Paddleboard Yoga?

I have only tried paddleboarding once, and it did not go well. I don’t know if it had to do with the fact that I was getting on the board whilst in the ocean, rather than off a dock or however else you are supposed to get on a paddleboard. It also didn’t help that my younger brother kept trying to knock me off by rocking the board. Regardless, balancing, even standing-up alone, on a paddleboard is quite a feat. However, I have always heard that it is great exercise so I am more than willing to try it again. This post was inspired by an article I saw on The Huffington Post the other day about Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, aka SUP Yoga. The article was titled 10 Reasons to Try Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, by Jamie Walker, and provides great reason to try the fascinating practice.

Although the practice seems difficult, Walker says “it’s really a great activity for anyone looking to get a good workout, relax and enjoy nature.”

So basically, SUP Yoga is right down my alley. Here are the 10 reasons why we should try the practice.

“1. Find peace: There’s something so magical and peaceful about being out on the water. It’s a great way to find your zen and set your mind at ease. You can truly leave everything you came with somewhere deep in the water beneath you.”

This aspect definitely matters to me. 50% of my practice is intended to ease my mind. I find that nature always helps to clear my mind and get me truly relaxed.

“2. Develop a deeper sense of mindfulness: Because SUP yoga is all about balance, it will help you develop a new awareness of your breath, body and mind. Every breath, body movement and placement of your hands or feet will influence your balance.”

“3. Enjoy nature: One of my personal favorite parts about SUP yoga is that you can truly practice out in nature. You never know when a playful seal or curious bird might pop up near you. Aside from wildlife, you get sunshine, water and incredible views that you can’t get from any yoga studio.”

Nature is so very important to me. I just love being outside. If I go a day without being in the sunshine I feel as though I am losing my charge, so to speak. When I partake in yoga I prefer to be outdoors, immersed in nature so I can fully relax and focus on the practice. Yoga in the studio is not the same as yoga outdoors.

“4. Learn to balance: SUP Yoga is all about balance. If you want to work on your balance, SUP yoga will help you learn where you’re weak and where you’re strong when it comes to your balance.”

“5. Challenge yourself: Yes, it can be challenging to practice yoga on a stand up paddleboard. You can use that challenge to your advantage and deepen your practice. You might be surprised how hard some moves are (Warrior I, for instance) vs. others. Beginners to advanced yogis can benefit from challenging their practice on a SUP.

6. Slow down: We’re always rushing — whether to the office, to pick up kids or run errands — and even sometimes in our yoga practice. Being on the board will naturally slow you down and force you to focus on breath, body movement and balance. It’s a great reminder to slow down your pace and be in tune with your movements.”

“7. Amazing for your core: There’s no doubt about it. Adding SUP to your yoga practice is great for developing core strength. You no longer have the stable ground to help root you, instead you have to engage your core stabilizer muscles in order to maintain your balance and move on the board.

8. No class is ever the same: Nature is unpredictable! Some days are sunny, others might be windy (or even rainy!) and as a result your class and practice will differ each time you do it. Little waves, wind, and even sunshine will bring you to new places each time we practice.”

“9. It’s a great way to bond: SUP yoga is fun! Every class I’ve ever done has resulted in new friends and a lot of laughs.

10. Laugh a little: Sometimes we can all take ourselves a little too seriously; SUP yoga is a great way to get grounded again. When you get on the board, you leave your ego behind and let the practice take you wherever its going to take you on that day (sometimes it might even take your overboard… and you just have to laugh it off!).”

Learn more about this amazing topic by visiting https://namastewithsofie.wordpress.com/

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