Shannon Ainslie
Knowledge + Assessment
Surf Guide
Find your level. Understand your weaknesses.
Get the right coaching.
What Level Surfer Are You?
Be honest with yourself. Knowing where you are is the first step to getting where you want to be. Select your level below.
White Waves
Green Waves
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Level 1
White Waves
Beginner
YOU AT THIS LEVEL
-
White water or small green waves
-
Needs help with wave selection
-
Struggles with position in the water
-
Slow to pop up
-
Rides the wave straight to beach
-
Loses speed quickly
-
Not familiar with safety + surf etiquette
Recommended
In Water Coaching
You need someone in the water with you, guiding wave selection and correcting your positioning in real time. Video won't help much yet — you need physical direction.
Steps to Next Level
1. Master your pop until it’s automatic
2. Learn how to angle your take along the face of the wave
3. Understand basic right of way rules
4. Start catching unbroken green waves consistently
Level 3
Intermediate
Independent Surfer
YOU AT THIS LEVEL
-
Independent surfer
-
Able to perform basic turns
-
Able to negotiate head- high waves
-
Does turns on the shoulder
-
Able to duck dive / turtle roll
-
Comfortably at point / reef breaks
Recommended
Video Analysis + Water Coaching
This is where coaching has the biggest impact. You can surf — but you're making decision-making errors you can't see. Video analysis reveals where your turns lose power and why your wave selection holds you back.
Steps to Next Level
1. Move your turns from the shoulder to the pocket
2. Develop speed management through sections
3. Learn to read the wave two moves ahead
4. Work on flow with rail to rail transitions
Level 2
Green Waves
Transition
YOU AT THIS LEVEL
-
A transition surfer
-
Catching unbroken waves
-
Surfboard controls eg turtle roll
-
Learning surf etiquette
-
Learning position, wave reading
-
Timing of pop up
-
Learning angle take off and speed
Recommended
Water Coaching
You're building fundamentals. In-water coaching helps you refine wave selection, positioning, and early turning mechanics. Video analysis can start to supplement sessions at this stage.
Steps to Next Level
1. Learn position in water to the wave
2. Reading the waves
3. Working on timing
4. Finding and keeping speed
Level 4
Advanced
High Performance
YOU AT THIS LEVEL
-
Able to surf waves of consequence
-
Able to barrel ride
-
Performs advanced powerful turns
-
Performs turns in critical sections
-
Surfs with a lot of speed and flow
-
Surfs with a lot of variety
Recommended
Video Coaching
At this level, your mistakes are subtle — weight distribution at the apex of a turn, entry angle into barrels, line choice through sections. Video coaching breaks these down frame by frame.
Steps to Next Level
1. Refine your speed approach into critical sections
2. Develop consistency in bigger, heavier waves
3. Add innovation and progressive maneuvers
4. Optimise your contest strategy and heat surfing
Level 5
Expert
Elite Performance
YOU AT THIS LEVEL
-
Able to surf small and big waves well
-
Generates speed in waves with no power
-
Performs a large variety of turns
-
Performs innovative turns- airs, laybacks
-
Strong competitive surfer
Recommended
Video Coaching
Fine-tuning at this level is about marginal gains. A frame-by-frame breakdown of your best and worst waves reveals patterns you can't feel in real time. This is how pros stay sharp.
Steps to Next Level
1. Analyse heat strategy and priority decisions
2. Study wave- specific line choices at contest venues
3.Fine tune speed and power ratios in different waves
4. develop mental preparation routines
Progress
How do I improve my surfing faster?
"You can surf the same wave a thousand times, but if you're repeating the same mistakes, you're just reinforcing bad habits."
Most surfers think more time in the water automatically means faster progress. It doesn't. What accelerates improvement is focused practice — knowing exactly what you're working on before you paddle out.
​
The biggest difference between surfers who plateau and surfers who keep progressing is feedback. You can surf the same wave a thousand times, but if you're repeating the same positioning errors or timing mistakes, you're just reinforcing bad habits.
