AIR – ASI Instructor Retreat Asia in Singapore

The Retreat is based at the East Coast of Singapore.  With the retreat venue, informal meet up and accommodation suggestions within a quick 10 mins drive of each other.   

Saturday. 31 October 2026 – AIR Retreat
PAassion Wave @ Bedok Reservoir
911 Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore 479311

Schedule
9am to 12.30pm: Morning Session. Guest speakers
1.30pm to 5pm: Activities:  SUP, Surf and other activities 
6.00pm: Evening session.  Meet up, network
7.00pm: Guest speaker and dinner.
10.00pm: Finish

PAssion Wave @ Bedok Reservoir is a watersports hub, located within Bedok Reservoir Park, a quiet, scenic water catchment area in the heart of Singapore, surrounded by greenery, open spaces, walking tracks, and recreational facilities.  PAssion Wave are an ASI Accredited SUP,  part of the People’s Association’s, which promotes active, outdoor lifestyles through accessible water‑based activities.

Friday. 30 October 2026 – Informal Meet Up
If you are arriving from overseas or are a local, we’ve organised this informal meet up.
5.30pm
Brewerkz East Coast
At Parkland Green, 920 East Coast Parkway. 

Brewerkz East Coast is a vibrant beachfront restaurant and craft‑beer venue set along Singapore’s East Coast Park. With coastal‑chic interiors and relaxed outdoor seating, it offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for informal meet‑ups and networking. Known for its award‑winning locally brewed beers and a menu that blends modern European, American, and Asian flavours, it’s an easygoing spot to unwind, connect, and enjoy the sea breeze.

More to be listed soon…..

EVENING GUEST SPEAKER

Topic:  Becoming a SUP Athlete: Milestones, Challenges, Coaching, and the Journey Ahead

Speaker:  Ricardo Haverschmidt

Dutch SUP athlete and coach Ricardo Haverschmidt shares the story of how he developed from an enthusiastic paddler into a committed competitor with over a decade of racing experience. Since beginning his SUP journey in 2012, Ricardo has raced across Europe and internationally, including multiple finishes in the gruelling 11‑City SUP Tour, strong results in the Belgian SUP Tour, a Top‑3 national ranking in the Netherlands, and has been a team rider for leading brands.  He reflects on the key milestones that shaped his growth, the challenges he faced along the way, and the memorable moments that defined his evolution as an athlete.

Ricardo also offers an inside look at his work today as a coach, trainer, and co‑owner of a SUP school, where he combines his passion for racing with guiding paddlers of all levels. He shares how these dual roles influence his future — both as an athlete continuing to push his limits and as a mentor supporting the next generation of water‑sport enthusiasts.

Be inspired ! These principles carry across every discipline — no matter which water sport you’re involved in.

About Ricardo Haverschmidt
Is known for his endurance, technical efficiency, and consistent race performances, and has built a reputation as a determined competitor who thrives in long‑distance and multi‑day events.  He holds a degree in Sports Science and brings more than a decade of multisport experience across lifeguarding, skiing, sailing, rafting, canoeing, kitesurfing, and outdoor coaching. A SUP School owner, and a highly qualified SUP coach, holding advanced ASI instructor certifications across flat water, exposed water, downwind, technical coaching, and water safety.

At the AIR Retreat, Ricardo will also be delivering ASI training courses for ASI SUP Ready to Race skills (advanced level), ASI SUP Instructor and ASI SUP Technical Coach courses. 

Read more.. Ricardo’s bio

Topic: Using Data & Technology to Improve Watersports Coaching

Speaker: Sonya Porter

International high‑performance coach Sonya Porter shares insights on how data and accessible technology can transform coaching in watersports at every level — from recreational participants to elite athletes.

Drawing on decades of experience developing Olympic finalists, world champions, and national‑team athletes across more than ten countries, Sonya will demonstrate how simple tools—such as video analysis, wearables, and environmental data—can give watersports instructors clearer insights, stronger feedback loops, and more consistent athlete progression.

Her session will show that you don’t need elite budgets to apply elite methods; you just need the right framework and a willingness to experiment.  

Whether you’re helping beginners build confidence on the water or refining the final one percent for high‑performance competitors, Sonya’s approach makes advanced coaching principles accessible to all.

About Sonya Porter:
Sonya is an Australian‑born, internationally recognised high‑performance swimming coach and sport leader. Since moving to the United States in 1993, she has coached at the NCAA Division I level and served as a national‑team coach for Austria, Argentina, Egypt, Romania, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States. Her athletes have reached Olympic finals, won world titles, and medaled at major international competitions.  

