Stand-up paddle board (SUP) yoga combines traditional yoga practices with the challenge of balancing on water. This activity incorporates breath work, sun salutations, back bending, and even inversions while providing a comprehensive body workout that engages core muscles for board stabilization.
Move Slowly
Beginners should reduce their normal pace to approximately half speed and focus on controlled, even breathing when transitioning between poses.
Find Appropriate Conditions
Select sheltered locations away from high-speed boat traffic. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Lagoon is a suitable venue for classes.
Maintain Proper Stance
A wider stance roughly hip-width apart provides greater stability during practice.
Contact Points
Poses requiring two or more contact points with the board are recommended, while single-contact positions like tree pose or eagle pose are considered unsuitable for SUP yoga.
Visual Focus
Keep your eyes on a fixed point on land for added stability to avoid losing balance.
Mental Preparation
Practitioners should anticipate unexpected occurrences like board drift or waves, maintaining calm awareness to safely recover from potential falls.