SUP Yoga
Doing yoga on a stand-up paddle board is not as simple as it sounds, but the rewards are definitely worth it. By Lorna Chapman
Picture yourself sitting or lying in the sunshine on a board floating on a river or a lake. You’re relaxing into its gentle rocking, listening to the water lapping, feeling the breeze on your skin and breathing in the fresh air. Maybe there are wild geese, swans, ducks, or even seals around you. What could be a more blissful start to a yoga practice than connecting with nature in this way?
SUP Yoga is yoga on a stand-up paddle board, ideally tethered on a calm, natural body of water. Moving into asana, practicing on the relative instability of the board, strengthens you, improves your balance and brings you a fresh perspective to familiar poses and enhances your proprioception. Maintaining postures like Warrior I and II may not be as easy as on your land mat; put a foot wrong, and you risk getting wet! You may feel more confident holding a downward dog, with its four ‘paws’ of contact.
Yoga on the water requires extra concentration as the board is constantly moving. As you focus on your asana and breathing, your balance may be challenged by a gust of wind, or the wake of a passing vessel.
Yoga on the water requires extra concentration as the board is constantly moving. As you focus on your asana and breathing, your balance may be challenged by a gust of wind, or the wake of a passing vessel.
Safety first: Water confidence and the ability to swim at least 50m in light clothing is a pre-requisite for SUP yoga. If you are to paddle to your yoga spot, you will need to wear a buoyancy aid. Also, find a teacher qualified in yoga, SUP Yoga, SUP Safety, SUP Basics and First Aid, who will have knowledge about weather and tides.
The board: You can rent boards, but if you’re keen to buy, choose a good-quality inflatable one, 10-12ft long, 32” or so wide and at least 5” thick to maximise stability. Yoga-specific boards are available, but if you want to paddle too, an ‘all-rounder’ is best. Steer clear of longer, slimline racing boards for yoga, as these are less stable.
Lorna Chapman lives in Winchester and has been teaching yoga in Hampshire since 2003 and SUP Yoga since 2016. She also loves to sail and swims in the sea all year round. Find out more: lunayogawinchester.co.uk
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
