Submitted by Organic Wellness
Stand up paddle-boarding (S.U.P) is the fastest growing water sport in the world, similar to surfing where the user uses a paddle to move the water while standing on a board much like a surfboard. Paddle boards are extra-long and buoyant surfboards that provide an experience much like walking on water.
Little is known of its origins but it was first noted in the Hawaiian Islands in the early 60’s. The beach boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourist learning to surf.
Unlike surfing, paddle boarding does not require wave so you can paddle on the calm ocean, lake and rivers, in other words anywhere on a body of water. It provides a great cross training workout with less impact on the body. Paddle-boarding enhances balance, stability and core strength.
SUP yoga is the new trend sweeping the nation. It is exactly what is says yoga on a paddle board, adding a new twist on yoga. SUP Yoga provides an extra challenge on balance as you connect to the ebb and the flow of Mother Nature underneath you.
Benefits include
- Stress Relief: Any form of yoga, including SUP yoga, is well demonstrated to reduce the physical effects of stress on the body.
- Pain Relief: Yoga can ease pain.
- Better Breathing: Yoga includes breathing practices known as pranayama, which can be effective in reducing the stress response, improving lung function and encouraging relaxation.
- Increased Strength: Yoga asana use every muscle in the body, increasing strength literally from head to toe. SUP yoga builds more core strength because these muscles must be engaged to keep your balance on the board.
- Improved Balance: SUP yoga intensifies every aspect of yoga practice, especially balance. Every tiny shift in weight is magnified and conveyed through movement of the board.
- SUP yoga can also help identify any misplacement within postures and help refine alignment.
- Increased Flexibility: SUP yoga can improve flexibility, mobility, and range of motion.
- Cardiovascular Conditioning: Even a gentle yoga practice can provide cardiovascular benefits by lowering resting heart rate, increasing endurance and improving oxygen uptake during exercise
- Increased Circulation: Yoga helps to improve circulation by efficiently moving oxygenated blood to the body’s cells.
- Presence: Yoga connects us with the present moment. The more we practice, the more aware we become of our surroundings, It opens the way to improved concentration along with coordination, reaction time and memory.
- Inner Peace: The meditative effects of a consistent yoga practice help many cultivate inner peace and calm.
I have practiced yoga on land for over 10 years and have been teaching for the last three years. When I first saw SUP yoga I was excited to take my passion for the practice of yoga and combine it with my love for the water. The heightened challenge of balance, stability and strength really enhances the true essence of what yoga really is, connecting the mind and body through breathing and movement.
My experience with SUP yoga is that it really enables one to commit to being where they are in the present moment, allowing all stress and worries to float away.
Classes will begin at the first Monday evening in July, to sign up for a class contact Jo at Organic Wellness or West Bay Paddleboards.