​
Film yourself. Watch where you are on the wave when you initiate turns. Are you too far ahead of the pocket? Too deep behind it? Are you looking down the line or at the lip? Most mistakes happen two or three seconds before the actual turn — in your setup, your line choice, your weight distribution on approach.
​
Pick one thing per session. If you're working on bottom turns, don't think about cutbacks. Narrow your focus, get footage, review it, and adjust. That cycle — surf, review, adjust — is how coached athletes improve in every sport. Surfing is no different.
Choosing a coach
What should I look for in a surf coach?
"A lot of coaching is just encouragement — 'great wave,' 'try harder,' 'commit more.' That's not coaching. That's cheerleading."
A good surf coach should be able to watch you surf and tell you something you didn't already know. That sounds obvious, but it's rare. A lot of coaching is just encouragement — "great wave," "try harder," "commit more." That's not coaching. That's cheerleading.
Look for someone who can break down what's happening technically.
​
Can they explain why your top turn lost speed? Can they point to the moment in your bottom turn where you lost the rail? Can they connect your wave selection to the outcome of the ride?
​
Experience matters, but not just competitive experience. A coach needs to understand how to communicate movement patterns in a way that clicks for different surfers. Some surfers respond to visual cues, others to feel-based descriptions. A good coach adapts.
Ask them what they'd change about your surfing after watching one session.
​
If they can't give you specifics, they're not watching closely enough. Real coaching is analytical. It's pattern recognition. It's someone who's seen thousands of waves and can spot what you're missing.
Coaching
Is surf coaching worth it for intermediate surfers?
"It's about understanding why your good waves are good and why your bad waves are bad."
This is where coaching has the most impact. Beginners need to learn fundamentals — popping up, trimming, basic wave selection. Advanced surfers are fine-tuning. But intermediate surfers are often stuck in a frustrating gap: they can surf, but they can't figure out why some sessions feel great and others feel terrible.
​
The problem is usually not fitness or wave count. It's decision-making. Where you sit in the lineup, which waves you choose, where you take off, and what you do in the first two seconds on the wave — these decisions shape your entire ride.
An intermediate surfer might blame a bad session on "the waves were weird today." A coach watching footage of that session will see that you were sitting 10 metres too far inside, taking off behind the peak, and rushing your bottom turn because you were already in a bad position.
​
Coaching at this level isn't about learning new tricks. It's about understanding why your good waves are good and why your bad waves are bad. Once you see the patterns, improvement becomes deliberate instead of random.
Progress
"You'll be surprised how often your 'bad wave days' were actually 'bad positioning days.'"
"You can surf the same wave a thousand times, but if you're repeating the same mistakes, you're just reinforcing bad habits."
This is one of the most common frustrations in surfing, and the answer almost never has anything to do with the waves themselves.
Inconsistency usually comes from inconsistent decision-making. On your good days, you're probably sitting in the right spot, reading sets early, taking off in the pocket, and giving yourself room to set up your turns.
On your bad days, you're likely too deep, too wide, paddling for the wrong waves, or taking off late and spending the whole ride reacting instead of flowing.
There's also a mental component. When your first few waves go well, you relax and your timing improves. When your first few waves go badly, you tighten up, rush, and the session spirals.
​
The fix is to treat your first three waves as warm-up — don't judge the session by them. Focus on positioning and wave selection before worrying about performance. If you're in the right spot on the wave, your surfing will feel better automatically.
Video review is the fastest way to spot this pattern. You'll be surprised how often your "bad wave days" were actually "bad positioning days."
J-Bay
Why is coaching in Jeffreys Bay so good?
"There's something about surfing world-class waves with a coach on the beach that compresses months of progress into days."
There’s a reason surfers travel from around the world to train at Jeffreys Bay — and it’s not just the wave.
Supertubes is one of the longest, cleanest right-hand point breaks on the planet. Instead of two or three turns, you get eight or ten on a single ride — repeated practice in real conditions that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The real value of coaching here is clarity. On a proper wave your positioning, speed, and decisions become obvious. You’re not hiding mistakes in small surf — you’re learning to read and react to a wave that actually challenges you.
