AIR – ASI Instructor Retreat UK - Cornwall England

SCHEDULE

Saturday 26 September 2026 – AIR Retreat
9am to 1.30pm: Guest speakers
1.30pm to 5pm: Activities: SUP, Surf, Bodyboarding
6.00pm: Meet for drinks.
7.00pm: Guest speaker and dinner.
10.00pm: Finish

Friday 25 September 2026– Optional Informal Meet Up for Drinks
For those arriving early.
TBA

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

TBA

Optional: Activities available on the Saturday afternoon include:

TBA

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

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. 

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