SUP Yoga: Which SUP board is suitable for it?
It's 5:30 in the morning on a warm summer day, the sun is just rising behind the mountains, and we are greeting this fantastic day with a SUP yoga session. The water is smooth as glass; only our gentle movements on the SUP board create small ripples reflecting the sun.
After gathering enough positive energy for the new day, we paddle back to the shore in a near-meditative state and start this wonderful summer day. There is hardly a better way to start the day than on a SUP board!
What is a SUP yoga board?
There are different SUP boards for different disciplines. SUP yoga has increasingly become a popular balance to regular paddling tours in recent years, which has led to the development of special SUP yoga boards. These SUP yoga boards differ from all-around SUP boards in a few points:
- The non-slip deck covers the entire board. This deck pad feels just like a yoga mat.
- SUP yoga boards are relatively wide and tilt-stable. After all, you shouldn't fall off the board when practicing the "downward-facing dog."
- There are paddle holders at the front and back of the board. The paddle is stored here during the yoga session.
- Using the eyelet located at the front or back of the board, SUP yoga boards are tethered around a special SUP yoga island so they don't drift away. The SUP yoga teacher stays on the island.
- You can also use SUP yoga boards for normal, leisurely paddling, similar to an all-around SUP board. Of course, they are not as fast as touring or race boards.
The SUP yoga equipment
To practice SUP yoga, you need the appropriate equipment. This naturally includes the SUP yoga board with a paddle.
If you are not yet sure whether SUP yoga is the right thing for you, it is best to rent a SUP yoga board and take part in a class to try it out. If you already own an all-around SUP board, you can test it out for a trial session, although all-around boards are only a compromise compared to a "proper" SUP yoga board.
You don't need a special paddle for SUP yoga; you simply use your regular paddle that you already own.
The right clothing is important for your yoga session on the SUP board. When it's really warm, you can of course participate in a bikini. Otherwise, comfortable items of clothing that don't restrict your movement are suitable. Please note that you will be standing in the water for a moment when getting onto the board at the shore, so your yoga pants should only reach your knees to avoid getting wet.
Why should I try SUP yoga?
- You get to exercise in the fresh air.
- Because the board moves with you, even yoga exercises you can do in your sleep become a whole new challenge. In addition, you strengthen your balance.
- Especially early in the morning, the lakes are still incredibly quiet. You can recharge your energy for the day and focus on yourself.
Want to test a SUP yoga board?
Would you like to test our SUP yoga boards? Take a look at Danique's website – she runs a SUP yoga center at Lake Mattsee in the Salzburg region, where you can test the SUP yoga boards right away during a yoga class!
