With the uptick in paddle boarding in recent years, another fun and new hobby has been on the rise… SUP yoga. It’s challenging, and it’s a terrific way to get outside and get an exceptional workout in.
In this article, we’re going to explore some outstanding benefits of SUP yoga along with what you’ll need to do it yourself! We’re talking top picks for paddle boards, recommendations for SUP yoga, popular yoga moves to try and more.
Contents hide
What Is SUP Yoga?
7 Benefits of SUP YogaNew form of Cross Training
Engages new Muscles
Practice in Grit
Improves Focus
Reduces Stress
Improves Balance
Improves Techniques
Sup Yoga TipsFind Calm Waters
Find Plenty of Space
Have an Open Mind
Take Your Time
Start Simply
Best SUP Yoga Paddle boardsAqua Plus Inflatable SUP
Serene Life Inflatable SUP
ISLE Cruiser Rigid SUP
SUP Yoga GearSUP
Paddles
Leash
PFD
Emergency Whistle
Anchor
What To Wear?Bathing Suit
Rash Guard
Yoga Clothing
SUP Yoga PosesSeated Pose
Seated Twists
Child’s Pose
Cat and Cow
Downward Facing Dog
Upward Facing Dog
Plank
What Is SUP Yoga?
SUP yoga is a combination of two things: stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and yoga. Yes, you read that right. Essentially, you are doing a yoga practice in the middle of a body of water on a stand up paddle board.
Many people take pleasure in attending SUP yoga classes with an instructor providing guidance and support, while others simply take pleasure in the quiet serenity of doing it on their own or with a friend. Either way, this challenging form of yoga has some terrific benefits, which is why so lots of people are joining in on the adventure!
7 Benefits of SUP Yoga
There are lots of benefits of SUP yoga. Some of these are physical, some are mental, and some may be completely unusual to you! While this isn’t a detailed list of all the outstanding benefits, these are just a few of our favorites…
New form of Cross Training
As someone who is passionate about fitness, I love finding new and fun ways to exercise. Cross training has so lots of benefits for your body and your fitness journey. Switching up your routine and changing up your workouts challenges your body in new ways, using new muscles while resting others that are used a lot more frequently.
SUP yoga is a significant form of cross training because it is something completely unique. It requires a lot of balance and focus. It will challenge you in new ways while helping you to continue to improve your fitness and recovery!
Engages new Muscles
Because it is a completely new form of cross training, you will use and engage new muscles. even if you’ve done yoga before, you’ve never done it on a paddle board. Downward facing pet dog isn’t just about activating your legs and stretching your back like it is on land. It’ll now include engaging your core and focusing on balance. Every pose in your yoga flow will a lot more than likely engage even a lot more muscles when you are out on the water.
So, if you’re looking for something that will give you a lot more of a challenge than standard yoga without having to try a lot more advanced moves, you must absolutely give SUP yoga a try!
Practice in Grit
Taking part in SUP yoga will absolutely challenge your mental strength by allowing you to practice having grit. Coined by Angela Duckworth, grit is essentially having perseverance when things are difficult.
There’s really no sugar coating it, SUP yoga may be fun, but it can be difficult! Chances are, your first experience will be met with lots of wobbles and potentially some water time. because it is something new that is difficult, it will allow you to practice patience and continue to work hard to master the poses and moves.
In our everyday lives, it’s hard to find new things. We usually stick to the activities and jobs that we strive in, leaving little room for things that are new. SUP yoga may be just what you need to try something new and work on your grit!
Improves Focus
As mentioned above, SUP yoga can be difficult. For some yoga alone is challenging, but doing it in the open waters on a paddle board just brings a completely unfamiliar element. because of this, it requires a terrific deal of focus and mindfulness. Every pose you attempt and every little movement that your body makes need to be intentional. One small wiggle in the wrong direction and you may get to amazing off in the water! because of this, SUP yoga is a terrific way to work on your focus.
Reduces Stress
Most forms of workouts serve as a anxiety reducer. They help release endorphins and slow down the release of anxiety hormones. When you couple a standard workout with yoga, which focuses on breathing, it’s even better!