In-person coaching adds what video can’t: real-time feedback. Sets are read together, positioning is adjusted, and corrections happen between waves while the session is still fresh. Surf, adjust, repeat — progress accelerates quickly.
Jeffreys Bay keeps things simple: check the point, walk to the water, surf. For locals it’s home with purpose; for visitors it’s a world-class trip where you leave surfing better than you arrived.
J-Bay compresses months of improvement into days.
Frequency
How often should I surf to actually progress?
"Three focused sessions a week with clear goals will beat seven sessions of aimless free-surfing."
There's no magic number, but frequency alone doesn't determine progress. Three focused sessions a week with clear goals will beat seven sessions of aimless free-surfing.
​
That said, consistency matters. Surfing once a month means you're relearning muscle memory every time you paddle out. Your body needs repetition to automate movement patterns — bottom turns, pumping, reading the lip. If you can surf three to four times a week, your body retains those patterns between sessions.
​
For surfers who can't get in the water often — maybe you live inland or conditions are inconsistent — video analysis becomes essential. Watching your footage between sessions keeps your awareness sharp. You can identify what to work on next so that when you do get waves, you're not wasting time figuring out what to focus on.
​
Skateboards and balance boards help maintain the physical patterns, but nothing replaces reading real waves. If you're limited on water time, make each session count: set a goal before you paddle out, film when possible, and review honestly afterwards.
Levels
What's the difference between a surf school and
performance coaching?
"It's not about learning to surf — it's about learning to surf better."
A surf school teaches you how to stand up and ride whitewater. Performance coaching teaches you how to read a wave, position yourself for critical sections, and make technical adjustments that change the outcome of your rides.
The difference is like learning to drive versus learning to race. Both involve the same vehicle, but the approach, the feedback, and the expectations are completely different.
​
In performance coaching, we're looking at frame-by-frame footage of your turns. We're analysing your eye line, your shoulder rotation, your weight transfer, your timing relative to the wave's energy. We're asking why you bogged a rail on that cutback — was it your back foot position, your speed on entry, or your line choice?
​
Surf schools are necessary and valuable for beginners. But if you can already paddle out, catch waves, and ride down the line, you've graduated from that level. What you need now is someone who can see the difference between a functional turn and an efficient one, and show you how to close that gap.
​
That's what coaching is. It's not about learning to surf — it's about learning to surf better.
Progress
Can video analysis really improve my surfing?
"What you think you're doing on a wave and what you're actually doing are often very different."
Yes — and it's one of the most underused tools in surfing. Every other sport at every level uses video. Tennis players review match footage. Golfers analyse their swing frame by frame. Surfers, for some reason, resist it.
​
The problem is that what you think you're doing on a wave and what you're actually doing are often very different. You think you're compressing into your bottom turn, but the footage shows you standing tall with a straight back leg. You think you're driving off your fins, but you're actually skimming flat across the face.
​
Video doesn't lie. And when a coach breaks it down for you — pausing at the moment your turn started to lose power, drawing the line you took versus the line you should have taken — the correction becomes obvious.
​
One important detail: the footage doesn't need to be cinematic. A phone propped on the beach or a friend filming from the shoulder is enough. What matters is the angle and consistency. Film from the side or slightly behind, and try to capture full waves from takeoff to kickout. That gives a coach everything they need to help you.
Surf Resources
Deeper learning resources for surfers who want to understand technique, fix common mistakes, and progress with purpose.
These guides will help you understand the concepts. Real progress happens when those ideas are applied to your own surfing.
Jeffrey’s Bay Surf Coaching
Where can i get surf coaching in Jeffreys Bay Fix My Wave offers professional surf coaching in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, led by ISA-qualified coach Shannon Ainslie. Sessions are tailored to your level and held at J-Bay's world-class waves. Whether you're visiting for a week or based locally, Shannon builds each session around your surfing goals — from wave selection and positioning to high-performance manoeuvres, through both in the water coaching or video analysis.
