Paddleboard Yoga

August 23, 2019

Paddleboard Yoga

 We’ve all heard the benefits of yoga but have you ever thought about taking your practice to the water? Open your mind and challenge yourself to a new look at yoga.   
HERE’S A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO BRING YOGA TO A PADDLEBOARD.
Follow 3 general guidelines to help keep you stable and smiling on the water.
Slow down. Move at about half the speed you would on land, and make an effort to follow the length of slow, even breaths.
Mind your mat. The paddleboard's handle (inset at the top of the board) is usually the center of its balance, so try to orient yourself around the handle at all times.
Gaze at the horizon. Loss of balance usually comes from shifting the gaze too quickly. Keep your eyes on a fixed point on land for added stability.

Easy Seated Pose

Facing the front of your board, sit with your hips on the handle and let your hands rest gently on your knees. Sit up tall and take deep abdominal breaths, noticing the subtle rocking of the paddleboard beneath you.

 

Child’s Pose

Start in Table Top with your navel above the board’s handle, widen your knees and bring your big toes to touch. Sink your hips back onto your heels and rest your forehead on the board. Arms can extend long in front of you, or your hands can drape over the sides of the board with your fingers trailing the water.

 

 

Downward-Facing Dog

From Table Top, slowly send your hips up and back, straightening the legs. Gaze at the horizon behind you. Take a few breaths and use organic movements to settle into the pose. Be sure to press strongly into the index finger and thumb to protect your wrists.

 

Cobra or Upward-Facing Dog

For Cobra, lie prone, placing your belly on the handle, hands beneath shoulders and draw elbows toward each other. Inhale and lift your head, shoulders, and chest.

For Upward-Facing Dog, place your hands further back, near the ribs. Before pressing your hands into the board to lift your torso. Engage the quads so, if possible, your knees lift away from the board.

 

 

Sleeping Pigeon

There is something so soothing about Sleeping Pigeon on the water. Make sure your groin is over the handle of the board. If you need a bolster, try using your life jacket (conditions permitting). Relax into the pose and listen to the sound of the waves as they lap at your board.

 

Savasana

Don't forget about this one! There's nothing as serene as relaxing with the sun kissing your face and the water rocking you into a blissful state.