While you may be incredibly focused in the moment and you may even feel a little frustrated if you can’t quite get your pose at first, you will soon come to realize the reduced anxiety from the activity.
Improves Balance
To put it simply…Stand up paddle boarding will improve your balance and yoga on land will improve your balance. So, when you combine the two activities into one…it will greatly improve your balance! just think about it… You’re balancing your body on water. Water is buoyant and moves even in the most calm of situations. You’re trying to position yourself into various yoga stances, which also requires a certain amount of balance on any day. It nearly goes without mentioning, but it’s crucial to know that if you work at SUP yoga consistently, you’re going to see extraordinary strides in your balance.
Improves Techniques
Last, one outstanding benefit to doing SUP yoga is that it is going to improve your yoga practice on land. If you can master any yoga step in the middle of the water on a stand up paddle board, it will be a breeze when you do it in your everyday practice.
If yoga is something that you take pleasure in and you want to continue to improve your techniques, you must absolutely take it to the water. You’ll be amazed at how easily things will come to you on land once you do!
Sup Yoga Tips
Now that you know all the outstanding benefits of SUP yoga, I’m sure you’re ready to jump ideal into it! but before you do, here are our top tips for having the best SUP yoga experience..
Find Calm Waters
As I’ve said previously, SUP yoga is challenging. Balancing on water is challenging (even before you add in a yoga flow), so it’s crucial to find calm waters for your practice. While there are people who do SUP yoga in the Ocean, it would be better to find a calm lake or body of water where there isn’t a lot of movement. The calmer the waters are, the better your focus can be on your moves and your practice.
Find Plenty of Space
Once you’ve found relatively calm waters for your SUP yoga practice, make sure you scope out a location that isn’t crowded. The a lot more space you have to step and practice freely, the better off you will be. Boats, kayakers, and other paddle boarders can not only serve as a distraction, but they can also make your SUP yoga experience less safe. The last thing you want to happen is to fall off and land on someone or something. So, before you get started, make sure that you have plenty of space for yourself.
Have an Open Mind
This goes along with one benefit I mentioned about developing and practicing grit. If you go into this experience expecting to be terrific or that you’re going to nail every yoga pose, you will probably struggle even more. Instead, embrace the struggle and technique this experience with an open mind! You just may surprise yourself at how much fun it can be to challenge yourself with something new!
Take Your Time
Once you’ve got your space ready and your mind is open, it’s time to start! As you begin your SUP yoga practice, take your time. step slowly. take pleasure in the experience and don’t rush. Rushing will only cause you to fall in or potentially get hurt. listen to your body and take your time as you adjust to this new experience!
Start Simply
In addition to moving slowly, start simply. If you are in a SUP yoga class, your instructor will use his/her experience in the field to guide you, but if you are going out to try it on your own, don’t bite off a lot more than you can chew. start with the most basic and basic poses. start with the poses that are easier to balance with like cat and cow or downward facing dog.
Best SUP Yoga Paddle boards
If you’re wanting to purchase a paddleboard for SUP yoga, there are a couple of things to consider. The most crucial thing you must look for is stability. Typically, the wider the SUP, the a lot more stable it is. So, that must be the first thing to consider.
Another thing to consider when looking for the best board for yoga is the thickness. Like with the width, the thickness of the board will help with stability.
Because stability is crucial with yoga and with paddle boarding beginners, be sure to check out our list of the 7 Best Paddle Boards for Beginners. There, you will find in-depth descriptions and a lot more aspects of the boards and what to look for. But, to keep things short today, here are three terrific choices of boards for SUP yoga…
Aqua Plus Inflatable SUP
Some may be skeptical of using an inflatable SUP for yoga, but it’s actually preferred by many. It’s practical. You can store it and transport it easily. It’s lightweight. and this certain board is large and comes with everything you would need!
