Take your practice to the water!

Whether you're new to yoga or you've been practicing for years, taking your practice to the water is definitely a welcomed challenge! At times you may find your practice becomes stagnate or you may tend to just "hang out" in your postures not engaging the proper muscles. SUPY brings not only a playfulness into your practice, but it requires you to recruit the proper muscles to stay afloat! Being outside in the elements also allows for a deep connection to your practice, a deeper connection to nature. Allowing you to completely unplug, to slow down and move more methodically. Once you get out on the water you will find your practice will be changed forever.   

Your next adventure awaits you! "Come get Blissed & Sun-kissed!"

What to wear & bring to your SUPY Class?

You don't have to pull out your bikini for this practice, a light weight quick dry pant for a little more traction and a tank for coverage works great (unless you're working a tan, then by all means bikini it up!) Just remember you want to be comfortable in your clothes so you can focus on what's important, not a wardrobe malfunction mid SUPY! If the water is a little cooler a rash guard works wonders. When the sun is out and temps are hotter you may want a hat and sun-glasses (that you're ok with getting wet).

And don't forget the SPF & water!! If you do no worries there, we've got you covered! You'll also want a towel or change of clothes to hold in your car. If you get wet (and hopefully we all will!) that means you tried something new and that's a beautiful thing! 

SUPY 101

Stand up paddle board yoga is a great way to challenge your current practice or build a strong practice from the board up. Here are a few tips on making the transition to water:

• Get low and flow slow

• Take a wider stance

• Splash don't crash

• Challenge your gaze, shift to the horizon or sky

• And last but not least my personal favorite mantra out on the water...Go with the FLOW! 

It may take a few minutes, an hour, or even a bunch of lessons before you're totally comfortable so have patience with yourself. Also invite a friend to come play with you, nothing better than nailing a pose then falling off and having someone to laugh with you! Or take a pic mid splash! We may even have a chance to partner up, Acro SUPY anyone? 

Did you know???

SUP originated in Africa where warriors would stand on canoes using their paddle to propel themselves forward, allowing them to silently enter any territory.

Later on a more contemporary form of the sport originated in the 16th century where Hawaiian surfers would use boards up to 5 meters in length. They would used paddles due to the large size of their boards.

SUP continued in Tel Aviv in the 20th century where lifeguards would stand on wide boards in order to have a clear view of any swimmers in distress. The lifeguards would use the paddle to propel through the water quickly to rescue swimmers.

Fast forward to 1940 where surf instructors in Waikiki began SUP as a way to stand on their boards during swells. From here Beach Board surfing was born.

In the 1990s SUP was taught at Hawaiian surf schools as an alternative way to surf when there was no swell. The practice became increasingly popular so surf instructor Brian Keaulana decided to add ‘’Beach Boy Surfing’’ to the world-recognized ‘’Buffalo Big Board Contest’’ in 2003. The response was overwhelming with many recognized surfers choosing to partake in this new form of surfing.

SUP races became more common; in 2012 Kai Lenny won the seasons finals of the first Standup World Series championship races. And there you have it...SUP is on the map! 

My SUPY Story

I was born & raised in sunny South Florida, on the east cost near the beaches. I spent a ton of time at the beach, in a pool, lakes, dipping my toes in wherever I could. I love the water as most Floridians do! My best friend since childhood introduced me to SUP in my 20's and it was HARD... keeping afloat on choppy waters is no easy feat! I enjoyed it though. I had also been practicing yoga for many years by that time although never tried the two together. 

Fast forward a few years later I moved to landlocked Pinehurst, NC where the water is not as easily accessed and I hadn't realized how much I would miss it. I spent the first summer here dry...kind of a bummer! Although this place and its Southern charm had definitely grown on me. I searched for ways to get outdoors, to cool off and enjoy my practice. I knew I was meant to create something, to bring something to the community. I loved the water and loved yoga even more! It was a no brainer, I started researching SUP Yoga training's and within the next 6 months I was certified, started building a business plan, breaking down barriers and allowing SUP-Pines to unfold. 

I feel refreshed, invigorated, and anew after a SUPY practice. I am at home, I am a SUPY teacher! Come with me on this journey to take your practice to the water...