She has also held senior leadership roles in Singapore Swimming and Singapore Aquatics, as High Performance Manager and Technical Director, and contributed to the support team behind top Singapore swimmers like Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen.

Sonya also leads her own consultancy, Swim Affect, where she is widely recognised for her expertise in athlete development, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, strength training, and integrated performance systems. She stands out because she bridges elite coaching, high‑performance management, and international program development.  Few coaches have contributed to as many national teams or worked across such a diverse range of competitive systems, making her one of the most versatile and influential figures in the sport.

Website:  Swim Affect

Topic: From Tragedy to Reform: Building Safer Systems in Watersports Instruction

Speaker:  Tony Lee

The 2021 Haverfordwest tragedy in Wales UK, where four participants lost their lives during a stand‑up paddleboarding session and the lead instructor was convicted for 10.5 jailed for gross negligence manslaughter in April 2025, marked a turning point for the outdoor recreation industry.

This session explores the gaps in risk assessments, decision making, instructor competencies, training pathways and operational oversights.

It identifies how strengthened instructor standards, improved governance, and a culture of responsibility can prevent future tragedies and support safer, more professional practice in watersports instruction.

This talk also reinforces a key message for every instructor: our decisions matter. Staying informed, reflective, and aligned with recognised standards is essential to ensuring safe practice on and off the water.

About Tony Lee
Is a respected Singapore‑based SUP instructor known for his clear coaching style, strong safety focus, and commitment to raising professional standards in the industry.  He holds a Master of Science in Training, a Master in Education Management, scuba, windsurfing and ASI SUP  instructor and trainer certifications, is a technical advisor for SUP safety standards and SUP race events organiser.  He  brings a rare blend of practical expertise, educational insight, and safety‑driven leadership to every aspect of his work.

Topic: Transforming Surf Communities Through Certification

Speaker:  Michi Sotto

Michi Sotto will be presenting “Transforming Surf Communities Through Certification.” As CEO of ASI Philippines, she offers a compelling look at how certification is opening doors for local surfers—lifting skills, confidence, and career opportunities while elevating the professionalism of the entire industry.

The Philippines’ warm waters, world‑class waves, and 36,000 km of coastline have helped position surfing as one of the nation’s fastest‑growing tourism sectors. Recognising this potential, the Department of Tourism (DOT) partnered with ASI Philippines since 2008 to deliver internationally recognised surf‑instructor certification as a key pillar of the country’s Surf Tourism Strategy.

She will also highlight the essential skills instructors need to thrive in the industry—including work readiness, ethics, professionalism, customer service and the interpersonal capabilities that shape safe, high‑quality surf experiences.

About Michi Sotto
Before entering the watersports world, Michi spent 30 years as one of the Philippines’ top couture bridal designers. After discovering stand‑up paddleboarding, she became an ASI‑certified SUP instructor and founded her own SUP school. Her passion for watersports eventually led her to the role of CEO and Licencee of ASI Philippines, where she now champions the growth of both surfing and SUP across the country.

Topic: Stronger on the Water: Instructors Who Train, Teach, Compete

Speaker: Glenn Eldridge

Watersports instructors face a unique challenge: they must stay fit enough to teach safely and effectively, while many are also training and competing at high levels. Long teaching days, repetitive demonstrations, and variable conditions can clash with structured training plans — unless you know how to integrate them.

Drawing on decades of elite performance across SUP, sprint kayak, outrigger, and surf lifesaving, Glenn Eldridge shares practical strategies to maintain strength, prevent overuse injuries, and balance the dual demands of coaching and competition.

This session explores some strength and mobility routines, movement patterns that protect the body, and smart ways to blend teaching loads with athletic training so instructors can stay healthy, perform well, and support their students with confidence.

About Glenn Eldridge
Is recognised for his deep ocean knowledge and his ability to develop athletes from beginners to world‑class competitors. He is an ASI Master SUP Trainer and one of the UK’s most accomplished multi‑discipline watermen. With national, European and world‑level achievements in surf lifesaving, sprint kayak, SUP and ocean ski, he brings more than three decades of elite performance to his coaching.