Aqua Plus 11ftx33inx6in Inflatable SUP for All skill Levels Stand Up Paddle Board, Adjustable…1 YEAR WARRANTY ON MATERIALS.inflatable paddle boards,paddle board,inflatable paddle board,stand up paddle board,aqua plus inflatable paddle board,inflatalbe sup,paddle boards,standup paddle…
Rigid design : It feels very similar to a hard board.The board is made of high grade military Ultra Light PVC drop Stitch Fabric. Constructed with additional PVC layer of board rails are highly…
Ultra Portable : Deflated it’s only 1 foot in diameter by 38″. Inflated size : 11’x33″x6″ Thick. Weight 20.3lbs, Maximum capactiy is up to 350lbs, stable and terrific for all skill levels and conditions.
Deck Features : 5mm comfort diamond groove traction for grip. 11pcs of 316 Stainless Steel D-Rings and bungee on front deck for storage.
Complete package : Board, Adjustable aluminium paddle, Voyager ISUP travel backpack, carry Strap, Coiled leash, Waterproof bag, Removable fin, double action Pump : during the 1st phase of the…
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Serene Life Inflatable SUP
This is another terrific inflatable SUP option. It’s 6 inches thick, so you can depend on the stability of this one! similar to the one above, it also comes with a leash, pump to inflate, and so much more.
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SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board (6 Inches Thick) with Premium Accessories & CarryBag |…WIDE SUP design – The Serene Life stand up paddling board is 10’ long and provides 32” of deck width for improved stability and balance while standing
SUPERIOR MANEUVERABILITY – The triple bottom panel fins help board improve overall speed, handling and steering for easier use by kids, teens and adults alike
NON-SLIP SOFT top DECK – terrific for beginners, our paddleboard is made for early learning and for less accidents or injuries must you fall—happens to us all!
INFLATABLE & PORTABLE – Take your paddleboard with you wherever you go! It swiftly inflates or deflates for easy storage, making it optimal for the lake, river or ocean.
COMPLETE PADDLEBOARD KIT – Every SereneLife Paddle Board also comes with paddling essentials, including a coiled ankle cuff safety leash, oar Pedal, manual air pump, patch repair accessory kit, and…
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ISLE Cruiser Rigid SUP
If you’re wanting a rigid SUP for yoga, then this ISLE Cruiser is a superb choice. It has terrific reviews, is 32 inches large and 4.5 inches thick!
ISLE Cruiser Stand Up Paddle Board & SUP Bundle — Rigid Board with Lightweight Foam Core and Soft,…ALL-AROUND classic SUP DESIGN: Rigid and stable for riders of all skill levels. best for activities like flatwater paddling, yoga, fishing, and more. This construction makes the Cruiser rigid like…
RUGGED construction WITH comfortable SOFT TOP: Ultra-durable soft-top deck with croc skin padding for comfort and grip. The molded EPS foam core with dual wood stringers for strength and rigidity, but…
INCLUDES full ACCESSORY BUNDLE: Each paddle board comes with all the gear you need to get on the water. Includes carbon hybrid adjustable SUP paddle with nylon blade, 8’ coil leash, and nylon…
SIZE SPECS: 10’5″ model weighs 24 pounds. The large stance ensures stability for fishing, yoga, and family activities. Up to 235 lb. weight capacity.
WHY shop ISLE? born and bred on the water in San Diego, California considering that 2004. Our team is committed to bringing you the best quality paddle boards designed and tested by people who surf and paddle…
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SUP Yoga Gear
You may wonder what you’ll need to have a pleasant and safe SUP yoga experience? Here’s what we’ve got so far…
SUP
Of course, you will need a stand up paddle board. If you aren’t ready to invest in one for yourself by using the list above, you can always find a place to rent one. a lot more than likely, if you go to the beach or a large body of water, you will find a stand up paddle board rental.
Paddles
Having paddles may be another thing that you need that seems obvious, but we couldn’t leave it out! even though you may not be paddling during your SUP yoga session, you’re going to need them to get out into the water and then back on land.
Leash
If you’re going to do SUP yoga, it’s also advised that you have a leash. This is not the kind that a pet dog uses. It’s the kind that goes around your ankle and attaches you to your board. If you fall off, you want to make sure that you stay close to your board. The last thing you’d want is for it to slip out from under you and head farther than you feel you can safely swim.
PFD
Even if you’re a terrific swimmer, it is always best practice to bring and/or wear a person