Find the Balance with SUP Yoga on Water

SUP Yoga, which stands for Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga, is a unique and exhilarating practice that combines traditional yoga with the serenity of being on the water. Imagine finding your balance on a paddleboard, surrounded by the gentle lapping of water and the soothing sounds of nature. This fusion of yoga and stand-up paddleboarding offers a refreshing and immersive experience for both beginners and seasoned yogis alike, whilst improving aspects of both your physical and mental health.

 

The additional benefits of yoga on a paddleboard:

Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga is a rapidly growing trend that combines traditional yoga with the challenge of balancing on a paddleboard in water. This practice has gained popularity for several reasons, including its unique blend of fitness, mindfulness, and outdoor adventure.

Core Strength and Stability:

Balancing on a paddleboard engages the core muscles to a greater extent than traditional yoga on solid ground. This helps to build and tone core muscles, enhancing stability, fitness and overall strength.

Mind-Body Connection:

The floating and dynamic nature of the paddleboard adds an extra layer of mindfulness to the practice. Practitioners need to be fully present and focused to maintain balance, fostering a deeper mind-body connection and improving mental well-being.

Low-Impact Exercise:

SUP yoga is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. The buoyancy of the water reduces the risk of injury while still providing an effective workout that increases sup fitness.

 

Why join in on this unique experience?

One of the most enchanting aspects of SUP Yoga is the connection it fosters with nature. SUP yoga is often practiced on open water, such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean. Taking your practice onto the water allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, breathe in the fresh air, and let the natural surroundings inspire a sense of tranquility. As you move through your yoga poses, the gentle rocking of the paddleboard becomes a harmonious dance with the water beneath you.

Increased Focus and Concentration:

The need to concentrate on maintaining balance on the unstable surface of the water enhances mental focus and concentration. This can have positive effects on cognitive function and stress reduction.

Being surrounded by water and engaging in a mindful practice can contribute to stress reduction. The combination of nature, movement, and breathwork can have calming effects on the nervous system and a great exercise for anyone looking to improve their mental health.

Improved Flexibility and Fitness:

Performing yoga poses on an unstable surface challenges the body to work harder to achieve and maintain flexibility. This can lead to improved range of motion and increased flexibility over time.

Paddleboarding itself can be hard and is a full-body workout, and when combined with yoga, it provides a comprehensive exercise routine. It engages muscles in the legs, arms, back, and shoulders; whilst being low-impact so minimises muscle strain and injury.

Sense of Adventure:

Practicing yoga on a paddleboard adds an element of adventure and fun to the practice. Many people find the combination of yoga and paddleboarding to be a refreshing break from the routine of indoor workouts. You can paddle out to beautiful locations you have not been to before and witness sunrises or sunsets while completing this type of workout - an experience like no other. 

Community and Sociable:

SUP yoga is often practiced in group settings, fostering a sense of community and social connection. Many enthusiasts find joy in sharing the experience with others, making it a social and enjoyable activity.

 

SUP Yoga Poses

SUP yoga poses are adapted to the instability of a paddleboard on water, so they often focus on balance and stability. Here are some basic yoga poses suitable for SUP yoga practice:

> Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms by your sides. Ground your feet on the board and engage your core for stability.

> Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Start in a plank position, hands placed shoulder-width apart. Lift your hips towards the sky, forming an inverted V shape. Keep a slight bend in your knees and focus on lengthening your spine.

> Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): From downward dog, step one foot forward between your hands. Rotate your back foot to a 45-degree angle, grounding it on the board. Lift your arms overhead, reaching towards the sky. (shown in image above at sunset)

 

Tips for SUP Yoga Poses:

> Focus on Breath: Pay attention to your breath to maintain balance and a sense of calm.
> Use Your Core: Engage your core muscles to stabilize your body on the paddleboard.
> Gaze Point: Find a fixed point or "drishti" to help with balance and concentration.
> Modifications: Modify poses as needed, and don't hesitate to use the paddle for support.
> Experiment with Waves: Embrace the gentle movement of the water to add an extra challenge to your practice.

 

Safety First!

While SUP Yoga is an enjoyable and accessible activity, safety should always be a priority. Beginners should start in calm, flatwater conditions, and it's advisable to wear a personal flotation device. Experienced instructors can guide you through proper techniques and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It is also important when going out on any type of paddleboard that you check the weather and water conditions too, you don’t want to go out in any strong winds as this will make it a lot harder to practice your yoga, as well as blowing you away from a safe location and possibly off shore. The tide also plays a factor as the pull of water can move your board location on the water, make sure the tide is not moving when you go out and that the wind is low so that it is always safe and easy for you to return to where you embarked from.

Locally to us a fantastic place to practice SUP Yoga is the harbour at Whitley Lake as it is sheltered and not too deep. We recommend going out in 0-12 knots for SUP Yoga and when the wind is a westerly and the tide is either high or low (not when it is going out). Check out our blog for more information - 'Best Wind Conditions for Paddleboarding'.

Always prioritize safety, and if you're uncertain about the conditions, it's better to err on the side of caution. Additionally, inform someone about your plans, including your expected time of return, and consider practicing with a buddy or in a supervised group, especially if you are new to SUP yoga.

 

 

 

In conclusion, SUP Yoga offers a refreshing blend of adventure, nature, and mindfulness. Whether you're seeking a new way to deepen your yoga practice or simply want to enjoy the outdoors in a unique way, give SUP Yoga a try. Find your balance, connect with the water, and experience the serenity that comes from practicing yoga on the open paddleboard.