Is Jeffreys Bay good for intermediate surfers? Jeffreys Bay is one of the best destinations in the world for intermediate surfers looking to push into advanced territory. The long, predictable right-hand point breaks give you repeated sections to practise turns, speed generation, and line choice. Shannon Ainslie's coaching at Fix My Wave is specifically designed to help intermediate surfers break through plateaus by focusing on wave reading and decision-making under pressure, not just technique drills.
What makes Jeffreys Bay special for surf coaching? Jeffreys Bay offers consistent, high-quality right-hand point breaks that are ideal for learning and progression. The long wave faces at spots like Supertubes give surfers multiple sections to practise on a single ride — something most beaches can't offer. Combined with Shannon Ainslie's deep local knowledge at Fix My Wave, you get coaching that's matched to the exact conditions, tides, and banks on any given day.
Can I book a single surf coaching session in Jeffreys Bay. Yes, Fix My Wave offers single-session coaching as well as multi-day packages in Jeffreys Bay. A single session with Shannon Ainslie includes a pre-surf briefing, in-water coaching, and post-session feedback. Many surfers start with one session and then book additional days once they see how targeted the coaching is. You can enquire directly through the website to set up a session that fits your schedule.
What is the best surf coaching program in South Africa? Fix My Wave, based in Jeffreys Bay, is widely regarded as one of South Africa's top surf coaching programs. Shannon Ainslie brings decades of competitive and coaching experience, ISA certification, and a track record of developing surfers from beginner to high-performance level. The program combines in-water coaching, video analysis, and personalised feedback — covering everything from fundamentals to contest-level surfing at J-Bay's legendary breaks.
Online Surf Coaching
How does online surf coaching work? With Fix My Wave's online coaching, you upload video clips of your surfing and Shannon Ainslie analyses them frame by frame. You receive a detailed video breakdown covering positioning, timing, technique, and wave selection — with specific corrections and drills to work on. It's the same expert eye you'd get in person at Jeffreys Bay, delivered wherever you surf in the world.
Can I improve my surfing without living near the ocean? Absolutely. Fix My Wave's online video analysis helps surfers worldwide improve between sessions, even if you only surf on weekends or holidays. Shannon Ainslie identifies the key patterns holding you back — such as late takeoffs, poor bottom turns, or incorrect weight distribution — and gives you targeted exercises and mental cues to work on. Many surfers see significant improvement just from understanding what they're doing wrong.
What do I need to submit for online surf coaching? You need video footage of your surfing — ideally filmed from the beach or a pier at a side-on angle so the full wave and your body position are visible. Phone footage works fine as long as it's reasonably steady and you're identifiable in the frame. Once you upload your clips through the Fix My Wave website, Shannon Ainslie reviews them and delivers a personalised analysis within a few days.
Is online surf coaching as efficient as in person coaching? Online coaching through Fix My Wave is highly effective, especially for surfers who already have some experience in the water. Video analysis often reveals things you'd never notice in real time — like how early you're standing up, where your eyes are focused, or how your arms affect your balance. Shannon Ainslie's online breakdowns give you specific, visual corrections that translate directly into your next surf session.
How is Fix My Wave’s video analysis different to other surf coaching? Fix My Wave's video analysis goes beyond generic tips. Shannon Ainslie watches every wave you submit and delivers frame-by-frame breakdowns focused on what's actually limiting your surfing right now. The feedback is specific to your body, your waves, and your level — not recycled advice from a template. Each analysis includes actionable corrections you can apply immediately, whether you surf in Jeffreys Bay or on the other side of the world.
Surf Progression & Training
Why am I not progressing at surfing? Most surfers plateau because they repeat the same mistakes without realising it. Poor wave selection, incorrect positioning on the board, and bad habits on the bottom turn are the most common issues Shannon Ainslie sees at Fix My Wave. The fix isn't always more time in the water — it's targeted feedback that identifies exactly what's going wrong and gives you a clear path to correct it.
