AIR – ASI Instructor Retreat UK - Cornwall England
Posted: 11 July 2026
You're Invited to: AIR - ASI Instructor Retreat -at Hayle (near St Ives), Cornwall England on Saturday, 14 November 2026.
The AIR retreat is the ultimate global get-together for instructors and others in the industry, to hang out, swap fresh ideas, and grow their professional networks! It is your chance to connect with fellow water sports enthusiasts, share tips, and build lasting friendships.
We’ve organised some inspiring industry speakers and afternoon on-water sessions to experience the local area. Then meet back up in the evening for more networking, dinner and evening guest speaker. A range of training courses are also delivered before or after the retreat-where you can gain new skills or certifications.
Not an ASI instructor / member? No problem! Everyone is welcome to attend.
Location: Hayle (near St Ives), Cornwall, England UK
Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026
Time: 9am to 10pm
Fees:
ASI Instructors/Member - special fee: £25
Non‑Members: £120
ASI accredited school owners. Free
Included: Presentations, evening dinner, afternoon activities, ASI Tshirt
Not Included: Training courses
Enrol:
Click here to complete the enrolment form and payment
Closing Date: 17 October 2026
We can't wait to see you there!
Speakers and Topics
Topic: Aquatic Physical Literacy: Building Safer, More Confident Participation in Water Environments
Evening Speaker: Dora Carolo, presents her new research on applying aquatic physical literacy (APL) to watersports. Physical literacy builds lifelong motivation to be active, yet many people still feel uncertain around water. Dora will show instructors that APL is more than swimming skills, and what instructors can do to support their students: strengthen core skills, build water knowledge, improve environmental awareness and offer sessions that help all participants feel safer, more confident and more willing to stay active in aquatic settings.
About Dora M. Carolo. From Portugal, a researcher at the Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, contributing to aquatic safety and drowning‑prevention research through Surfing Medicine International and the Portuguese Red Cross. She holds postgraduate qualifications in Surf and Performance, a Master’s in Physical Education Teaching, and is an ASI Trainer specialising in rescue training.
Topic: Building Strong Watersports Communities: Coaching, Culture & Connection
Speaker Phil Sadler, draws on 30+ years in surfing and adventure sports to talk about how instructors can build a thriving watersports community. He offers field‑tested insights on community‑centred coaching, instructor development and , showing how these foundations strengthen participation at every level, from beginners in the surf school to club members to elite competitors.
About Phil Sadler: from Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK is an experienced surf coach since 2001. ASI Level 4 Master Surfing Coach, ASI Instructor Trainer, Head Coach of the Welsh Junior Surfing Team, developing young surfers into national‑level competitors. Owner of Pembrokeshire Surf School and active in the local surf club. Holds a Bachelor of Sport Science (Adventure Sports), and is a lifeguard trainer/assessor.
Topic: Wild Water, Real Action: How Watersports Instructors Can Help Protect the Oceans They Love
Speaker Clare Osborn, of Surfers Against Sewage outlines how watersports instructors act as vital frontline defenders of ocean and waterways health, bridging the gap between fostering a love for the water and engaging in community-led activism. The session highlights practical methods for personal and student involvement in protecting wild waters, blending honest insights with hopeful, actionable steps for change.
About Clare: based in the UK, works as the Senior Communities Officer at Surfers Against Sewage, managing national volunteers and leading water protection campaigns. She is also a paddleboard instructor, ASI Blue Health Coach, a contributing author who brings energy and daring to all her outdoor work.
Topic: How Surfing & Watersports Combat Loneliness: What Instructors Can Do
Speaker Liam Ahern, explores how loneliness erodes confidence, fuels anxiety and increases the risk of mental health issues — and how surfing can help people reconnect, rebuild confidence and overcome isolation. Through his own first hand stories, he shows how instructors in any watersport can turn sessions into genuine places of belonging, and why ocean and inland waterways are powerful environments for restoring connection and wellbeing.
About Liam. From Co Cork, Ireland, Liam has over 20 years’ experience at Inchydoney Surf School. He has spent winters teaching in Lombok, Indonesia and Puerto Escondido, Mexico, and is regularly featured in local news and TV for his work in surf education. With six years in mental health support, Liam brings a unique blend of surfing coaching expertise and wellbeing insights from across the world.
