AIR – ASI Instructor Retreat Asia in Singapore
Posted: 1 July 2026
You're Invited to: AIR - ASI Instructor Retreat Asia - in Singapore 31 October 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 morning speakers and afternoon on-water sessions to experience the local area. Then meet up in the evening for more networking, dinner and evening guest speaker.
Enjoy exclusive 10–30% discounts on training courses running before and after the retreat - gain new skills or certifications !
Plus: ASI members gain free AIR Retreat entry, when you enrol in any ASI training course at the Retreat.
Not an ASI instructor? No problem! Everyone is welcome to attend.
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 9am to 10pm
Location: Bedok, Singapore
Fees
Exclusive Special Member Rate: USD$25 or free if you enrol in ASI training course.
Non‑Members: USD$100
ASI accredited school owners. Free
Included: Presentations, evening dinner, afternoon activities, ASI Tshirt
Enrol:
Click here to complete the enrolment form and payment
Closing Date: 9 October 2026
We can't wait to see you there!
Speakers and Topics
Topic: Becoming a SUP Athlete: Milestones, Challenges, Coaching, and the Journey Ahead
Evening Speaker: Ricardo Haverschmidt, SUP athlete and coach, shares the story of how he developed from an enthusiastic paddler into an instructor and committed competitor with over a decade of racing experience.
He 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 and 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.
Ricardo will also deliver ASI SUP instructor and SUP race training courses before & after the AIR Retreat.
About Ricardo. SUP athlete, from the Netherlands, has built a reputation as a determined competitor who thrives in long distance and multi day events. He 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 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, coastal, downwind, technical coaching, competition racing, and water safety.
Topic: Building Water Skills Pathways: Guiding and Supporting Long‑Term Progression
Speaker Sonya Porter. This session shows instructors how to build clear, sustainable water‑skills pathways from first paddle to confident waterman. Learn how national swim systems structure long‑term development, what surf, SUP and wider watersports can borrow, and how to offer meaningful progression for both beginners and emerging athletes. You’ll also discover simple ways to spot emerging talent early and support their growth without pressure.
About Sonya, is an internationally recognised high‑performance swimming coach and sport leader. Australian‑born and US‑based since 1993, she has coached NCAA Division I athletes and served as a national team coach for multiple countries, guiding swimmers to Olympic finals and world‑level success. From 2015–2025 she held senior high‑performance roles with Singapore Swimming and Singapore Aquatics, supporting leading athletes including Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen. She now leads Swim Affect, specialising in athlete development, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, strength training and integrated performance systems — a uniquely versatile expert shaping elite swimming pathways worldwide.
Topic: Building Safer Systems in Watersports Instruction
Speaker: Will Anido. Standards come first — that’s the anchor of this session. Will Anido will outline why strong, consistent watersports instructor standards, clear governance, and robust risk management frameworks are essential for a safe and professional industry. When standards slip, consequences escalate.
Against that backdrop, he will reflect on the 2021 Haverfordwest tragedy in Wales UK, where 4 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 talk also reinforces a key message for every instructor: our decisions matter. Staying informed & aligned with recognised standards is essential to ensuring safe practices.
About Will Anido, based on Central Coast, NSW Australia is an ASI Master SUP Trainer with over 20 years of professional lifeguarding, elite surfing and international SUP education experience. A pioneer in the sport, he helped create the world’s first global SUP training and safety standards in 2008 and went on to lead instructor workshops worldwide. He is also a seasoned competitor in SUP Surfing and SUP racing including competing in the Molokai-Oahu numerous times. He brings deep technical and competition skill and safety, ocean knowledge and hands‑on coaching expertise to every session.
Topic: Wellbeing in Watersports: Building Health, Confidence and Connection
Speaker: Leanne Bird. Wellbeing is rapidly growing as people seek ways to reduce stress, improve health and build confidence — and water environments are uniquely effective for all three. Surf and SUP instructors can tap into this demand by offering simple wellness‑focused options alongside regular lessons: mindful warm‑ups, confidence‑building language, reflective cool‑downs, and sessions framed around health and personal growth. These small additions help instructors attract wellness‑driven clients and position their services as holistic, health‑enhancing experiences.
Leanne will be delivering the ASI SUP Yoga Teacher Course after the retreat.
