What Is Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga?
Nov 18, 2024
Yoga is a rewarding form of exercise that many people fall in love with. You can do it in a studio, at home or even on the water with a stand-up paddleboard. Learn more about stand-up paddleboard yoga to determine if it’s your next adventure.
What Is Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga?
Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga is a practice in which participants perform yoga poses while on a paddleboard.
While many yoga moves require using your core muscles, trying to also balance on a paddleboard gives those muscles even more of a challenge. Since the paddleboard isn’t entirely still on top of the water, SUP yoga is a great way to improve your yoga skills.
Who Can Try It?
Anyone who can do standard yoga can try SUP yoga, but you also must be able to swim. If you take a class, your instructor will be able to reach you in case of an emergency. However, you should be prepared to keep yourself afloat and climb back onto your board if you fall off.
Benefits of SUP Yoga
Stand up paddleboard yoga can do more than transform your yoga practice. It also provides a few mental and physical health benefits that could improve your quality of life.
Reduced Stress Levels
Defeating high stress levels takes a comprehensive approach. Indulging in soothing herbs can lower your cortisol levels, and exercising can also help by producing a post-workout dopamine rush.
You’ll use your entire muscular system to balance on your paddleboard and move through yoga poses — you’ll also likely feel refreshed from the dopamine produced by your low-impact workout.
Improved Mindfulness Skills
Imagine trying to stay upright on a balance beam. If your mind is consumed with worries about your professional life or academic performance, you won’t stay grounded enough to remain on the beam for long. SUP yoga works similarly. You’ll need to remain present in the moment to maintain your balance. It’s a fun way to practice your mindfulness skills in addition to other techniques like breathing exercises or meditation.
Strengthen Muscles Throughout the Body
Gently using your muscles to maintain yoga poses strengthens them over time. You don’t need weights to make your abdominal, leg and arm muscles stronger. Practicing SUP yoga works them all out during each session, resulting in long-term muscle development.
Better Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation affects your entire body. Although treating that issue with advice from your primary care provider is crucial, SUP yoga can supplement their recommendations or prescriptions.
Research shows that yoga can decrease high blood pressure in people with hypertension due to gentle muscle movement and increased oxygen intake. While you shouldn’t go on a paddleboard if your blood pressure is dangerously high, SUP yoga could become a valuable tool in regulating your health in the long term.
Personal Growth Outside Your Comfort Zone
Trying something new is always a little scary. You’ll likely push yourself outside of your comfort zone by trying a new form of yoga. It might even be the first time you’ve ever experienced it.
When you finish your first class, you might feel less nervous about trying new things in the future. You could have an incredible time out on the water and realize that new activities aren’t always bad experiences.
New Self-Confidence
Holding yoga poses on top of a paddleboard is exhilarating. You’re taking a risk just to try something new, which builds your self-confidence. Whether you fall off your board and have a good laugh or complete each pose perfectly, you’ll believe in your ability to conquer new things because you tried something new.
Things to Consider Before Trying an SUP Yoga Class
While SUP yoga is something you can try on your own, taking a class can provide you with basics and techniques that make your experience more enjoyable. However, there are a few things to consider before you sign up for your first class.
First, you should be skilled in moving from sitting to standing on your board. Falling off repeatedly during your class could result in injuries. Experts estimate that over 50% of athletic injuries happen around lower-body areas like the ankles and feet. You’ll reduce your risk of injury if you know how to maneuver on your board or fall off in a way that misses it.
SUP yoga may also require more time commitment from beginning to end than a traditional yoga class. You’ll have to drive to the body of water, find parking, unload your board, complete the class, load your board back onto your vehicle and get back home. Depending on the class’s location, it may be further away than a typical yoga studio, too.
The body of water you choose for your class can also change your experience. Researchers found that most SUP injuries occur on rough water, like ocean waves. If you start this yoga experience on a calm lake, you’ll reduce the factors that could make you fall off your board and potentially lead to injury.
Supplies You’ll Need to Bring
If you’re ready to find the nearest SUP yoga class, make sure you have everything you need before it’s time to hit the water. Check your local instructor’s website for their specific recommendations. You’ll likely need to bring supplies such as:
- A comfortable swimsuit, clothes you can get wet or a wetsuit
- A paddleboard that’s the correct length for you
- A paddle with a leash to your board
- A leash that connects your ankle to your board
- A bottle of sunscreen, which you should apply before class begins
- A bottle of water
Other optional supplies, like an anchor for your board, can always be obtained later. If you have any questions, try contacting the instructor for advice about their specific class.
Best Locations for Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga
The best locations for SUP yoga are calm bodies of water like a bay, lake or harbor. If instructors can reserve enough time, they may use a public pool for their classes.
Keep in mind that you might find classes on rivers or at the beach while searching for SUP yoga opportunities near your home, but those are likely for more experienced SUP yoga participants.
Change up Your Yoga Routine
SUP yoga is an excellent full-body workout that lets you enjoy nature while you build muscle strength and self-confidence. Whether you try it once or become a long-term fan, it could be the exciting change of pace you need for your exercise routine.