Topic: Spot the Signs: Using Simple Data to Read Your Students' Physical Limits
Speaker Dr. Emma Swanwick, discusses how to use simple data to read your students' physical boundaries and safely adapt your coaching. Instructors constantly meet students with tight shoulders, stiff backs, or poor balance. When a client has a physical limitation, "one-size-fits-all" teaching fails. Tracking easy metrics—like a student’s fatigue, perceived exertion, or uneven paddling strokes— reveals what their body can handle. Learn about basic tools like smartphone video and quick beach-side check-ins that can spot physical blocks early, stop guessing, and help every body progress from day one.
About Dr Emma Swanwick: is an elite sports scientist, exercise physiologist, and international coach, specialising in translating complex data into practical, real-world coaching frameworks. Holding an M.Med.Sci in Sports Science, Dr Swanwick has spent decades studying how physical fatigue affects joint safety, has coached Olympic and World Championship athletes, serves as a high-performance consultant internationally, is a university sports science lecturer, and has published numerous peer-reviewed research papers, that focuses heavily on sports science, exercise physiology, metabolic tracking, and biomechanical fatigue in elite athletes.
Topic: Adventure with Purpose: Creating Safe & Memorable SUP & Surf Holidays
Speaker Paul Byrne, discusses how to take your community beyond the local break. He shares practical insights on building unforgettable surf and SUP holidays—blending adventure, coaching, safety, and those magic moments that make a trip truly stick. Perfect for instructors ready to expand their offerings and create travel experiences students will talk about long after they’re home.
About Paul, from Dublin, Ireland, is an ASI Master SUP Trainer with 25+ years in coaching, racing and surf. A physical education teacher, holding numerous watersports certifications and founder of IRISHSUP Dublin, he’s coached thousands of paddlers, represented Ireland at World Championships, and managed the Irish team. He also trains ASI instructors and organises SUP trips around the world, giving students real world experience in varied conditions.
Schedule / Venue
SCHEDULE:
Saturday 14 November 2026 – AIR Retreat
9.00am to 12.30pm: Morning session. Guest speakers
1.30pm to 5.00pm: Activities: SUP, Surf, Bodyboarding, Wellness
5.45pm: Evening session. Meet for drinks.
7.00pm: Guest speaker and dinner.
10.00pm: Finish
VENUE:
The morning and evening sessions will be held at:
The Old Quay House
Griggs Quay, Lower Lelant, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 6JG
www.quayhousehayle.co.uk
The Old Quay House in Hayle is a welcoming waterside inn set directly on the edge of the Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve. Just one mile (1.6 km) from Hayle town—an easy 20-minute walk—it offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping views and abundant birdlife.
The ASI Office is at the Old Foundry, 3-5 Foundry Lane, Cornwall. About 20 mins walk to the Old Quay House, and a few minutes walk to drinks meet up
PRE-RETREAT MEET-UP:
Friday 13 November 2026 / 5pm.
Optional. For those arriving early. Informal meet up.
Salt Bar Kitchen
25 Foundry Square, Hayle, Cornwall, UK TR27 4HH
https://salt-hayle.co.uk/
(just 1 mile from The Old Quay House - AIR retreat venue)
Activities
Optional: Activities available on the Saturday afternoon include:
Surf surfaris to local beaches
SUP tour along coastline
SUP wellness session, land based near water
Training Courses
Schedule of Courses
Friday 13 November: .SUP Technical Coach. 9am-4pm. (1 day)
Friday 13 November: SUP Water Safety Rescue Award. 1pm-5pm (half day)
Saturday 14 November ASI AIR Retreat 9am to 10pm
Sunday. 15 November. SUP Wise Ready to Race. 8am to 12pm (half day)
Sunday 15 November. ASI SUP Race Coach. 1pm to 5pm (half day)
Sunday 15 November. Blue Health Skills for Watersports Instructors. 9am to 4pm (1 day)
Sunday-Monday. 15-16 November. Level 3 Surfing Coach 9am to 5pm (2 days)
Monday 16 November. SUP Tour Guide (Coastal) 9am to 5pm (1 day)
Tuesday 17 November. SUP Surfing Skills 8am to 12pm (half day)
Tuesday 17 November. L3 SUP Instructor (Beginner Surf) 1pm to 5pm (half day)
Surfing Instructor Courses
Level 2 Surfing Instructor
Gain your next level instructor certification teach: improver-intermediate level
Sunday-Monday. 15-16 November 2026.
