The benefits of SUP Yoga

©Emmanuel Berthier

Have you experienced the joys of SUP yoga? Do you want to but have something that’s holding you back? Here are some tips to get you started!

Is it difficult to stay focused? How do you avoid falling in the water? Is it even fun? These are some of the questions that may be running through your mind when thinking about SUP yoga. Don’t worry, feeling hesitant or skeptical is completely normal but once you’re out in the water, your fears will quickly melt away.  

No need to be a professional paddle boarder or a master yogi, SUP yoga is something anyone can do! In addition to being fun, SUP yoga is a good workout that comes with a whole host of proven health benefits. 

Yoga provides internal balance and deep relaxation while standup paddling engages your back, shoulders, arms, and core. The two practices are complimentary—doing yoga atop a SUP is an added challenge that will help improve your overall well-being and health.

Still need some persuading? Here are some of the benefits of practicing SUP yoga—all that’s left for you to do is grab a paddle and go. 

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR INNER SELF

Serenity, relaxation, and connecting with the environment: the pluses of land yoga are equally applicable to SUP yoga.

Enjoy discovering a new range of sensations by taking up your yoga positions while balancing atop your paddleboard.

Take some time out for yourself, free from distractions. Yoga helps you learn to manage your stress and your breathing, allowing you to free your mind and fully relax.

You feel aligned, re-centered, and at peace. What better way to recover from or prepare for a busy day?

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

Practicing yoga outdoors to the rhythm of the water creates a unique atmosphere and gives you a whole new set of sensations—the waves lapping against your board, the feel of the wind, the sounds of wildlife all around, and the sun on your skin.

The movement helps you to deeply relax and creates the feeling of being rocked to sleep. Can you imagine a more peaceful setting?

IMPROVING YOUR PHYSICAL CONDITION

With SUP yoga, you will improve your muscle strength, even the deepest muscles get a workout. Practicing yoga on a less stable surface forces you to work on your balance, your flexibility, proprioception, and your core strength.

You’ll notice progress after just a few sessions, and it will become easier each time you practice. As you improve, you can challenge yourself with new, more demanding yoga positions. Use your imagination; the possibilities are endless.

ENJOY THE MOMENT

The most important thing in SUP yoga is to enjoy yourself and be in the moment, regardless of your level or goals. It’s an opportunity to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends while getting in a good workout.  

What’s the worst that can happen? You could fall in the water? A quick dip will be refreshing and is a sure way to spice up your session. Try not to take yourself too seriously and fully immerse in the experience. 

READY TO GIVE IT A TRY?

To get started, all you need is a wide, stable SUP board, a paddle, a leash, and a PFD. You’ll also want to wear something that will keep you warm and that you don’t mind getting wet (in case you fall in).

To set yourself up for success, find a calm body of water to practice on. If you don’t feel comfortable going on your won, seek out a coach or a trainer to show you the ropes.