As soon as we started seeing SUP (stand up paddle boarding) become all the rage in America, we saw SUP yoga. There is something about bringing yoga to the ocean that makes sense to people, that speaks to the yearning to have more connection with the earth. One of my first surf lessons was taught by a yoga instructor who communicated all I needed to know in terms of yoga poses. Paddling out in Bhujangasana, popping up through upward facing dog, and landing in chair pose. So I suppose it makes perfect sense to bring our salutations to the sun and our warrior poses to a floating board on the sea.
SUP has its origins in Hawaii. Legendary surfer Laird Hamilton has been revolutionizing the surf world in Hawaii for years. I remember his invention of the foil board, which allowed him to actually float above the surface of the water. Without the friction he could go faster.
Well, he has been busy inventing again and this time teaming up with yoga’s hottest couple, Dice Iida Klein and Briohny Smyth. Looks like they are introducing the Ocean yoga Board through Laird’s FreeMotion Fitness. See there press kit here.
I want this board.
This picture is from Yoga with Briohny on Facebook.
Of course I can’t do this pose off of said board, but being able to one day do it on the ocean? Sounds like motivation to me.
Right now I am bringing my pregnant self to the ocean for some yoga and inversion fun.
Once baby yogi is out in the next week, I am going to be out looking for an Ocean Yoga Board. If anyone gets some experience with one, I would love to hear about it.
“The Cure for anything is salt water. Sweat, tears, or the sea.”
- Isak Dinesen
