Last weekend, I did SUP yoga for the second time! Paddle boarding itself can get a little boring so I'd suggest doing SUP yoga to get the best of both worlds! If you ever have trouble focusing in a traditional yoga class, SUP yoga really puts it into perspective. If you're distracted, there's a chance you might fall in :)
Class Structure
A SUP yoga class is generally 1.5 hours and you'll be able to spend time paddling and doing yoga. You'll spend 15 minutes paddling to the marina where you'll take your yoga class. The class is about an hour and the instructor guides you. Most of the asanas have balanced support (child's pose, downdog, updog but sun salutations get tricky!). After warming up, there will be some time to play around and you can try out certain poses (pigeon, forearm headstand, and if you're very ambitious - tree!). Then you'll start to wind down into restorative poses and end with savasana. My favorite is savasana, on the water with the waves, with the sun shining in your face and the cool breeze all around you!
Tips
- Wear bathing suits, dry fit clothing - anything that will allow you to dry off quickly
- Go to class early! It takes time to set up
- Don't bring your favorite sunglasses, they will sink if you fall! But sunglasses are HIGHLY recommend
- My preference is to take a morning class so you can cool down right before it gets too warm
- Your teacher is the photographer! No need to bring your phones
- We don't wear life vests, but instructors are usually life guards and you'll fall right next to the paddle board
- Think about some of your favorite poses to do so you can try them out!