About Leanne Bird, is a UK‑based SUP, yoga and wellbeing specialist who blends movement, mindfulness and water‑based adventure into accessible, confidence‑building experiences. She has over 15 years experience delivering SUP, SUP Yoga, fitness and holistic programs, and corporate wellbeing sessions, that help people feel stronger, calmer and more connected, As an ASI trainer with a broad aquatic and fitness background, she’s known for her rounded, practical approach to water‑based wellbeing.
Topic: Water‑Sports Business Essentials: Operations, Diversification & Sustainable Growth
Speaker Craig Fisher, shares his insights on building a business that can grow, adapt and remain resilient over time. Drawing on his extensive work with tourists, local communities, schools, youth groups and corporate clients, Craig will share real-world insights into creating a strong and diverse water-sports operation. His message empowers instructors to harness their strengths, embrace new opportunities and create water‑sports businesses built to last.
Craig will deliver ASI SUP Rescue course prior to the AIR Retreat.
About Craig Fisher, from Margaret River, Western Australia, is an ocean safety specialist with 40+ years in surf lifesaving training and competing, is an ASI SUP instructor & trainer, and expert in SUP surfing, downwind paddling and coastal safety. A lifelong waterman from one of WA’s original board‑riding families, he has decades of experience operating a SUP school business in regional locations.
Topic: Transforming Surf Communities Through Certification
Speaker Michi Sotto, reveals how surf instructor certification is unlocking real opportunities for local Philippines surfers — boosting skills, confidence and careers while lifting industry standards and professionalism. She will 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.
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) has partnered with ASI Philippines since 2008 to deliver internationally recognised surf instructor certification as a key pillar of the country’s Surf Tourism Strategy.
About Michi. Based in Manila, The Philippines, she spent 30 years as one of the Philippines’ top couture bridal designers and is now an accomplished artist. After discovering stand up paddleboarding, Michi became an ASI certified SUP instructor and founded her own SUP school. Her passion for watersports 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.
Schedule / Venue
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.
SCHEDULE:
Saturday. 31 October 2026 – AIR Retreat
9am to 12.30pm: Morning session. Guest speakers
1.30pm to 5.00pm: Activities: SUP, Wellness and other activities
5.45 pm: Evening session. Meet for drinks
7.00pm: Guest speaker and dinner.
10.00pm: Finish
VENUE:
Morning and evening sessions, drinks and dinner are held at:
PAassion Wave @ Bedok Reservoir
911 Bedok Reservoir Road
Singapore 479311
PAssion Wave @ Bedok Reservoir is a watersports hub, with excellent facilities, 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.
PRE-RETREAT MEET-UP:
Friday. 30 October 2026 / 5.30pm
Optional. For those arriving early. Informal meet up.
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.
Training Courses
Level up your learning at the ASI AIR Retreat!
Access exclusive 10–30% discounts on courses running before and after the event. Perfect for professional development and new certifications. Enrol now and lock in your savings.
Schedule of Courses
Friday. 30 October. SUP Technical Coach. 9am-4pm. (1 day)
Friday 30 October. SUP Water Safety Rescue. 1pm-5pm (half day)
Saturday 31 October. ASI AIR Retreat 9am to 10pm
Sunday. 1 November. SUP Wise Ready to Race. 8am to 12pm (half day)
Sunday 1 November. SUP Advanced Racing Clinic. 1pm to 5pm (half day)
Sunday 1 November. SUP Instructor Professional Skills Refresh 1pm to 4pm (half day)
Monday 2 November. ASI SUP Race Coach. 8am-1pm (half day)
Sunday-Monday. 1-2 November. SUP Yoga Teacher. 9am to 5pm (2 days)
Sunday 1 November. SUP Yoga session. 8.30am to 9.30am
Monday 2 November. SUP Yoga session. 8.30am to 9.30am
Tuesday 3 November. L1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) Fasttrack/3 courses. 8am-5pm (1 day) *
Wednesday 4 November. L2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) Fasttrack/1 course. 9am-1pm (half day) *
*ASI SUP Instructor Recertification. Fasttrack course. Tues-Wed 3-4 Nov.
Rescue Courses
SUP Rescue training course. Gain essential rescue skills or refresh your certification—perfect for instructors and anyone looking to boost their safety capability.Delivered Craig Fisher, from Australia. Australian Surf Lifesaving trainer/ iron man competition and ASI trainer.
