Returning to Jeffreys Bay: Surf Coaching, Retreats, and the Next Wave of Growth
- Shannon Ainslie
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Why I’m Moving Back to Jeffreys Bay (And How It Can Take Your Surfing to the Next Level)
After years of living in Norway, surfing Arctic waves, and coaching surfers across the globe, I’m heading back to where it all began—Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.
This decision isn’t just about geography. It’s about going deeper into my purpose as a surfer and a coach, reconnecting with my roots, and creating even more powerful experiences for the global surf community I’ve been building.
Why Jeffreys Bay?
If you’ve surfed JBay, you already know—it’s one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world. I grew up in South Africa and lived in JBay before my move to Norway. After traveling to 34 countries, surfing and coaching in all kinds of conditions, I can honestly say: Jeffreys Bay still holds my heart.
It’s not just the waves. It’s the culture, the food, the familiar faces, and that deep sense of home. And after years away, I’ve felt the pull stronger than ever—it’s time to go back.
What’s Changing (And What’s Not)
I’m relocating my base to JBay, and with that, I’ll be running surf retreats, private coaching, and local surf sessions from one of the most wave-rich coastlines on the planet. Whether you’re looking to dial in your technique or just experience long, reeling waves under expert guidance—this is for you.
But this doesn’t mean I’m leaving Europe behind.
Global Surf Retreats Continue
I’ll still be hosting surf coaching retreats in Norway (my second home) and Portugal, as well as continuing long-standing coaching collaborations in Taiwan.
And something I’m especially excited about—I’ve teamed up with Renegade Travel to offer boat charter surf retreats in the Maldives. These are high-end, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that combine perfect waves with deep coaching immersion.
Online Surf Coaching & YouTube Tutorials
Not everyone can travel—and that’s where my online coaching programs come in. I work with surfers all over the world through video analysis and tailored training plans to help them improve their technique, speed, power, and flow—no matter where they surf.
To support this, I’m continuing to grow my YouTube channel:
Surf Tutorials – Short, actionable breakdowns on key techniques like speed generation, paddle power, and positioning.
POV RAW Surf Clips – GoPro footage of me riding incredible waves, showing real-time line choices and style.
Exploration Missions – The occasional wild surf trip in South Africa, chasing hidden gems and remote breaks.
Why This Matters for You
Wherever you’re at in your surfing journey, this next chapter means more access, more coaching opportunities, and deeper support:
In-person retreats and sessions in world-class waves
Online coaching from anywhere, fully personalized to your goals
Free content on YouTube to keep progressing between sessions
A global community of like-minded surfers committed to growth
Let’s Surf Together
If you’ve been thinking about taking your surfing to the next level—whether that’s finally learning to generate speed, mastering cutbacks, or finding more flow—now’s the time.
Check out www.surfcoach.no to see upcoming retreats, book coaching, or reach out directly. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel or follow me on Instagram or TikTok @shannonainslie.
Big changes. Bigger waves.
Let’s ride this new chapter together.

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