I bet you’ve noticed it, maybe you’ve even thought you’d like to try it but you just can’t quite bring yourself to do it. SUP yoga is everywhere these days. If you have access to water and a paddleboard, you too can become a credible water-bound yogi. You don’t have to be an expert or have any experience at at all to give this a try. If you’re not in shape no worries, everybody has to start somewhere. The only thing you need is the willingness to try and something stretchy to wear, even your favourite speedo will do!
If you don’t have a class in your area and you’d still like to give it a go that is fine. All you really need is a little gusto, the interwebs, a paddle board and water. But what if I fall in you say? Well, what if you do? Climbing back on is easy because your base will be so low to the water, just 4 to 6 inches in most cases. You’ll have a refreshing dip and carry on like the bold trail blazer you are.
What do I need?
1. The board
An actual SUP is, of course, essential to this journey. As a rule, paddleboards with wider decks are more stable and therefore will make it easier for you to balance. Look for one with a deck of 30” or more for the most comfortable base to practice. You can also buy an extra-wide specialty board if this is something you think you’ll be doing a lot of. These are definitely nice to have but not necessary, you can still do yoga on a standard width SUP.2. A flow or sequence
The first thing to consider is whether you’ll sequence your own class, follow a sequence you find online, or take a class with an instructor. As Julie Phillips Turner of DoYouYoga says:Less is more on a stand up paddle board. Simple yoga poses are all you need to develop body awareness – taking them on the board just enhances that awareness.
3. Something stretchy to wear
For safety reasons we recommend wearing something that won’t make swimming difficult in the event you do fall in. Spandex workout clothing is fine and if you’re feeling sporty, go ahead and wear your bikini. This is not, however, the best occasion for your baggy Thai fisherman pants. Board shorts and a rashguard like you’d use for surfing are also a great choice, just be sure the shorts let your hips move freely.4. Shoes you don’t mind getting wet
Unless you’re doing this in the pool, you’ll probably need to take your shoes with you. Stow them in your handy cargo net. We recommend flip flops or tevas, something you don’t mind getting wet.5. Basic SUP yoga flow
Imagine all the poses you know and love, now imagine them seated. That is still yoga! Highly modifiable by nature, the beginner versions of many asana are often unrecognisable from their most advanced expressions. This is great news for creating your own flow, even if you aren’t an expert or familiar with the word “sequencing”. If you are fortunate enough to have an instructor nearby, they’ll be able to create a class that is suitable for your fitness level.For a beginners’ flow that will not put you in peril, try this
Firstly, make your way onto your deck however you are comfortable. The majority of your first foray into on-the-water-asana will be seated, so don’t worry about standing up immediately.