In the event you’re inquisitive about paddle boarding and yoga, you’ll most likely be glad to know that it’s attainable to mix the 2. Sure – you are able to do yoga on a SUP board
All you want is a steady paddle board that’s vast and lengthy sufficient, an appropriate physique of water to observe on, and a need for the added problem that yoga on a paddle board offers!
It doesn’t actually matter whether or not you have got a lot yoga expertise – both on the water or on strong floor – with a bit focus and willpower you’ll be able to strike some poses and begin to reap the advantages of iSUP yoga straight away.
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Why Do Yoga on a Stand Up Paddle Board?
Paddle board yoga is a enjoyable exercise that checks your stability and core power. It provides an additional dimension to your common yoga observe by introducing the problem of balancing on a paddle board.
Taking your yoga workout routines from land to the water may give you a lift in each your muscle groups and in your enjoyment of the game. It’s difficult, but additionally tremendous enjoyable for each physique and thoughts.
SUP yoga gives a brand new problem to those that wish to enhance their stability, goal totally different muscle groups, or just check out a brand new yoga routine. It’s additionally a enjoyable method to enhance focus and nice for practising mindfulness and breath work.
Decide the Proper Board in your SUP Yoga Follow
Let’s begin by choosing the right board. You will discover paddle boards which are particularly marketed for water yoga, however that doesn’t imply it’s a must to go for one in every of these boards over, say, an throughout mannequin.
Choosing a get up paddle board that you just’re comfy with, that fits your wants, and gives stability is vital.
Do I Want a Specialised SUP for Yoga?
As beforehand talked about, no, SUP Yoga doesn’t require a specialised board, though there are Yoga boards accessible.. Nonetheless, you do wish to use a board that has options that lend effectively to SUP yoga.
The fitting sort of board for SUP yoga is one that’s vast, lengthy, and has a cushioned deck in an effort to be comfy whilst you train. A ten or 11 foot board with a width of 34 to 36 inches is good.
Additionally, go for a bord that has a deck with seize handles on the aspect versus the center (you don’t need a deal with proper within the centre the place you’ll be paracticing and should wish to lay down).
Stability is Key
The steadiness of your board is crucial characteristic to concentrate to as this may preserve you from falling into the water. As you’ll have guessed, wider SUPs will provide better stability.
You’ll additionally need a board that’s inflexible, with a grippy deck pad (as this may successfully function your mat). Having some traction underfoot is sweet for poses that require you to shift the load to the balls of your toes – similar to downward dealing with canine or three legged canine.
Think about a Yoga Paddle Board
Inflatables are positively the way in which to go, as they’ve a constant thickness throughout their width which is able to assist preserve you steady. This isn’t the case with many epoxy, inflexible SUPs that taper off in thickness on the edges. Plus, an inflatable is straightforward to pack and tote alongside wherever you wish to go.
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Paddle Board Yoga Security Suggestions
As with all water exercise, it’s necessary to observe security, even should you’re in shallow, calm waters. Listed here are some security ideas to remember if you observe yoga on the water.
Anchor Your Paddle Board
In the event you’re exercising in a comparatively calm physique of water, then you definately don’t essentially have to anchor your paddle board. Nonetheless, anchoring your paddle board may also help you keep in place if the wind have been to choose up or if a wave have been to abruptly come beneath you.
On a windy day or over uneven waters, it could be in your finest curiosity to deliver an anchor. An anchor also can enable you to choose an excellent spot as a result of you’ll be able to measure the depth of the water beneath by measuring when your anchor reaches the ground.
Lastly, be aware to not do SUP yoga in shallow water. In the event you fall off, head first, chances are you’ll hit or injure your self and even hit your head on rocks, branches, and different particles within the water.
Transition Slowly Between Yoga Poses
Practising yoga poses, even ones you’re tremendous comfy with will robotically be tougher or could require some adjustment whereas on the water.
You may want to change from standing in your board to kneeling in your knees as an alternative whilst you study (notably for poses similar to mountain pose, the place you’ll usually be upright).
While you do your yoga routine on land, you don’t have to fret concerning the ground shifting beneath you. On the water, nevertheless, you’ll always want to regulate your weight in an effort to preserve your stability.
Due to this, it’s necessary to take your time and transition slowly between yoga poses. As you transition, preserve your arms out in an effort to keep your stability. Transitioning slowly may even reduce your danger of tipping over and falling into the water.
Preserve a Broad Stance and Two Factors of Contact
Among the best methods to maintain your stability is by sustaining a large stance along with your legs if you transition. A large stance will assist stabilize your board and can can help you keep your stability.
Among the best ideas to remember is sustaining two factors of contact on the board always. That is, after all, until you’re doing a yoga stance like tree pose that requires balancing on just one leg.
Convey Alongside the Proper Gear
Bringing alongside important gear may also help preserve you secure throughout your exercise in case of an emergency. Being out within the recent air is definitely invigorating, however it does imply publicity to the weather.
This implies carrying the proper clothes and taking sufficient sunscreen with you.
You must also take a life jacket or PFD. You don’t need to put on it throughout your exercise, however do put on it if you’re attending to your exercise location.
In the event you’re doing SUP yoga within the later hours of the day, bringing a whistle and a water-proof flashlight can also be necessary.
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Conclusion
The world of paddle boarding is one that’s solely rising. Over the previous decade, SUP yoga has been rising proper alongside it. Whether or not you wish to take SUP yoga lessons, or wish to work a stress administration angle into your common paddling periods, combining get up paddle boarding with yoga is a brilliant exercise.
In the event you’re seeking to get began with some aware meditation and stretching over the water’s floor, then this sport is one which it’s best to definitely check out!
