Picture this: in the middle of mumbling secrets of all the waves, with the water of the ocean on your skin and a yogi on a board. While it might not seem like the two belong together surf & yoga flow harmoniously together As each searches for a wholeness and the now your being is mixing with the water.
Picture waking to a dawn sky painted by the sun and then diving into the cold embrace of the sea A stretch in the morning, downward dog meeting sunshine feels like plugging into the universe. One such surfer who thrives on pre-dawn beach rituals is Jake. "It's like juicing my soul before catching waves," he says, eyes ablaze with energy. A couple sun salutations leaves you prepared for ocean’s challenges.
Balance—one animal on a mat, another on altering waves. With yoga, you gain steadiness and hone core strength. Thank the powers-that-be for those planks once the board decides to act more like a...cheeky dolphin. Seasoned surfer Sarah mentioned, "I think of tree pose when I wobble. It anchors you, but on the water."
Breathing—so simple, right? However, getting breathing correct changes the game in surfing. Various yoga pranayama, your surf comes with a bit more rest in between while the waves come at you less presumptuously. Search your memory banks for a time you paddling furiously to get that wave, heart raced, lungs burning. Now; put 100% of your focus on a light deep breath as you paddle. There you flow like a brook straight to the sea.
The spot where surf mats meet yoga mats is where communities are knit together. There is a handful of like-minded enthusiast enjoying this combination. You will run into Lisa type of local who says, "We should start a surf-yoga café—smoothies on one side, wave advice on the other." Bonding strengthens with laughs and recommendations.