SUP Yoga has been sweeping the nation and filling all who try it with excitement, wonderment, and adventure!
But, before we get into SUP Yoga, let us first discuss what in the heck SUP actually is. SUP is the acronym for Stand Up Paddleboarding. It's kind of like surfing, but the board is wider and designed with a more stable shape to help you keep better balance when paddling around on the open water. When we add the relaxing, and yet extremely powerful practice of yoga, it truly opens a whole new world of what's possible for you.
The addition of yoga on the water increases the challenge of the practice instantly. You must actively engage your core, and stabilizer leg muscles even more than you would a normal practice on land. Paddling also aids in the challenge, as most classes will require you to paddle across the lake, river, or ocean to an alcove or safe area for the yoga practice portion. All those chaturangas and utkatasanas will have been completely worth it as strength training when it comes to paddling and building confidence.
And yet, with all the challenges and obstacles within this type of niched class, the pure bliss afterward is the real reward. Floating on the water during savasana allowing your fingertips and maybe even toes to dip into the water creates an experience a traditional studio yoga class just can't provide. You truly become one with the water and the nature surrounding you.
If you haven't tried paddleboarding, standing, or sitting, what are you waiting for? This sport is as extreme or as relaxing as you make it. As we've discussed above, you can do yoga on the board, but you can also add a kayak seat and paddle around with ease and back support. You could bring your fishing bucket and gear and take your board out fishing in our gorgeous lakes and rivers. You can even don your favorite bikini, pack your sunscreen, a picnic, and that waterproof speaker, and just float around the lake while you work on your tan. That last option is also great with a group of besties too!
Paddleboarding is such a diverse activity and truly something that everyone (who likes water) can enjoy! Most major lakes in Denver have paddleboard rental options if you don't have your own. An inflatable board is also an incredible buy if you enjoy paddling enough to invest in the gear - which isn't cheap, but the freedom of having your board to go out paddling any time you want is worth it!
Yogis who have completed 200 hr yoga teacher training, you can also take a SUP YTT course that goes toward your CEU credits for Yoga Alliance. Not only would this course give you the confidence to lead your own classes on the water, but you will gain valuable knowledge on how to keep your students safe here in Colorado. Being a land-locked state, water sports safety is even more of a priority since our summer months are so short, that we want to make the most of our time on the lakes and rivers
Denver, CO locals can enjoy practicing with certified SUP Yoga instructors who graduate from Cosmic Soulchemy X Honest Haven Yoga's Summer '22 SUP YTT series! This program will prepare you to lead your own SUP Yoga classes, workshops, and retreats here in Colorado. You'll learn valuable and surprising information on the business of SUP Yoga in Colorado as well as ways to collaborate to bring this incredible yoga experience to your own yoga studio or local community!
Check out our Summer '22 SUP YTT series to learn more and register to save your spot. Our next class starts July 29/30. Click HERE.
Just want to check out our local classes? Use THIS link to sign up for our weekly SUP Yoga classes at Aurora Reservoir - the prettiest lake in Denver.
Check out some of the pictures below from our Summer '22 SUP YTT series.