AIR – ASI Instructor Retreat in Cornwall England UK

Friday 17 October 2025 – Meet Up for Drinks
For those arriving early.
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, 20 mins walk)

Saturday 18 October 2025 – AIR Retreat
9am to 12pm: Guest speakers
1pm to 5pm: Activities: SUP, Surf, Bodyboarding
6.00pm: Meet for drinks.
7.00pm: Guest speakers and dinner.
10.00pm: Finish

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

Sunday 19 October 2025
ASI  Accredited School owners/manager meet up, updates
9.30am to 12pm.
12pm to 1pm Lunch

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 Salt Kitchen Bar. 

Introduction

The AIR retreat opens with key updates from ASI and recent shifts in the outdoor sports industry. We’ll then review the tragic SUP incident in Haverfordwest, Wales, where 4 stand up paddlers died —and the criminal charges brought against the instructor, what this means for instructor accountability, risk management, and the future of outdoor education. A vital conversation for anyone working in the field.

Topic:  Seasonal Success: Building a Watersport Business That Thrives Year After Year

Guest Speaker: Gina Bradley

Gina will share hard-earned lessons from 15 successful years running Paddle Diva in East Hampton, USA. From launching a women-focused SUP brand to expanding into inclusive instruction, tours and ocean awareness coaching, Gina has built a thriving seasonal business that continues to generate strong revenue and community impact.     

She is the author of Paddle Diva: Ten Guiding Principles to Finding Balance on the Water and in Life, is an ASI SUP Instructor with extensive past watersports instruction experience, including roles as a fitness instructor, windsurfing coach, and PADI-certified scuba instructor.    

Drawing on years of hands-on teaching and business leadership, Gina shares practical, field-tested strategies to help fellow instructors grow and strengthen their own watersport business. Her session blends entrepreneurial insight with a deep commitment to empowering others through paddleboarding and water-based experiences.
Paddle Diva website

Topic: SUP & Surf Blue Health: Mindfulness on the Water

Guest Speaker: James Wittering

Mindfulness has been shown in hundreds of peer-reviewed studies to reduce stress, improve focus, and build resilience. At the same time, growing research in Blue Health highlights the unique psychological benefits of being near or on water.   This session explores how these evidence-based practices can be integrated into SUP and surf instruction, meeting the growing demand for wellbeing-focused experiences. Light, practical, and immediately usable, it’s a chance to see how mindfulness can enhance client wellbeing, deepen engagement, and expand instructional toolkits.   

As a certified MBCT teacher through the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation, ASI SUP technical coach, and owner of Wittering SUP, an ASI Accredited SUP School based at Worchester, England UK, James brings a unique blend of mental health insight and paddlesports expertise to this transformative session.

Wittering SUP website
Wittering SUP Wellbeing

Topic: Building a SUP Club That Lasts: Practical Tips for Community-Led Success

Guest Speaker: Brian Cadwallader

Brian Cadwallader, and long-time paddlesports advocate, shares practical tips for building a successful SUP club from the ground up.

He founded Mid Cheshire SUP (MCSUP) based at Cheshire England UK, in 2012 and the club has grown from one shared board into a thriving fleet and one of the largest SUP clubs in the North West of England.

With a background in international Search and Rescue,  and British Sign Language, and holding multiple ASI Instructor and coaching qualifications, Brian brings a unique blend of leadership, technical skill, and social awareness to the conversation.

He’ll explore how to foster engagement, promote inclusivity, and drive sustainable growth through structured training and outreach.  His session will inspire attendees looking to turn their passion into lasting impact.
Mid Cheshire SUP website  

Topic: Beyond the Board: How Watersports is Changing Lives

Speaker: Kerry Baker

Kerry Baker combines a deep love of the ocean with a commitment to education and fundraising, using adventure to expand access to paddleboarding and support inclusive outdoor experiences.

Her paddleboarding adventures which have become legendary across the UK.  Kerry shares insights from her latest adventure in July 2025,:  a solo SUP journey, paddling 113kms over 3 days, from Lundy Island, North Devon to Barry Island, South Wales, to raise funds for Ysgol y Deri (a large special needs school, for 3-19 years old, with learning, physical and autism related needs).  She’ll also explore how instructors can empower communities, support inclusive education and inspire personal growth.

Kerry is the founder of Island SUP School in Barry, Wales, UK an ASI SUP Instructor Trainer, and holds a BA (Hons) in Primary Teaching with Art.  She is a lifelong ocean enthusiast, competitive SUP athlete, and a teacher at Ysgol y Deri.   Don’t miss this inspiring session from one of the UK’s most passionate paddling advocates.
Island SUP website

Topic: The Instructor’s Edge: Skills That Matter—Wherever You Work

Speaker: Ian (“Freddie”) Warwick

With over 36 years of surfing coaching experience and a career that spans continents, Ian “Freddie” Warwick brings unmatched depth to surf instruction and coaching.  He is based in Cornwall, UK, is an ASI Level 4 Master Surfing Coach, elite-advanced level surfer and trains aspiring ASI instructors across the globe—from Bali to the Netherlands, Taiwan to the Philippines—often navigating cultural differences and language barriers with ease (and a few great stories).

In this session, Freddie explores the core attributes that makes an instructor employable—whether you are in your business or working for someone else.  Drawing from his international experience, he’ll highlight the universal traits that transcend borders and elevate coaching standards worldwide.

Hear practical insights, global perspective, and what it really means to be a successful instructor in today’s surf industry.

Optional: Activities available on the Saturday afternoon include:

• SUP Downwind Foiling

• SUP Tour along the coast   

• Surfing / bodyboarding surfaris

SUP equipment is supplied.  Or you can bring your own gear.

Surfing / bodyboarding – bring your own boards or can be rented from Gwithian Academy of Surfing.

SUP ACTIVITIES

We proud to announce 2 special sessions being led by Glenn Eldridge, ASI Trainer and owner of the ASI-accredited SUP School at Ocean Sports Centre, Carbis Bay.

SUP Downwind Foiling. Gain insider knowledge as Glenn shares expert tips, tricks and guidance on foil setup and equipment. Plus an on-water demonstration by Glenn, giving guests a front-row view of the technique and thrill behind downwind foiling. A 1 hour session.

SUP Tour. Join in a 2 hour tour showcasing the stunning Cornish Coastline. Launching from Carbis Bay and depending on the conditions, visiting St Ives or other bays.   SUP boards and wetsuits provided, or bring your own.

 About Glenn is an accomplished athlete in SUP flat water racing, outrigger canoe, iron man lifesaving and  Olympic level in sprint kayak. He holds a Masters in Sports Science and a PhD in sports.  He is passionate about SUP downwind foiling and over the past 8 years has researched and perfected techniques in this area.

Carbis Bay. The home base for Ocean Sports Centre. Just a short 10-minute drive from the AIR retreat venue, and 5 mins drive from St Ives. Known for its golden sands and crystal-clear azure waters, Carbis Bay offers the perfect backdrop for water sports.

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

CLOSEST AIRPORTS

Newquay:  Approx. 38 miles, 50 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 tick bus to Reading, then get 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. 

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