9am to 5pm. (2 days)
Course information..
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SUP Instructor Courses
SUP Technical Coach
Go the next level in your SUP Instructor career. Learn how to improve individual paddling performance, advanced technique analysis, physiology, analysis, creating training plans.
Friday. 13 November 2026.
9am to 4pm. (1 day)
Course Information..
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SUP Tour Guide (Coastal)
Lead and organise tours 4 hours or more, including overnight tours.
Monday 16 November 2026
9am to 5pm. (1 day)
Course Information
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SUP Rescue Course
SUP Rescue training course. Gain essential rescue skills or refresh your certification—perfect for instructors and anyone looking to boost their safety capability.
SUP Water Safety Rescue Award
Friday 13 November 2026
1pm to 5pm (4 hours)
Course information..
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Wellness Courses
Blue Health Skills for Watersports Instructors
Gain skills to add mindfulness and Blue Health principles to your existing sessions.
Sunday 15 November 2026 (1 day)
9am to 4pm
Course Information..
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SUP Racing Courses
Update your race skills or become an ASI SUP Racing Coach with these ASI courses. Delivered by Glenn Eldridge. An experienced UK SUP race competitor, ASI Master SUP Coach & SUP Race Technical Expert
SUP Wise Ready to Race
For SUP racers preparing for their first event, developing paddlers lifting performance, experienced paddlers competing at any level, and anyone seeking structured race training.
Sunday 15 November 2026
8am to 12pm (4 hrs)
Course information..
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ASI SUP Race Coach
Gain your certification to coach others in SUP racing skills.
Sunday. 15 November 2026
1pm to 5pm (4 hrs)
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SUP Surfing Courses
Update your race skills, learn advanced race techniques or become an ASI SUP Racing Coach with these ASI courses
SUP Wise SUP Surfing Intermediate Skills
Link and perform intermediate level surfing manoeuvres, with control, correct use of paddle, on the one wave, on backhand and forehand.
Tuesday. 17 November 2026
8am to 12pm (4 hrs)
Course information..
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Level 3 ASI SUP Instructor (Beginner Surf)
Gain your certification to teach beginner level SUP Surfing sessions.
Tuesday 17 November 2026
1pm to 5pm (4 hrs)
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Accommodation
The Old Quay House
Griggs Quay, Lower Lelant, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 6JG
www.quayhousehayle.co.uk
Special accommodation price of GBP 130 per night.
Other Accommodation Options
Hayle
If the Old Quay House is booked out, next option is:
White Hart Hotel, Foundry Square TR27 4HQ website
In town only 25 mins walk/ 4 min drive (1.6 miles) to AIR venue (2 mins wals to the Salt Bar)
At other end of town, about 45 mins walk/ 7 min drive (3.4 miles) to AIR venue.
Travelodge, Hayle R27 5DG website
Premier Inn, Hayle TR27 5DG website
Gwithian
10 mins drive away (4.6 miles)
Gwithian Holiday Apartments, Gwithian TR27 5BW website
Red River Inn, Gwithian TR27 5BW website
Camping & Cabins
(10-20 mins drive from Hayle)
Hellesveor Holidays Caravan & Camping - TR26 3AD Camping & Cabins website
Polmanter Caravan & Camping - TR26 3LX website
Ayr Holiday Park - TR26 1EJ Camping & Cabins website
Getting There
CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Excellent value budget airlines fly to Newquay, an international airport.
Newquay: Approx. 38 miles, 40 minute drive to training venue
Exeter Airport: 109 miles. Approx. 1.5 hrs drive
Bristol Airport: 180 miles. Approx 2 hrs drive
London Heathrow Airport: 260 miles. Approx. 4.5 hours drive
You can book a train direct from Heathrow to Hayle. Approx. 5.5 hrs (all one ticket bus to Reading, then train).
Taxi's and car rentals available at airports.