Glenn owns the Ocean Sports Centre in Carbis Bay, Cornwall UK, where he delivers SUP, outrigger, surf ski and ocean‑based training, and he has trained ASI instructors across the world.   Holding a Masters in Sports Science, he was a college sports science lecturer, former British Olympic sprint kayak squad athlete and long‑time professional lifeguard.

At the AIR Retreat, Glenn will also be delivering ASI training courses for ASI SUP Ready to Race skills (L1 Introduction and L2 Development), and SUP Professional Skills update course.

Read more..Glenn’s bio

Optional: Join us for free activities on Saturday afternoon.  See the local area..  These are included at no extra cost — simply come along and enjoy!

To be listed soon….

Elevate your conference experience!

Enhance your learning with training courses offered just before and after the event. Gain new skills professional development or  new certifications.

Additional fees apply. Secure your place with the enrolment form today!

SUP Instructor Training Courses.   You can enrol in “combined courses” with one enrolment form.

SUP Ready to Race Courses

SUP Ready to Race
Sunday. 1 November 2026. (1 day) 9am to 5pm
A 1 day workshop with on water practical and classroom theory.
Covering Ready to Race - Introduction & Development courses.
Delivered by Glenn Eldridge - ASI Master SUP Coach & SUP Race Technical Expert
Course Information..
ENROL..

SUP Ready to Race Xcel
Sunday. 1 November 2026. (1 day) 9am - 4pm
Advanced skills / theory.
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt - ASI Master SUP Coach & SUP Race Technical Expert
Course Information..  
ENROL..

Wellness

SUP Yoga Teacher
Monday-Tuesday.  1-2 November 2026. (2 days) 9am to 5pm
Delivered by Zoe Lee - ASI Master SUP Yoga Teacher
Course Information..
ENROL…

Update Skills Courses

SUP Technical Coach
Friday. 30 October 2026. (1 day) 9am to 4pm.
Learn how to improve performance covering physiology and techniques.
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt - ASI Master SUP Coach
Course Information..
ENROL….

SUP Instructor Professional Skills Update FREE FOR ASI Instructors
Friday. 30 October 2026. 1pm to 4pm (3 hrs)
For ASI instructors to refresh knowledge and skills. And ASI instructors whose ASI certification has expired.
Delivered by Glenn Eldridge - ASI Master SUP Coach
*Free for ASI instructors who are attending the AIR Retreat
Course Information..
ENROL..

SUP Instructor Re-certification Workshop
Friday. 30 October 2026. 1pm to 4pm (3 hrs)
ASI instructors whose ASI certification has expired.  Attend 3 hour practical sessions plus access to online manuals (update theory). 
Delivered by Glenn Eldridge - ASI Master SUP Coach
Course Information and ENROL..

SUP Water Safety Rescue Award 
Monday. 2 November 2026. 1pm to 5pm (half day)
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt - ASI Master SUP Coach
Course Information..
ENROL..

Level 2 SUP instructor Exposed Waters
Thursday. 5 November 2026. (1 day) 9am – 5pm
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt - ASI Master SUP Coach
Course Information..
ENROL..

For New Instructors

SUP Water Safety Rescue Award 
Monday. 2 November 2026. 1pm to 5pm (half day)
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt - ASI Master SUP Coach
Course Information..
ENROL..

Level 1 SUP Instructor Enclosed Flat Water
Monday-Wednesday. 2-4 November 2026. (3 days)
9am – 5pm
3 courses are required to become an ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor
(SUP Wise Intensiv, SUP Rescue, L1 SUP Instructor)
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt - ASI Master SUP Coach
Course Information.. 
ENROL in all 3 courses.. 

Level 1 SUP Instructor Enclosed Flat Water
Monday-Wednesday. 2-4 November 2026. (2.5 days)
9am – 5pm
Do you already hold a SUP Rescue certification ?
Then you only need to complete 2 courses to become an ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor
(SUP Rescue, L1 SUP Instructor)
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt - ASI Master SUP Coach
Course Information.. 
ENROL in all 2 courses..

Level 2 SUP Instructor Exposed Waters
Monday-Thursday. 2-5 November 2026. (4 days)
9am – 5pm
4 courses are required to become an ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor
(SUP Wise Intensiv, SUP Rescue, L1 SUP Instructor, L2 SUP Instructor)
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt - ASI Master SUP Coach
Course Information..
ENROL in all 4 courses.

With the AIR retreat centred around East Coast, we’ve listed some accommodation options at  Katong.  Where ASI crew are staying, and famous for its Peranakan culture, shophouses, and proximity to East Coast Park.

