Photo by TalksOnLaw on Pixabay
Standup paddle board yoga, also known as SUP yoga, is a unique and exciting way to take your yoga practice to the water. It combines the benefits of yoga with the challenge of balancing on a paddle board, creating a fun and invigorating experience. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or new to both yoga and paddle boarding, SUP yoga offers a refreshing twist that will leave you feeling centered and rejuvenated. In this article, we will explore the different poses you can practice on your standup paddle board, provide tips for beginners, and discuss the best paddle boards for SUP yoga.
Getting Started: Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to yoga or paddle boarding, it’s important to start slowly and choose a calm body of water for your practice. A paddle board that is at least 10 feet long and stable is recommended for most beginners. Take your time and focus on maintaining your balance and stability as you move through the poses. Remember, SUP yoga is a meditative process, so don’t rush yourself and embrace the gentle rocking of the water beneath you.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
In SUP yoga, slow and steady is the key. Take your time to move into each pose with intention and focus on your breath. The slower pace allows you to connect with your body and the natural surroundings, creating a peaceful and mindful practice.
Mind Your Mat: Orienting Yourself on the Paddle Board
To maintain stability on the paddle board, it’s important to orient yourself around the handle, which is usually the center of balance. Keep this in mind as you move through the poses, and try to position yourself in a way that allows you to have easy access to the handle. This will help you maintain balance and stability throughout your practice.
Gaze at the Horizon: Finding Stability in Your Focus
One of the common challenges of SUP yoga is maintaining balance. To prevent loss of balance, it’s important to keep your gaze fixed on a point on land or the horizon. Shifting your gaze too quickly can disrupt your balance, so focus on a fixed point to enhance your stability on the water.
Now that we’ve covered some general tips for beginners, let’s dive into the different poses you can practice on your standup paddle board. These poses have been carefully selected to offer a well-rounded and challenging SUP yoga practice.
Poses for Standup Paddle Board Yoga
1. Easy Seated Pose (Sukhasana)
Start your SUP yoga practice with the Easy Seated Pose. Sit facing the front of your board, cross your legs in front of you, and place your hands on your knees. Sit up straight, close your eyes, and take deep breaths, allowing the gentle rocking of the water to soothe and ground you.
2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Downward-Facing Dog is a classic yoga pose that energizes and strengthens the entire body. From a tabletop position on your paddle board, lift your hips up and back, straighten your legs, and press your hands firmly into the board. Take a few breaths in this pose, feeling the stretch in your arms, shoulders, and legs.
3. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Child’s Pose is a resting pose that stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles. From a tabletop position, sink your hips back onto your heels, bring your forehead to the board, and extend your arms in front of you or let them rest on the sides of the board. Take this opportunity to connect with your breath and find a sense of calm.
4. Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana II)
Warrior 2 is a powerful pose that builds strength and stability. From a standing position on your board, step your right foot forward, bend your right knee, and extend your arms out to the sides. Keep your gaze focused ahead and engage your core for balance. Take a few breaths in this pose, feeling the strength and grounding energy it brings.
5. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Bridge Pose is a backbend that opens the chest and strengthens the legs. Start by lying on your back with your sacrum on the handle of the board. Bend your knees, place your feet on the board, and lift your hips toward the sky. You can interlace your hands beneath your back for support and lift one leg at a time for an added challenge.
6. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Finish your SUP yoga practice with Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose. Lie flat on your back with your arms and legs relaxed, palms facing up. Close your eyes and allow your body to completely surrender to the water beneath you. Take this time to reflect on your practice and soak in the serenity of the surrounding environment.
Choosing the Right Paddle Board for SUP Yoga
When it comes to choosing a paddle board for SUP yoga, there are a few things to consider. Look for a board with extra large, smooth traction pads that provide stability and grip. A wider, all-around board is generally better suited for SUP yoga than a narrow race board. Inflatable paddle boards are a popular choice for SUP yoga due to their portability and durability. They offer the feel of a hard board once inflated and can easily fit into a travel backpack for convenience.
Conclusion
Standup paddle board yoga offers a unique and exhilarating way to connect with your body, mind, and the natural surroundings. By practicing yoga on a paddle board, you can challenge your balance, strength, and focus while enjoying the serenity of the water. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to both yoga and paddle boarding, SUP yoga is a practice that can be adapted to suit your skill level. So grab a paddle board, find your balance on the water, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace with SUP yoga. Namaste!
