If you are an experienced paddle boarder, it is fun to take on a new challenge on the board. SUP Yoga is getting really popular amongst paddle boarders because it brings an extra element to the sport and combines the relaxation of yoga with practicing core strength and stability.
Vicky Aubry from Gatineau (@coeurs.de.bois) started to do yoga 3 years ago to feel better mentally and physically. It helped her body immensely after giving birth to her son. When summer came around, she combined yoga with paddle boarding and this became her passion. Now, every summer you can find her on the Quebec lakes in downward dog on her SUP. Her happy place. In this blog, Vicky is sharing 3 beginner SUP YOGA poses (including photos) that you can try on your Silver Shark Yoga Board!
best 3 BEGINNER SUP YOGA poses
lotus pose
How to get into the Lotus pose on a paddleboard
Sit on the center of your paddle board (carry-handle) and cross your legs like shown in the photo. In Lotus Pose it is important to sit up straight: keep your spine straight.
Rest your hands on your knees with your palms facing up, or as a variation you can place your hands together in front of your heart space like in the photo. This is a meditative pose. Place your focus on the sounds surrounding you, and after on your breathing. You can hold this pose for a couple of minutes.
warrior 2
How to get into the Warrior 2 on a paddle board
Start in tabletop position, in the center of the paddle board (navel over the carry-handle). Step one foot forward between your hands. Lift your back leg and twist your back foot so it is placed across the footpad. Engage your core, and sweep the arms open into warrior two stance.
Tiger pose
How to get into the Tiger Pose on a paddle board
Navel over the carry handle. Draw your gaze to the horizon or in between your hands. This will help with stability. When you are ready, extend one leg back, and then the opposite arm. Engage your core & find strength. Option to reach back for your foot when you feel more comfortable.
Quick tips for stability
Always start any yoga pose from the center of the board (this is at the carry-handle)
As soon as you can, rest your gaze on the horizon or another point of concentration ahead of you
Adjust your pose to make it easier for you if this is what your body requires. Yoga should feel good and safe for you. “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it's about what you learn on the way down."
Where to do paddle board yoga?
calm $ Quiet
To try paddle board yoga, it is best to choose a calm body of water. Any lake or river with lots of boat traffic will be very choppy which makes it hard to stay balanced on your board! Sunrise or sunset are perfect times, since it is quiet and it is generally not windy at those times. The perfect location is a small lake on a non-windy day where the water is flat. You can do paddle board yoga in the ocean, if it is close to shore and there are no waves. For example on holiday in the Caribbean. The next photo was taken on Aruba, in the Caribbean ocean on a non-windy day. To stay in place you can use an anchor or attach the paddle board to any buoy lines with a rope.
Choosing the right yoga board
The board used for the photos of this blog is the Silver Shark yoga board. This paddle board is optimized for yoga poses on the water. High-tech MSL Structure makes the board light-weight. The texture of the foot pad resembles a yoga mat. It is soft and comfortable, and non-slippery. It covers a large area of the board, so you are able to do every yoga pose.
Read more about the features of this board here:
If you have any pictures of you trying SUP yoga, tag us on Instagram @silversharkpaddleboards! To get featured in a next blog #SUPYOGA
Thank you Vicky Aubry for being a guest writer for this SUP YOGA blog #supyoga
Follow Vicky on Instragram! @coeurs.de.bois
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