CLOSEST TRAIN STATION:
Hayle Railway Station. Right in town. 30 minute walk to AIR venue at The Old Quay House.
There is a direct train from London Paddington or Reading to Hayle. Approx 5hrs.
CLOSEST BUS STATION:
Foundry Square, Hayle. Right in town.
About the Location
Hayle is a charming port town in west Cornwall, England, nestled at the mouth of the Hayle River where it flows into the stunning St Ives Bay. It’s a place where golden beaches, rich industrial heritage, and thriving wildlife come together in one coastal package.
Beaches & Coastline
Hayle boasts a three-mile stretch of golden sand, starting from the estuary and running north through Hayle Towans, Gwithian Towans, and Godrevy Beach.
These beaches are ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, and long scenic walks.
The dunes behind the beaches are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare orchids and wildlife like adders.
Nature & Wildlife
The Hayle Estuary is an internationally recognized bird-watching site and an RSPB Nature Reserve, attracting migratory birds such as curlews, oystercatchers, and teals. Godrevy Point is also known for its seal colonies and dramatic coastal views.
History & Heritage
Hayle’s industrial past is anchored in its role during Cornwall’s mining boom. The Harvey’s Foundry, established in the 18th century, was a major producer of steam engines exported worldwide. The Hayle Heritage Centre and Hayle Viaduct are key landmarks that reflect this legacy.
Shopping & Dining
The town offers a mix of independent shops, cafes, and larger retailers like ASDA and Marks & Spencer.
Surfing
Gwithian is one of Cornwall’s premier surf destinations. Only 10 mins drive from Hayle. It is a relatively exposed beach break that works year round, with left and right hand waves. Best surf is west-northwest swells and offshore winds from the east-southeast, producing clean, surfable waves—especially in winter, with February offering the most consistent conditions.
The beach is approximately 4 miles long, with white sands, and plenty of space, even on busy days. It is surrounded by sand dunes and rock pools. It’s part of the St Ives Bay Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a stunning backdrop for your surf session.
Gwithian Academy of Surfing, an ASI Accredited surf schools, is located at Gwithian Beach, minutes walk to beach. With onsite changing facilities, rentals and a well stock surf school. Next to the surf school is Sunset Surf Café, a laid-back spot with water views and classic British fare.
Stand Up Paddling
Stand up paddling around Hayle can be conducted inland on the Hayle River or along the coast. A favourite launch point is at Carbis Bay, where you can rent boards from Ocean Sports Centre UK. Carbis Bay is a sheltered, scenic location, ideal to learn or explore the bay itself. If you are more experienced, you can explore the other local bays along the coast including the nearby St Ives Bay. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler, the area offers a variety of SUP experiences that showcase Cornwall’s natural beauty.
Other Local Attractions
Godrevy Beach & National Trust Godrevy: Just north of Hayle, this beach is a surfer’s paradise with dramatic cliffs, coastal trails, and views of the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse. It’s part of a National Trust site with rich wildlife and stunning scenery.
Land’s End: A bit further afield but well worth the trip—Cornwall’s iconic westernmost point with dramatic cliffs, exhibitions, and the famous signpost.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens: Near Penzance, this garden blends contemporary art with exotic plants and panoramic views of Mount’s Bay. It’s a serene and inspiring spot.
St Ives: Just a short distance from Hayle, is a vibrant coastal town famed for its golden beaches, thriving art scene, and charming harbour. Visitors can explore world-class galleries like Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, stroll through cobbled lanes filled with boutiques and cafés, or relax on scenic beaches such as Porthmeor or enjoy breathtaking coastal walks.
The coastal walk from Gwithian to St Ives: is a breathtaking stretch along the South West Coast Path, offering around 15.9 km of varied terrain, sweeping sea views, and rich natural and historical interest.
Start at Gwithian Beach, crossing the sand dunes of Upton Towans, a wildlife haven with rare butterflies and WW2 pillboxes.
Continue past Godrevy Point, with dramatic cliffs and views of the lighthouse.
Walk along the Hayle Estuary, a prime birdwatching spot
Then follow the coast past Porth Kidney Sands, Carbis Bay, and Porthminster Beach before reaching St Ives Harbour.
Surf photos: Gwithian Academy of Surfing
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