as five years old. At first, it wasn’t about money. I coached because I loved surfing, loved teaching, and loved seeing kids grow in confidence and ability. Some parents started joining in too, and before long, the demand grew.

Alongside running a surf school, I slowly built a dedicated surf coaching program in Jeffreys Bay. As the sessions became more structured and frequent, I began charging and turning it into a sustainable coaching business. What followed was over a decade of consistent, hands-on coaching — often one to three sessions per week — with surfers who were committed to improving.

A Decade of Coaching Across the Eastern Cape

Most of my coaching took place in and around Jeffreys Bay, but it extended well beyond just one wave. I coached extensively in:

• Jeffreys Bay

• St Francis Bay

• Cape St Francis

• Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha)

We also travelled to other regions across South Africa for surf camps, surf retreats, and surf competitions. These trips weren’t just about surfing better waves — they were about learning adaptability, discipline, and what it takes to perform in different conditions.

Those years were incredibly rewarding. Coaching wasn’t only about technique; it was about mentorship, character, and growing up together through the ocean.

Long-Term Development, Not Quick Fixes

My coaching philosophy has always focused on long-term surfer development. I worked with surfers through every stage:

• Beginner

• Independent surfer

• Intermediate surfer

• Advanced surfer

• Elite and high-performance levels

Rather than rushing progress, the focus was on building solid foundations, good habits, and a deep understanding of wave selection, positioning, and technique. This approach allowed surfers to progress sustainably and confidently.

Many of the surfers I coached went on to achieve significant success.

From Local Groms to International Success

Over the years, I had the privilege of coaching surfers who went on to win local, regional, and national competitions — and some who achieved international results.

Several of my athletes made the South African national surf team and competed at the ISA World Surfing Games. Others built successful professional careers in competitive surfing.

One of my very first students was Steven Sawyer, who went on to become a professional surfer and a world champion longboarder — something I’m incredibly proud of.

Steven Sawyer celebrates with his trophy and championship board after winning the World Longboard Surfing Championships at the Taiwan Open of Surfing.

Other surfers I coached include:

• Remi Peterson

• Tobias Schroeder

• Dylan Lightfoot

• Bianca Buitendag

• Matthew McGillivray

• Emma Smith

• Gina Smith

• Zoë Smith

• Adin Masencamp

And many more who progressed to high levels in the sport.

High-Performance Training and Expert Support

As the level of coaching evolved, so did the structure of the programs. I ran high-performance surf training weekends and camps, sometimes attracting surfers from other parts of South Africa and overseas.

These programs often included support from:

• Sports psychologists

• Nutritionists

• Strength and conditioning coaches

One of the most influential mentors in my coaching journey was Graham Hynes, one of the most respected and experienced surf coaches in South Africa. Learning from him shaped my understanding of athlete development, patience, and coaching with purpose.

Video Analysis: A Key Part of Progression

Long before online coaching became popular, video analysis was already central to my coaching. Filming sessions, breaking down technique, and helping surfers see what they were doing on a wave accelerated improvement dramatically.

Today, video analysis remains a cornerstone of my surf coaching in Jeffreys Bay and online. It allows surfers to:

• Understand mistakes clearly

• Build better technique faster

• Develop awareness and decision-making

• Track progress over time

Whether coaching in person or remotely, video analysis bridges the gap between feeling and understanding.

Why Jeffreys Bay Is Ideal for Surf Coaching

Jeffreys Bay is famous for Supertubes, home of the WSL J-Bay Open, but it offers far more than just one world-class wave. Spots like Kitchen Windows, The Point, and surrounding breaks provide excellent conditions for surf coaching across different levels and learning goals.

The consistency, variety, and quality of waves make Jeffreys Bay one of the best places in the world for structured surf coaching and long-term progression.

For international surfers, the experience goes beyond the ocean. The surrounding natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, great food, and access to wildlife and safaris make Jeffreys Bay an unforgettable destination. Many of my surf retreats combine high-level coaching with travel experiences that showcase the best of South Africa.

Surf Coaching Today: Local and International

Today, I continue to coach surfers in Jeffreys Bay while also working with surfers from around the world through online surf coaching and video analysis. Some travel here specifically for coaching; others send footage from surf trips, wave pools, or local breaks where high-level coaching isn’t available.

What remains unchanged is the focus:

• Quality over quantity

• Long-term progression

• Personal connection

• Performance-based coaching

Surf coaching is still something I genuinely love — whether it’s helping a surfer refine their turns, gain confidence in better waves, or take the next step toward elite performance.

Jeffreys Bay will always be a central part of that journey.

Surfers receive on-beach coaching before entering the surf zone, preparing for video analysis in an international independent surf session.