So what is it that makes yoga and surfing such a great combination?

Hmm…without too much thought, the answer seems relatively obvious. As the popularity of yoga and surfing and yoga/surf retreats continue to grow, let’s take a deeper look at why these two disciplines are so complementary (and addictive).

Both yoga and surfing require balance, strength, focus and a clear head.  A consistent yoga practice can help build both core and upper/lower body strength, improve your sense of balance and steadiness as well as teach you the importance of single-pointed attention and the power of full engagement.  After practicing for several weeks, those who are new to yoga often feel a deeper sense of calm, even in challenging situations, better sleep and more energy – and begin to develop a more intimate mind-body connection.  Many students often comment on how little body awareness they actually had until they started practicing yoga.

So, how does this translate into better surfing?  Chronic aches and pains are often alleviated, especially when you incorporate Yin and more gentle styles of yoga, and recovery time after intense exercise is faster.  Core strength helps with balance and gets you to your feet faster, and upper body strength increases your paddling power and helps catch waves more easily.  Students also frequently find that after only a few yoga classes their self-limitations seem to lessen, and this often equates to more energy, confidence and endurance both in and out of the water.  And, a quick 10 minute pre-surf stretch coupled with some basic yoga poses can warm up and loosen the body as well as prevent injury.

Can surfing help your yoga practice?  Without a doubt, paddling builds strong arms which are a must for arm balances and more yang/power styles of yoga.  One also quickly finds out about the perils of not staying focused in the water – which are a little less dangerous in a yoga class, but nonetheless, a wandering mind distracts from the full experience. If you know first-hand or have heard stories of the mystical occurrences people have in the water and the “soulful” nature of surfing, it’s that same connection to the pulse of life and creation that many yogis are seeking in the first place.  When you’re in this transcendental state, there is nothing to be done or accomplished other than the pure joy of existence itself. It is this feeling of connectedness that we all want more of…

What can you expect in a yoga/surf retreat?  If you’re with qualified and passionate surf instructors and yoga teachers, it can be a life-changing experience.  For example, the instructors at Innocent Surf School equip their students with a strong foundation by breaking down fundamentals into “building blocks” for initial safety and familiarity. After the basics are mastered, students can later analyze and build upon these blocks as their surfing improves.  The idea here is that you are now a “surfer-for-life” and empowered beyond the week-long retreat to take it to the next level. And, fun-loving, knowledgeable yoga instructors draw on a variety of styles and asanas that are complementary to surfing and work to help open the body.

As a veteran yoga/surf teacher myself, I like to use meditation, breath work, stretching and traditional yoga poses in a sequenced flow that really harmonizes with all elements of the experience. Participants are removed from their day-to-day life, on a beach in the middle of the jungle (!!!) so earthy, grounding practices are very beneficial.  It is also nice to give people tools that they can incorporate into their everyday lives for more ease and mindfulness. As Stephen Cope so eloquently states, “Retreats don’t change our lives as much as they change where we stand in relation to our lives.”

Experience for yourself the yoga surfing experience at our exquisite Costa Rica yoga surf retreats scheduled in April, July, and August!

See you on the beach,
joy