SUP Water Safety Rescue Award
Friday 30 October 2026 1pm to 5pm
USD$80
Course Information..
ENROL..
Wellness Courses
Delivered by Leanne Bird, from the UK. SUP, yoga and wellbeing specialist known for integrating water environments with accessible health and confidence‑building practices.
SUP Yoga Teacher
Step onto the board, breathe deeply, and learn to guide others into strength, balance, and serenity on the water.
Sunday-Monday 1-2 November 2026 (2 days), 10am to 5pm
USD$345 / Special fee for ASI Instructors USD$275
Course Information..
ENROL…
SUP Yoga Session
Find your flow on the water. Breathe, stretch, and move with the gentle rhythm of the board. Join a SUP Yoga Session and feel your whole body unwind.
Sunday 1 November 2026, Bedok Reservoir / 8.30am to 9.30am
Monday 2 November 2026, Constant Wind East Coast / 8.30am to 9.30am
SGD$ 35
Email ASI for information… info@academyofsurfing.com
SUP Racing Courses
Update your race skills, learn advanced race techniques or become an ASI SUP Racing Coach with these ASI courses. Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt from the Netherlands. Experienced SUP race competitor, ASI Master SUP Coach & SUP Race Technical Expert.
1) SUP 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 1 November 2026. 8am to 12pm
USD$85 / Special fee for ASI Instructors: US$65
Course information..
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2) SUP Racing Advanced Techniques Clinic
For experienced paddlers. Focus on improving your race technique and personalised feedback.
Sunday 1 November 2026. 1pm to 5pm
USD$95 / Special fee for ASI instructors: USD$80
ENROL..
3) ASI SUP Race Coach
Gain your certification to coach others in SUP racing skills.
Monday 2 November 2026. 8am to 1pm
USD$130 / Special fee for ASI instructors: USD$100
Course information..
ENROL..
SUP Instructor Courses - Upgrade Skills
Delivered by Ricardo Haverschmidt from the Netherlands. ASI Master SUP Coach & SUP Technical Expert. And ASI Technical Master SUP expert and SUP racer, Will Anido from Australia.
1) 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. 30 October 2026. 9am to 4pm (1 day)
USD$525. Non ASI Instructor, includes extra modules
USD$245. Special fee for ASI Instructors (holding ASI SUP Instructor L1)
Course Information..
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2) SUP Instructor Professional Skill Refresh
Delivered by Will Anido. For ASI SUP Instructors only. Covering paddling technique with feedback, safety, standards.
Sunday. 1 November 2026
1pm to 4pm (3 hours)
FREE for current ASI SUP Instructors who are attending the AIR Retreat. Course information..
Enrol..
SUP Instructor Courses - New Instructors
These Fasttrack courses, combine online study with a short in‑person workshop.
1) Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) Fasttrack – 3 courses
Tuesday 3 November 2026. 8am to 5pm (1 day)
USD$450 / Special fee if sponsored by ASI School. US$350
Course Information..
ENROL..
This 3 in 1 course for operating at inland locations (L1 SUP Instructor, Rescue, Wise). Option of 2 courses if you already hold a rescue certificate.
2) Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) Fasttrack
Wednesday 4 November 2026. 9am to 1pm (half day)
USD$150 / Special fee if sponsored by ASI School. USD$125
Course Information..
ENROL..
For instructing at coastal locations. This standalone course, for people who already hold ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor certification.
3) Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) Fasttrack – 4 courses
1.5 days. Tuesday 3 November 2026. 8am to 5pm (1 day)
Wednesday 4 November 2026. 9am to 1pm (half day)
USD$550 / Sponsored by ASI school US$450
Course Information..
ENROL..
The Combined 4 in 1 Course provides everything you need to become an ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor to operate at ocean coastal locations. Includes L1 SUP Instructor, SUP Rescue and SUP Wise Intensiv. Option of 3 courses if you already hold a rescue certificate.
SUP Instructors - Re-Certification
Has your ASI SUP Instructor certification expired ?
Join the ASI SUP Instructor fasttrack courses listed above.
Some course requirements waived (see course information).
Activities
Optional: Join us for free on water activities on Saturday afternoon. See the local area .. These are included at no extra cost — simply come along and enjoy!
To be listed soon….
Accommodation
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
Getting There
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)
About the Location
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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