Have you ever imagined yourself assuming the downward dog pose while balancing on a paddleboard on Candlewood Lake on a busy afternoon? No? Me neither. Yet, yoga on the lake is exactly what my teen daughter and I did last weekend, with the help of Aaron Warren, SUP Yoga Instructor and founder of Manipura Power Yoga in Brookfield.
In case you haven't seen it in action, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is an off-shoot of surfing. The board is larger and a paddle is used ride surf, or cruise over flat water while (you guessed it!) in a standing position. When you put the paddle aside, move into Warrior or stand on your head, it's SUP Yoga.
Aaron Warren first became interested the sport when he and his two sons took a lesson with Paddle-Surf RI. "We really enjoy the freedom of being able to stand up, kneel, sit, lie down or even be upside down. There is so much flexibility with a paddleboard that it makes sense as a recreational sport. I combine paddling with yoga because it challenges the comfort zone, brings you face to face with basic fears and gives you the courage to conquer those fears."
At first glance, it looks impossible to practice yoga this way. I had to try it. Why? I'm obsessed. Scratch that. Let's say I'm committed to my yoga practice. Following another relapse of Chronic Lyme last year, I began practicing yoga every single day, through the pain. It saved me. But this isn't about my love and gratitude for yoga. This is about taking yoga out of the studio, into the bright sunlight and onto the water for a balance blasting experience.
It was all fresh air, sunshine and happy yoga for me. I was nervous, but there was no space for that, because each pose required my full attention. I didn't even notice when the board and I drifted randomly across the lake. This may have been a problem for boaters whose path I blocked while deep in my yoga groove. I don't know. I was in the moment. Isn't that the whole point?
I didn't fall off the board (I know you were wondering), but not because I'm an awesome yogi. I was carefully evaluating the risks. I was actively NOT pushing my limits and NOT facing my fears, unless you count the fear of having boatloads of people evaluating my down-dog from behind, in which case, I claim victory. Next time (which will be as soon as possible), I'll be more daring.
"Many people will tell you about the impossible," says Warren. "I like to hang around those that say yeah, that's possible, let's give it a try."
So, what do you think? Are you ready to try paddle boarding? Are you ready to give SUP Yoga a try? Go on, have an adventure. I promise you'll love it. And if you hate it, come on back here and rant at me. I can take it. I'll be practicing my yogic breathing and fantasizing about getting into wheel pose on a board, in the middle of the lake.
To schedule an appointment to try SUP Yoga with Aaron Warren (who is friendly, encouraging and didn't laugh at my awkwardness once) email him at warrenat@comcast.net or call (917) 209-3715.
For yoga classes on solid ground, check out Manipura Power Yoga, located on Federal Road in Brookfield. For more information about their yoga classes and workshops, including an upcoming teacher training intensive, visit their website.
About Stand-Up Paddleboards:
SUP boards vary in price from around $600 - $1,400, so I recommend trying this sport before purchasing. My personal favorite is the eco-friendly Pai Wen board, designed exclusively for women and made from sustainable bamboo. During my lesson on the lake, I used the Boga Yoga board and found it to be very well balanced. My daughter (who joined us for SUP Yoga) recommends Isle SUP board (pictured above).
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