Everything You Need To Know about Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga

If SUP yoga has caught your attention but you’re not sure about the ins and outs of this exciting new yoga practice, you’re in the right place.

Stand up paddleboard yoga, otherwise known as SUP yoga, is a fun and challenging type of yoga which involves doing your regular yoga poses on a paddleboard in the middle of a pool, a lake or any large body of still standing water. The challenging bit is to not fall in, and the fun bit is falling in too!

As you’ll soon find out, there are many reasons to take up this sport, and if you’re not sure what to wear or which kind of board is the right board for SUP yoga, don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered in this article.

Other than being physically active, in natural surroundings and trying new things, people who try SUP yoga are pretty much hooked after the first try and keep coming back to it for many reasons. Some of the most fundamental reasons are that they become better Yogi’s and get to experience the positive effects nature can have on the mind and body.

So, what are the benefits of doing yoga on water?

It’s a better workout

With SUP yoga, your midsection is engaged throughout your practice. The fact that the platform on which you are practicing is unstable means you’ll be engaging your core more. If you don’t, you’ll wobble and fall in.

It will refine your technique

Anyone who practices yoga knows the benefit of an instructor who will be able to remind you to move your hand or foot in order to distribute your weight evenly. With SUP yoga, it’s your board that will remind you, by scaring you with a wobble.

It’s more calming

Being on the water and engaging your body in a way that keeps you afloat will require you to tune into how the board is connecting with the water and how your movements affect the board. The water and your body will work in unison, and demand your full attention, effectively shutting out all the thoughts that clutter the mind and make us feel stressed.

It will help you focus on your breath

Conscious breathing is one of the key catalysts for bringing Yogi’s into a meditative state during their practice. Even and consistent breathing will affect the rhythm of your practice and how the board responds to your body. Again, the board will remind you if you’re not breathing properly.

There’s no better studio than the great outdoors

This one couldn’t be more evident – fresh air, Vitamin D, studios don’t get much better than this. If you live somewhere with dreary weather, try including SUP yoga in the itinerary for your next escape to the sun. And don’t forget, SUP yoga can also be done on indoor swimming pools.

It’s a little scary

Fear of falling in adds a touch of adrenaline to your practice by keeping you focused and motivated. And, by conquering your fear of falling in, you’ll improve both your practice and your general outlook on life. Why? Because falling in teaches you to get back up.

Better engagement

Novelty in exercise routines is important for staying motivated and engaged. Reduced boredom goes hand in hand with better engagement, and less risk of injury.

It’s fun

Falling in is also fun and a part of the learning process. Saying this, most people are surprised by how sturdy and stable paddleboards really are.

What to wear to SUP yoga?

You can wear your usual yoga clothing, if you don’t mind getting wet or being wet in them. Shorts or any material that sheds water fast if you’re concerned about being or staying wet is perfect for stand-up paddleboard yoga. If it’s cold, a wetsuit might be a better choice. And don’t forget your sunblock.

What is the best Stand Up Paddleboard for yoga?

We think it’s the HydroForce Huakai Stand Up Paddle Board, which has been designed with thickness to boost stability. This makes this board perfect for beginners. Here are some of its other features and key benefits for stand-up paddleboard Yogi’s:

• It’s lightweight at 16.3kg
• Storage cords are at the front of the board
• Has great manoeuvrability, thanks to its 3 fins
• It’s inflatable!

So now you know everything there is to know about Stand-Up Paddleboard yoga without getting a toe wet, we think it’s time you give it a try.