Introducing Phil Sadler, ASI Trainer and Instructor.

Introducing Phil Sadler, an ASI Level 4 Master Surfing Coach and Trainer, based at Newgale, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Phil has built a career in the outdoors industry that spans over 20 years - as an instructor, trainer and surf school owner of ASI accredited Pembrokeshire Surf School.

He has a background in working at adventure activity centres, as a ranger for the local national parklands, is the Welsh Junior Surfing Team Coach, and trains lifeguards and ASI surfing instructors.

Find out more about Phil’s journey, doing what he loves best - surfing, his passion for helping others and his achievements.

1. What is your background?

I started surfing in 1989 and spent years travelling to as many world class points as possible! started teaching a few kids while working for Billabong in South Africa at the J Bay comp at Supers and loved it. When I got home, I started working through qualifications and jobs coaching Surfing and various other outdoor sports.

2. What got you involved in the sport?

I started surfing around 1989 on the south coast with mates mainly for fun. The adventure of travelling, meeting other surfers and hunting for good waves was the major appeal to me.

3. Why did you become an ASI instructor?

When ASI came to UK I really rated their training resources and coaching pathway with detail at every level, something the others were lacking for a long time.

4. What are you doing now?

 I own and run Pembrokeshire Surf School in west Wales, teaching beginners through to contest surfers, lifeguard training and Instructor training, its great fun!

5. What do you like about being an ASI instructor?

The lifestyle! I also love sharing my passion for surfing and coaching and in particular that lightbulb moment when you help a surfer to learn new turns or how to improve their manoeuvres.

6.  Tell us about something funny or interesting or a nice situation that has happened to you while instructing?

While teaching a group of students from our local college on a multiday course that included usual things like respect nature, take only pictures leave only footprints you get the idea... a member of the public sat in their car at the beach carpark decided to throw their takeaway lunch out of the window, we all saw it and the students looked at me in anticipation of a response. I looked at the car and noticed the windows were all open so quickly grabbed all the rubbish and threw it back in the car saying "take your rubbish home!" at this point I realised the guy looked quite a handful and was potentially going to give me a hiding but.. the students all cheered shouting nice one Phil and so diffused the situation as he realised, I was teaching.

Training the Next Generation of Instructors

Alongside coaching surfers of all abilities and supporting the local surf community in West Wales, Phil also delivers ASI Surfing Instructor workshops throughout the year.

The workshops combine practical coaching techniques, safety management, surf knowledge and instructor skills - helping develop confident instructors equipped to teach safely in real-world surf environments.

With experience coaching everyone from beginners to competition surfers, Phil brings real-world industry knowledge into instructor training, giving participants insight into both coaching progression and working within the surf industry.

Upcoming ASI Surfing Instructor workshops with Phil are held across multiple dates in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Find course information and enrolment details here:

https://www.academyofsurfing.com/find-courses

 About ASI 

ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.