Stand up paddle board yoga (or SUP yoga as it’s known to many) is all the rage. As summer transitions to fall here in the northeast I’m trying hard to keep the highlights of summer vacation front and center. One of those highlights was learning to use and ultimately practice yoga on a stand up paddle boards. If you’re new to paddle boarding and paddle board yoga the wheel pose in this photo might look daunting, but with a little practice I promise you it’s not.
What is Paddle Board Yoga?
Paddle board yoga is a combination yoga on a paddle board and yes, you’re in the water. It’s a kick ass core workout since you have to use those ab muscles for balance on top of a paddle board while getting into various yoga poses.
This summer I spent a lot of time paddle boarding and fell in love. The boards we have are very stable and have a cushy mat that makes standing and practicing yoga very comfortable. I know you’re thinking how can you possibly do yoga on a thin paddle board without capsizing? That’s part of the fun. It’s important to let go of the fear that you might and very well could fall in the water. The risk of tipping is always there that’s why holding those ab muscles in is so important for stability.
Here are a few reasons to add stand up paddle board yoga to your “must try’ bucket list.
- You’re practicing yoga outside, in the water. Nough said. Really, how cool is that?
- It’s for everyone. Honest. From beginners to advanced yoga practitioners there’s a pose for each of us. If you’re not initially comfortable standing on the board you can sit or kneel-perfect segue into cat or cow pose. Over time and once you find your balance standing postures become second nature.
- Stand up paddle board yoga encourages the practice of letting go. When you’re practicing yoga on the water there’s little to control. A wave or current could hit at any moment, tossing you into the water. Then comes the realization that there’s no perfect yoga practice and each is unique.
- Every pose is a whole new challenge. The muscles you’re used to working on land are still working, but your core has to kick in for stability. Think about lying on the board for shavasana and letting your hands touch the water listening to all the sounds the water has to offer.
- If you fall you get wet. It’s easy to get back on the board and try again. Hopefully you’ll be laughing and dripping all in the name of fun.
Have you tried stand up paddle board yoga? Let me know if you have or if you’re up for the challenge.