I am sure many of you have practiced yoga on the normal level surface and probably have thought how it would be like to practice it on water.
Paddle board yoga also referred to as SUP yoga can be considered as an innovative way to enjoy a yoga practice session and enhance your balance in water.
However, many beginners have some issues such as falling off the board, balance problems, etc or they have no idea about how and where to begin.
Such difficulties are a blow to your experience because they may keep you from taking another bite or even another piece.
But don’t worry! All in all paddle board yoga is an enjoyable way to improve your yoga skills if given the right information and practice on how to do it.
In what follows, we will share beginner paddle board yoga tips regarding equipment that will guide you to maximize your paddle board yoga and savor every paddle on the water.
What is Paddle Board Yoga therefore?
Paddle board yoga being a combination of two forms of exercise namely the yoga and paddle boarding.
One of them is the so-called yoga paddle boarding which means performing yoga postures on a large and inflatable paddle board while navigating in the stable water – seas, lakes, ponds or shallow bays. [1]
Apart from helping you improve your balance and strength, it creates an environment of tranquility within the context of nature, which is helpful in improving one’s meditation.
Paddle board yoga as the name suggests is an extremely complicated form of yoga in which one has to be mindful of the water waves and modify positions based on such waves.
How to Prepare for Paddle Board Yoga
For every paddle board yoga to be effective it requires preparation.
Here are some steps to help you get started:
Choose the Right Board: Choose a stable and a wide board meant for yoga practice; these are referred to as SUP yoga paddle boards. These boards give the support required in posing.
Wear Appropriate Clothing: It would be wise to wear light, comfortable, and mostly, clothing that dries quickly or swimwear.
One might feel the rain droplets falling and you may be drenched, therefore wear light clothing materials.
Safety Gear: Have a personal flotation device on at all times and to tie your board to your ankle so as to ensure your board does not drift away when you lose balance.
Check the Weather: An optimal state of the wind is, of course, its absence since beginners experience extreme difficulties during storms.
Do not sail when there are gales, storms or any condition of water that you feel is unsafe to navigate.
Warm-Up Exercises for Paddle Board Yoga
A good thing to do before engaging in a Yoga session on the paddle board is to warm up.
Here are some simple exercises:
Gentle Stretches: Try first simple stretching exercises for a start that focuses on the arms, legs and the back area.
Balance Drills: Try doing some exercises on the board such as finding your balance on the board. It’s better to start with the position, when you are on your knees and then proceed to standing position.
Breathing Exercises: Relax the nerves through deep breathing so as to bring your mind into focus.
How to Perform Paddle Board Yoga
Practicing yoga on a paddle board can only be done when the mind is still and all the movements performed are slow and well coordinated.
Follow these tips to get started:
Start with Simple Poses: It is recommended to start with simple positions such as Child pose, Downward Facing or the Cat stretch pose.
Find Your Balance: Ensure that your main muscles are contracting hence balancing your body weight.
Further, poking the iphone screen straight instead of down will help in the improvements of balance.
Move Slowly: Pretend balancing movements involve the following; using very slow and gentle hand movements while on the board.
Paddle Board Yoga Benefits
Paddle board yoga offers numerous benefits, including:
Improved Balance and Core Strength: Owing to the instability of the surface, it is good in strengthening most of the muscles in the midsection, and the body balance too.
Enhanced Focus and Mindfulness: The requirement of balance during practice activities water adds to the concentration level of an individual in practicing the exercises.
Connection with Nature: Yoga done in nature is a great way to refresh and renew one’s energy level and the body as well.
Paddle Board Yoga Modifications
If certain poses feel too challenging on the paddle board, try these modifications:
Stay Low: Get rid of the entire sitting poses by staying on your knees. For instance, attempt to include a standing warrior but perform a kneeling warrior instead.
Use Your Paddle: This is when one will need to use their paddle more frequently so as to balance the kayak. For instance, you can use it as supporting balance during set exercises.
Tips and Tricks for Paddle Board Yoga
Anchor Your Board: It is advised that you use an anchor in order to keep your board from floating away while you practice.
Keep Your Movements Slow: Jogging stirs up your balance, so don’t make sudden movements especially the ones that will leave you off balance.
Practice Falling: It’s okay to fall Sometimes! Always try to fall off your board on water that is considerably shallow so as to be in a position to get back on your board easily.
Safety Precautions for Paddle Board Yoga
Number one is always to ensure that you are safe.
Here are some key precautions:
Check Your Surroundings: Ensure that is not murky water and you are not close to any boats or any other water activities.
Use Sun Protection: To prevent sunburns wear some sun cream, a hat when you go for a long session in the sun.
Stay Hydrated: Make sure to take water with you on your board since when you are surrounded by water you tend to feel more thirsty. [2]
Conclusion
Paddle board yoga or Paddle yoga is an innovative and exciting method to enhance the ability of doing yoga.
Here are ten rules for those who are starting with practicing yoga on the water or for those who don’t want to make mistakes at all.
It’s important to always begin with basic postures, approach it steadily and do not mind tripping.
After some time, one is able to flow well and relish the tranquility of a practice in the IS Yoga paddle boarding.
To my experience and as an expert in the Paddle Board Yoga field, I shared almost all the points in this article that can be read and learned today. It is an important thing to read and know it.
Happy paddling and namaste!
Source:
Blehhh, M. (2022, August 2). Paddle Board Yoga | Everything you need to know. OutdoorMaster.
paddle board yoga | salt yoga. (n.d.). Salt Yoga.
HealthinPedia Author
Elyce, a Wellness Writer and Content Creator from Adelphi University, is also a Yoga and Meditation Coach, Outdoors Enthusiast, and Breast Cancer Survivor. With over 20 years of experience as an E-RYT 500, she brings a deep dedication to yoga and meditation. Elyce's wealth of knowledge and experience shines through in her role as a teacher, writer, and mentor. She is the co-founder and content creator of the Refined Flow 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, as well as a core faculty member at Omega for 11 years. Additionally, she is a teaching staff member at the Radiance Sutras Meditation Teacher Training.
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