Join Kassia Meador & Laure Mayer

All Girls - Surf Improvement Retreat

Dates: 5–13 November 2026

Location: Maldives aboard the 90ft liveaboard Handhu

Overview: Spend 8 nights in the Indian Ocean refining your surfing with two highly respected female surfers. This retreat blends personalised coaching, guided sessions, video analysis + land camp theory, and downtime for recovery and exploration — all from the comfort of Handhu, a spacious, newly refurbished boat designed for surf charters.

Host Profiles

Kassia Meador

Originally from California, Kassia Meador is widely regarded as one of the world’s most stylish and technically accomplished longboard surfers. Renowned for her effortless flow, refined footwork, and deep understanding of wave dynamics, Kassia brings a rare ability to translate subtle technique into immediate and lasting improvement.

Her guidance focuses on trim, timing, positioning, and board control—small adjustments that deliver outsized gains in confidence and performance. For longboarders in particular, Kassia’s insights can be transformational. With the right conditions and application, guests often find themselves confidently walking the board—and in some cases placing both feet over the nose—by the end of the retreat.

Kassia travels globally hosting surf retreats and has built a strong international following, meaning her retreats consistently fill very quickly. Surfers value not only her world-class credentials, but also her calm, intuitive approach and ability to help riders unlock their full potential.

Laure Mayer

Laure Mayer is a French surfer now based in Byron Bay, Australia, where she balances life between surfing, creative work, and global travel. Alongside her time in the water, Laure manages her own surfwear label and travels extensively to film her acclaimed YouTube series, People of Surfing, which explores surf culture, personal stories, and authentic connections within the global surf community.

Laure brings extensive experience hosting IslandHop Maldives retreats, having previously led multiple successful trips—including collaborations with Josie Prendergast. Her deep familiarity with Maldivian surf zones, liveaboard travel, and group dynamics makes her a natural host. Laure is known for creating an inclusive, relaxed atmosphere that allows guests to settle quickly into the rhythm of boat life, connect with each other, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

A Proven Partnership

This retreat marks Kassia and Laure’s second IslandHop Maldives retreat together, following a highly successful inaugural collaboration. The blend of Kassia’s world-class technical insight and Laure’s global surf perspective has proven to be a powerful combination. Several participants from their previous retreat were so impressed that they have already committed to returning, a strong endorsement of the experience delivered.

Together, Kassia and Laure offer an inspiring, highly sought-after hosting partnership—perfectly aligned with IslandHop Maldives’ philosophy of meaningful surf progression, authentic travel, and unforgettable time in the water.

Who this retreat is for

• Intermediate to advanced surfers who already catch unbroken waves and want measurable improvement.

• Surfers seeking thoughtful coaching, personalised feedback and a supportive group environment.

• Those who want to combine surf improvement focus with comfortable liveaboard living and time to relax between sessions.

What’s included

• What’s included

  • 8 nights’ accommodation aboard Handhu  (6 x share twin cabins).

  • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages onboard (fresh, locally inspired cuisine).

  • Daily surf transfers to breaks suited to local conditions and group ability.

  • Surf Improvement tips with Kassia & Laure

  • 2 x in-depth video analysis + land camp session

  • Use of onboard yoga and recovery spaces; basic fitness sessions.

  • Airport transfers to and from the meeting point as scheduled.

  • Surf equipment storage and basic repair materials. (Board rental available on request for an additional fee.)

  Why choose this retreat

  • Exceptional coaching team combining technical refinement and surf -confidence boosting

  • Small group size to ensure focused attention and meaningful progression.

  • The Handhu offers a comfortable, practical base tailored to surf charters — freshly refurbished for 2026 with modern amenities and communal spaces.

  • Surfing in the Maldives offers a variety of reef breaks that reward improved positioning, timing and flow

Why choose this retreat

• Exceptional coaching team combining technical refinement and performance strategy.

• Small group size to ensure focused attention and meaningful progression.

• The Handhu offers a comfortable, practical base tailored to surf charters — freshly refurbished for 2026 with modern amenities and communal spaces.

• Surfing in the Maldives offers a variety of reef breaks that reward improved positioning, timing and flow.

Practical information

• Dates: 5–13 November 2026 (arrive prior to the first morning session; departure after final morning unless otherwise arranged).

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced surfers only.

• Group size: Limited to keep coaching personalised — enquire early to reserve a place.

• Price: US$4250 per person (only 10 spaces available)

  How to book:

• Step 1: PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM BELOW for assessment by Kassia & Laure (only 10 spaces available)

• Step 2: If your application is accepted, you will be sent a private link with all the booking details. A 25% deposit will be required to secure your booking with final balances due 60 days prior to travel

Prepare to progress This retreat is built for surfers who want real improvement — hands-on coaching, detailed analysis and the chance to practise in world-class tropical breaks. Join Kassia Meador and Laure Mayer this November for 8 days of good waves, fun times and plenty of time to chill & rejuvenate on the beautiful Handhu.

Please complete the application below if you are interested in joining this ‘Premium Retreat’.