How were you introduced to SUP yoga?
SUP yoga is essentially practicing yoga poses on a stand up paddleboard. I was introduced to SUP yoga in 2012, while in Hawaii, which is where I completed all of my yoga trainings.
What's the key to doing yoga poses (essentially balancing) on a paddleboard?
Because of the unstable surface of the water, it's all about steadying the breath, staying present and focused, and engaging the core and small stabilizer muscles for balance. The more willing you are to let the body move with the water, the more stability you will have.
Describe the first time you did a yoga pose on a paddleboard.
The first time I tried yoga on a paddleboard, I was in the ocean and found it very difficult to stand, but I dropped to my knees and popped up into a headstand! Believe it or not, if you can comfortably do a headstand on land, you can easily do it on the board. This is because your center of gravity is lower, which is why a headstand was easier for me that day, over standing up.
When did you know you had mastered it?
Yoga is called a practice for a reason. It is a personal journey that takes dedication. There is always room for improvement or change and the goal is to accept yourself as you are and where you are, honor your body, and have patience. Taking your yoga practice to the water allows to you to connect with nature, while challenging your skills and learning to go with the flow.
What do you say to someone who says they can't do it?
I am sensitive to the individual's abilities and needs and work closely with them, guiding them toward a level of comfort on the board. The general rule is that if you can stand on one foot on land, you have the ability to balance on a paddleboard and if you can breathe, you can practice yoga. We set our own limitations in life, so release your fears and give it a try! You just might love it :)