You’re not alone in wondering why someone would choose to do yoga on a shaky surface like a stand-up paddleboard. After all, isn’t it difficult enough to maintain those poses on solid ground?
It’s a common question, but as you’ll discover when you give it a shot, doing yoga on a paddle board isn’t as difficult as it appears, and it even provides opportunities that a land-based practice doesn’t. SUP yoga can be a fun way to connect with nature while also invigorating your yoga practice.
In this article, we will look at:
- SUP yoga is popular for a variety of reasons, including having fun, experiencing nature, and practicing mindfulness.
- Preparing for SUP yoga: You’ll need the essentials, such as a board, paddle, leash, and PFD, as well as an anchor.
- SUP yoga tips and poses: Some poses on a paddle board are easier than others, and knowing a few helpful tips will set you up for success on your first outing.
Why Do SUP Yoga?
Yoga and stand-up paddle boarding may appear to be an odd combination at first. However, there are numerous reasons why people enjoy practicing yoga on the water. Aside from having fun with friends or enjoying some quiet solitude on the water, there are a few other advantages: You can also get more details on yoga paddle board at My Kayak Guide.
To get a different type of workout: Doing yoga on a SUP engages muscles that you may overlook when practicing on land.
To develop mindfulness: Practise yoga on a wobbly board, which forces you to be very present and intentional with all of your movements.
To foster a beginner’s mindset, try the following: If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, you might be doing a downward-facing dog for the thousandth time. Even experienced yogis, however, can learn something new from simple poses, and approaching your yoga practice with the engaged and curious mind of a beginner is a good way to do so. SUP yoga is a great way to keep a beginner’s mindset because it adds a new challenge to your yoga smihub.
Gear for SUP Yoga
You’ll need the same equipment as you would for a typical day of paddling, which includes:
SUP (stand-up paddle board): There are a few boards designed specifically for SUP yoga, but almost any wide, stable board with a flat deck will suffice. A board with soft, cushy deck padding that extends toward the nose and tail of the board is beneficial. This will make it easier to hold poses. Find out more about selecting a SUP.
Paddle: Any SUP paddle will suffice; just make sure it’s the right size for you. While doing yoga, simply place the paddle perpendicular to your board and near the nose. You can also use a coil leash to wrap it around your paddle a few times and then let it float behind you in the water. Secure the hook-and-loop strap to the shaft with a non-coil leash. The leash will keep the paddle from escaping. Find out more about SUP paddles.
Leash: A leash, which is usually sold separately from the board, tethers your SUP to you, keeping the board close by if you fall off. For SUP yoga, use the leash while paddling out from shore and then remove it once you’ve anchored your board. If you don’t anchor your board, keep the leash on so it doesn’t escape if you fall off.
Personal flotation device (PFD): You must have a PFD with you at all times while on the water. Wearing a PFD is always a good idea, but the Coast Guard only requires adults to have one on board (different rules apply to children, so check your state’s PFD laws). If you must wear one, choose a low-profile and compact inflatable PFD that will not interfere with your yoga practice.