What are the most common mistakes intermediate surfers make? The biggest mistakes Shannon Ainslie sees in intermediate surfers are late takeoffs, weak bottom turns, looking down instead of ahead, and poor wave selection. These errors compound — a bad bottom turn kills your speed for the rest of the wave. Fix My Wave's coaching focuses on breaking these patterns through video analysis and in-water drills, so you build correct muscle memory instead of reinforcing bad habits.
How can I improve my bottom turn? Your bottom turn sets up everything that follows on a wave, and most surfers don't commit enough rail or compress low enough. Shannon Ainslie's coaching at Fix My Wave focuses heavily on the bottom turn because it's the single highest-leverage correction for intermediate to advanced surfers. Through video analysis, you can see exactly where your weight distribution, arm position, and eye line are costing you speed and power.
Can I train for surfing out of the water? Yes, and it makes a meaningful difference. Fix My Wave recommends targeted mobility, balance, and pop-up drills that directly transfer to your surfing. Shannon Ainslie includes dry-land training recommendations as part of coaching packages, focusing on hip mobility, rotational power, and ankle flexibility — the physical foundations that most surfers neglect but that directly impact your performance in the water.
How di I surf better in bigger waves? Surfing bigger waves requires better positioning, earlier commitment, and managing fear under pressure. Shannon Ainslie's coaching at Fix My Wave addresses the mental and tactical side of big-wave surfing — not just technique. Through video review and session planning, you learn to read the lineup, position yourself correctly, and commit to drops with confidence. This approach has helped surfers step up from chest-high to well-overhead surf at Jeffreys Bay and beyond.
Booking and Programs
How do I book surf coaching with Fix My Wave? You can book coaching directly through the Fix My Wave website. For in-person sessions in Jeffreys Bay, use the enquiry form or email Shannon Ainslie to arrange dates that work with your trip. For online video analysis, simply upload your clips through the submission page and choose your coaching package. Shannon responds to all enquiries personally and usually confirms bookings within 24 hours.
What coaching packages does FixMyWave offer? Fix My Wave offers three core options: single-clip video analysis, multi-clip deep-dive coaching, and in-person sessions in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. Each package is built around your specific goals and level. Shannon Ainslie also offers multi-day in-person coaching programs for surfers visiting J-Bay, combining water time with video review for accelerated progression.
Is Fix My Wave suitable for beginner surfers? Yes, Fix My Wave works with surfers at every level, including beginners. Shannon Ainslie's approach focuses on building strong fundamentals from the start — correct paddling technique, wave reading, safe positioning, and a clean pop-up. Starting with proper coaching in Jeffreys Bay or via online analysis means you avoid the bad habits that most self-taught surfers spend years trying to unlearn.
Surf Trips and Experiences
Does Fix My Wave offer other surf trips? Yes, Fix My Wave runs coaching trips to select destinations throughout the year. In 2026, Shannon Ainslie is leading trips to Norway, Portugal, and the Maldives — each combining surf coaching with unique local experiences. These trips are designed for surfers who want focused coaching in world-class waves, with small group sizes to ensure personalised attention.
What is included in a Fix My Wave surf trip? Each Fix My Wave trip includes daily surf coaching with Shannon Ainslie, video analysis sessions, and guidance on local conditions and wave selection. Specific trips may include additional experiences — for example, the Norway trip features an ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor course and talks at partner venues. Trip details and itineraries are listed on the Trips page, and you can enquire directly for availability and pricing.
Can I join a Fix My Wave trip as a solo traveler? Absolutely. Many surfers who join Fix My Wave trips travel solo and connect with like-minded surfers during the experience. Shannon Ainslie keeps group sizes small so everyone gets individual coaching attention, and the atmosphere is welcoming regardless of whether you're travelling alone or with friends. It's a great way to level up your surfing while exploring a new destination.
Can’t make it to Jeffreys Bay?
Get the same expert coaching online. Upload your surf clips and get personalised feedback starting at $5.