Meet the Founder
Matt Grainger
35+ Years of Surfing and Coaching Experience.
Career Highlights
Grew up surfing on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in the 1980s
Competed professionally before transitioning to free surfing, making the cover of Surfing Life Magazine in 1992 and featuring in publications like Tracks and Surfing World. Team rider for Volcom, Rip Curl and O’Neill.
Began coaching at 14, working alongside World Champion Pam Burridge and Mark Warren (former top 5 world tour surfer)
Founded Manly Surf School in 1995 — now one of Australia’s most respected surf schools
High Performance Coach (1995–present) for Surfing NSW, Surfing Australia, and independent athletes
Coached over 30,000 surfers annually through his programs and clinics
Developed elite training at the High Performance Surf Centre, guiding Macy Callaghan to two World Junior Titles 2017 and 2018 and World Tour Surfer
Coached rising stars such as Nathan Hedge, Laura Enever, Davy Cathals, Chris Davidson, Chelsea Georgeson (2005 World Champion) and Ace Buchan
Coached pros like Isabella Nichols, Italo Ferreira, Milla Brown, Kobi Clements, Dylan Moffatt, and more
In 2025, coached Isabella Nichols to victory at the Bells Beach WSL Championship Tour, and to back-to-back wins at the 2023 & 2024 Narrabeen Challenger Series
Trained in movement with experts Ido Portal and Rod Perez
Tested his breath training in big wave surf missions across Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii, Portugal (Nazaré), and Australia
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Leisure Studies and Sport– UTS (University of Technology Sydney)
- Level 2 Surfing Coach – Qualified for over 30 years (Surfing NSW)
- Surfing Australia Lifetime Member
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach – ASCA
- Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – under John Will
- Qualified Apnea Survival Breathwork Instructor – under Jason Rice
Coaching History
Published surf coaching articles focused on technique and hosted podcasts for Surfing Life, with guest appearances on Surf Mastery and The Quiver Cast sharing insights on surfing performance and skill development.
Current Head Coach at Macaronis Surf Resort, delivering elite coaching clinics in one of the world’s best waves
Meet the passionate and professional team at Surfers Compass
Dr Sharron Grainger is a highly experienced medical doctor with over 26 years of practice in general and emergency medicine. Based in Sydney, she works as a dedicated general practitioner while also providing vital fly-in fly-out medical services to rural and remote communities across Australia.
A passionate surfer and advocate for holistic health, Dr Grainger is both a Level 1 Surf Coach and Level 1 Fitness Coach. She is a member of the global network Surfing Doctors, combining her medical expertise with her love of the ocean to support surfers in diverse environments.
Dr Grainger also works internationally at Macaroni’s Resort in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, where she provides medical care in a remote surf tourism setting. Her unique blend of clinical excellence, adventurous spirit, and commitment to community makes her a valued practitioner both at home and abroad.
Felipe Denari is a personal trainer specialized in surfers, blending strength, movement, and flow to elevate performance in and out of the water. As an apnea breathwork facilitator, he helps surfers build lung capacity, mental resilience, and calm under pressure—essential tools for confident wave riding and recovery. His holistic approach bridges athletic performance with mindful control, unlocking the surfer’s full potential.
Qualifications & Education
- Level III / IV Fitness
- Level 1 Holistic Pro Health and Movement Coach
- Level 1 Apnea Survival Instructor
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Oxygen Advantage Master Instructor
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Mat & Reformer Pilates Instructor
Jolie Manza is a movement specialist, yoga educator, and longtime coach at The Surfers Gym with over 15 years of experience in yoga, mobility, and functional fitness. With a background in professional dance and a BFA in Movement Studies, she has trained extensively through many movement proficiencies. Jolie is known for translating complex movement concepts into practical, surf-specific tools that build strength, enhance mobility, and support long-term performance in the water.
Qualifications & Education
- BFA Dance and Movement Studies
- ERYT – 500 Yoga Teacher Personal Trainer (ISSA)
- Certified Mobility Coach
- Certified Pre & Post Natal Yoga Teacher
- TRX Certified
Originating from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Jess Millsom brings over a decade of dedicated experience in the health and fitness industry. Her focus is on optimising movement, facilitating effective rehabilitation, and enhancing performance. Jess is driven by a genuine passion for helping individuals stay active, remain injury-free, and enjoy the benefits of moving well throughout their lives.
Qualifications & Education
- Bachelor of Chiropractic – Macquarie University
- Master of Chiropractic – Macquarie University
- Certificate III & IV in Fitness
- ASCA Level 1 – Strength & Conditioning
- Level 1 Sports Trainer – Macquarie University
- Musculoskeletal Dry Needling – Levels 1 & 2
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation (DNS)
- Member – Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA)
Download Surfers Compass
Your Personal Surf Coach, Anytime, Anywhere
Surfers Compass brings together every element of surf progression — all in one easy-to-use app. From technique and strength to breathwork, surf medical, and mindset, it’s a complete system designed to meet you where you’re at and take you further.
Learn from detailed breakdowns of the world’s best surfers, follow expert-led workouts, and train smarter with tools that build both your body and your confidence in the water.
Whether you’re refining elite-level performance or, chasing your first green wave. Surfers Compass gives you the structure, support, and stoke to keep progressing.
