If you’re serious about levelling up your surf game, Surf Training Week at the Spice Trail is where it happens. This is not your typical surf camp where you're fighting for waves and a distracted coach’s attention alongside 27 beginners, leaving the pros grumbling in the lineup and local fisherfolk put off. Nope. This is a tailored, no-nonsense surf training program designed to break those bad habits and help you build new ones, taking your surfing to the next level; open only to serious surfers and limited to small groups of 3.
And it’s all led by Shannon Ainslie—a guy who’s not just any surf coach, but a legend. We’re talking double-shark-attack survivor, Norwegian National Team coach, and a man with over 20 years of surf experience. He’s trained pros and even a world champ, so yeah, he knows his way around a wave. Pair that with the comfort of the Spice Trail resort, where your food, stay, and even therapy massages are taken care of, and you've got the ultimate week for upgrading your surf skills without worrying about a thing.
When it comes to surfing, the key isn't just to train hard, but to train smart
And that’s exactly what Surf Training Week at the Spice Trail is all about. Tailored specifically for mid-level and advanced surfers, this program is designed to push you past plateaus by honing the finer details of your technique. We’re talking about making real progress, not just working yourself into the ground.
What sets this training apart is the level of expertise behind it. Shannon Ainslie isn’t your average surf instructor. He’s a world-class coach who’s spent over 20 years helping surfers refine their skills, including pros like ISA Longboard World Champ Steven Sawyer and Billabong Team Rider Emma Smith. Both have praised him not just for his physical training but for the mental tools he provides, which help in everything from competing to staying grounded in the lineup. And let’s be real, if a guy can survive a double shark attack and come out of it coaching at the highest level, he’s clearly got something special to offer.
The value of Shannon’s coaching lies in its personal touch. You’re not just another face in a soup of beginners. This training is done in small, carefully matched groups, which means you get guided surf sessions with individual attention. Each session is recorded, and that’s where the magic happens; using video analysis, Shannon will break down your technique, pointing out exactly what’s holding you back and how to fix it. Whether it's bad habits like missing key sections of the wave or lacking consistency in your turns, you'll get clear, actionable steps to improve.
This kind of precision coaching is especially valuable for surfers who’ve already mastered the basics but want to push themselves further. If you're an intermediate surfer comfortable with head-high waves but looking to add more variety to your turns, or if you're an advanced surfer aiming to nail those critical sections with power and style, this program is made for you. Shannon’s approach helps you navigate everything from barrel riding to advanced maneuvers like tail blows, reverse 360s, and even airs. It’s all about reaching that next level, whether you’re prepping for competition or simply looking to sharpen your game.
In short, this isn't your typical surf camp. It’s a high-level training program that caters to surfers who want to make serious progress. With a pro like Shannon guiding you, you're not just surfing harder—you’re surfing smarter.
It’s all about the balance; cloud-soft pillows, great food, nature’s greatest hydration elixir and did somebody say massages?
At the Spice Trail, we know that focused surf training paired with some carefully chosen comforts is an optimal balance for success—and fun. That’s why the Spice Trail Surf Training Week includes everything you need to stay healthy, focused, and in just the right amount of cushiness. We’re talking 7 nights in large AC rooms with king-size beds (extra beds if you have minions tagging along), sinking into cloud-soft pillows, skylights to catch those equatorial skies and even some suites with private gardens; you’re surrounded by lush greenery, with a pool across the lawn, and some damn good food—what we call the Spice Trail good life.
We’ve taken care of the essentials to keep you going strong during the week. Daily meals are part of the deal: 7 breakfasts, 6 light lunches, and 6 dinners paired with a glass of wine or beer—because what’s training without some little delights? And yes, there are unlimited coconuts—the most potent natural hydrant you find in the tropics—to keep you hydrated and full of electrolytes while staying cool.
Drumroll for this one; the Spice Trail sports recovery massage. Part of the training week is this focused therapy by our in-house certified therapist to release tension and break down knots, restoring your tired muscles head to toe. Add high-speed internet to this mix (no, you won’t be stuck waiting for that surf report to load) and you’ve got everything you need to focus on your surf, recover in comfort, and still enjoy a few well-deserved pleasures along the way.
Right for the surfers, right by the local circles, right for the coast; a carefully thought-out offer we took time to build
The Spice Trail has been around for over a decade, but we didn’t just jump in with a surf camp for the sake of it. Instead, we took the time to look at the impact of overcrowded surf camps and what unqualified coaches mean for local surf culture—and for everyone else in the water. We’ve all seen how these packed beginner camps can cause chaos: injuries for surfers, disruptions for local fisherfolk, overcrowding on beaches, and, of course, the environmental toll. Not our style.
We wanted to do things right. So we waited to find the right partners—local and international surf coaches who’d not only teach skills but also add genuine value to the local surf community; someone like Shannon Ainslie, who truly respects the surf and can help mid-level and advanced surfers go further without creating chaos in the lineup. This approach reflects what we believe at Spice Trail, and it's a conversation we dug into with Podi Scene, the surf documentary we funded and produced alongside an incredible team. Through this film, we brought out the depth and history these beaches hold, the real connection local surfers have to their home breaks, and the meaning of a surf culture rooted in respect—for history, for community, and for the health of our ocean. This Spice Trail Surf Training Week is an extension of that commitment to build a healthy surf culture here in Sri Lanka. We’re also sponsoring this training week for some promising young surfers we've chosen with local pros. It’s our way of ensuring that the next generation of surfers is well-prepared to honour and protect these coasts for years to come. So, it isn’t just about helping you improve; it’s a carefully crafted experience that ties into our bigger responsibility, and yours as a member of the global surf family.
What’re you waiting for?
The Spice Trail’s Surf Training Week has all bases covered, from solo surfers and pairs to families with kids. With rooms designed for restful nights and amenities built around your needs, you’ll have everything to stay focused on your goals—and still enjoy a true holiday. Reach out now to inquire or book your spot, and let us take care of the rest so you can focus on mastering those waves. Ready to level up your surf game with the support of an experienced coach, a tailored training program, and a place that gets just how to balance learning and comfort? You know what to do.
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