Float Like a Lotus
Finding out about SUP yoga
Stand-up paddle boards are an increasingly popular way for people to enjoy the water while remaining upright. SUP, as it’s called, is a more accessible form of surfing, according to Jarrod Covington, owner of Wrightsville SUP.
Given the large size—10 to 12 feet in length—and stability of paddle boards, it might not be a huge leap to see that people have started to use them to practice yoga on the water. Not to say that it’s easy—paddle board yoga is typically not recommended for beginners.
But, for people who are comfortable in their practice and playful enough to not mind falling into the water repeatedly, it can be a way to do yoga while enjoying being out on the water with fresh air, beauty and some wobbling that comes with the territory.
The origin of the sport as determined by YouTube uploads dates back to April 2009. A woman named Dashama floats out on a red paddle board in the Atlantic near Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She is a yoga instructor/fitness spokesmodel/fire dancer/lifestyle expert in a metallic bikini.
Upward dog, downward dog, pigeon, split.
If SUP is a more accessible form of surfing, Dashama makes SUP yoga look like a less accessible form of yoga. Not only for the physical challenge of maintaining balance poses on a moving object, but for the spectacle of looking good while practicing yoga in a swimsuit. The upright aspect of the sport has set a new stage for bodies like Dashama’s.
It’s hard to determine if the sport’s performative aspect has contributed to its quick rise over the past three years. Regardless, SUP yoga classes are now offered on lakes and in coastal regions around the country. SUP yoga instructor certifications are even popping up.
Most SUP yoga practices begin on land, with students warming up onshore or even atop their beached boards to get comfortable. Classes then take to the water, finding a placid spot where boards will not drift too far from each other and where choppy water doesn’t threaten to capsize yogis mid-pose.
Poses are generally the same as those done on land, but any that require the yogi to shift more weight on one side or the other can land her in the water. Even the more centered poses can get a person wet.
“[SUP yoga requires] an intense amount of strength and balance because the water is moving underneath you,” Dashama said.
Advanced yogis might enjoy the challenge and the extra core strength yoga-on-water requires. The practice can preclude the kinds of thought-distractions that can come up at a home or studio practice, since you must be totally focused on getting into fixed positions while on a wobbly board.
SUP yoga is also available at Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville SUP hosts a yoga paddle-out for adventurous yogis on Saturday mornings at 7 a.m.