Within 10 minutes drive of the AIR Retreat Venue at Passion Wave@Bedok Reservoir.  

Sante Grand Hotel East Coast
East Coast Rd

Ibis budget Singapore Joo Chiat

Betel Box Backpackers Hostel.
Joo Chiat Rd.
Bunk bed, dorm.  From $45

Venue Hotel
Joo Chiat Rod

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong by IHG
East Coast Rd

Village Hotel Katong
East Coast Rd

The Snooze Hotel @ Marine Parade

Eastbay Suites @ East Coast

Airport:  
Singapore Changi Airport
Distance to Katong, East Coast - 10km, about 10 mins drive
To retreat venue – Bedok Reservoir  6.7Km about 8 mins drive.  

Closest train MRT station to retreat venue:   
Bedok Reservoir MRT (DT30) on the Downtown Line
Approx. 800 metres (8-10 min walk)

Closest bus station to retreat venue:   
Bus stops like Blk 716 (84629) or Blk 122 (72061) are right on Bedok Reservoir Road
Distance 200-400m (a few mins walk)

Singapore’s East Coast — especially the Katong area — is one of the island’s most vibrant lifestyle districts, known for its colourful heritage, great food, and relaxed coastal energy. It’s the perfect backdrop for a watersports gathering.

Just nearby, Bedok Reservoir offers one of Singapore’s best watersports environments, with calm, scenic waters and modern facilities. It’s home to PAssion Wave @ Bedok Reservoir, a key hub for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Surrounded by the ocean and flanked with palm trees,  it’s the perfect place to get out on a stand up paddle board whether you’re training, exploring, or simply enjoying time on the water.

Although Singapore doesn’t have surf, you can enjoy surfing at Singapore’s popular wave pool. There is surf at Malaysia – onl 4 hour drive across the border, or Bali’s world‑class surf spots a 2.5‑hour flight away.

With year‑round warm weather and top‑tier facilities —Singapore is a natural home for watersports.

Nature All Round

Singapore is one of the greenest cities in the world, and you feel it the moment you arrive. Lush parks, tree‑lined streets, and beautifully designed green spaces are woven throughout the city, earning it the nickname “City in a Garden.”

From iconic spots like Gardens by the Bay and the Botanic Gardens to peaceful neighbourhood parks and waterfront trails, nature is always close by. Even in the heart of the city, you’ll find vertical gardens, rooftop greenery, and shaded walking paths that make exploring both refreshing and scenic. It’s a place where urban energy and tropical nature blend seamlessly.

Temperature

Early March is a good time to be in Singapore.  There is less rain and humidity, expect warm tropical weather with daytime temperatures around 30–31°C, light breezes, and occasional short showers. The water temperature is about 28°C. 

Clothing

Light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a rash guard is ideal for on‑water activities.

In general, Singapore is casual and practical in its dress style. You can wear simple, cool clothing that keeps you comfortable in the tropical heat.

Food Lovers

The East Coast and Katong area is a paradise for food lovers, with some of Singapore’s best food markets and hawker centres just minutes away. Hawker centres — open‑air food courts filled with dozens of specialty stalls — serve incredible local dishes for SGD $4–$8, from laksa and satay to Hokkien mee and Peranakan classics.

Beyond the markets, the neighbourhood is packed with cosy cafés, modern brunch spots, and restaurants offering everything from Japanese and Korean to Italian, Middle Eastern, and plant‑based cuisine. Whether you’re craving authentic street food or a stylish sit‑down meal, the East Coast delivers flavour, variety, and atmosphere in every direction.

Shopping

Singapore is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from luxury malls on Orchard Road to quirky indie boutiques and lifestyle shops in neighbourhoods like Katong and Haji Lane. With beautifully designed malls, great transport, and air‑conditioned comfort, it’s easy to explore global brands, local designers, tech stores, and unique finds all across the city.

Tourist Attractions

Singapore is packed with world‑class attractions that make exploring the city a joy for any visitor. From the futuristic Supertrees and immersive conservatories at Gardens by the Bay to the iconic Marina Bay Sands skyline, the city blends nature and architecture in unforgettable ways.

You can wander through the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), enjoy wildlife encounters at the Night Safari or Singapore Zoo, or spend a day of fun on Sentosa Island with its beaches, adventure parks, and entertainment.

Add in vibrant cultural districts like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, and Singapore offers a rich mix of sights, experiences, and flavours all within easy reach.

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