COMMUNIT Y
What’s SUP with Yoga?
By Heather T. Leo
Standup Paddleboard Yoga, or SUP
Yoga, is a fast-growing, summer sport
trend. Depending on the conditions
and the location, no experience of either
SUP or Yoga is necessary to try it and
have an amazing experience. All that’s
required is a willingness to try and a
positive attitude. Yes, being comfortable
around the water and the ability to swim
is a huge help, but it is not a requirement
in shallow waters. If fear is holding you
back, embrace it, and let it inspire you to
venture outside of the comfort zone and
into the world of the unknown!
The perspective we see while standing
just a couple inches above the water adds
a totally unique dynamic. No other water
activity can replicate this. Add in the fact
that we bring our yoga studio practice to
the water’s surface. The peace and tranquility of paddleboarding harmonizes
our minds and bodies with nature.
SUP is a water sport that hails from Hawaii and has become hugely popular
across the world due to the ease in which
almost anyone can pick up the skills. This
sport is similar to surfing but predominantly practiced in flat waters of lakes,
ponds or protected bays—unless you are
game enough to surf it in the waves. It requires you to stand on a board of similar
shape to a surfboard but typically much
larger in width and depth.
One joy of the SUP is that you don’t
need any particular turning or balancing skills. All you need to know is a few
basic tricks and tips regarding the best
14
places to stand, how to use your paddle
properly and effici