Happy and Blissful Holidays from SwellWomen! Our blog will be taking a little break from Dec. 23rd-January 3rd, 2012. See you in the new year and remember to catch a wave everyday…even if only in your mind.

You might think that surfing and yoga are far out from each other but that notion is incorrect. Both have similar concepts that really blend well to give you a better life. Here are five reasons why surfing and yoga is a great combination.

1.  Yoga and surfing have a common denominator. They are ways of life.

2.  Surfing without exercise such as yoga can have health repercussions.

3.  Yoga will teach you patience in surfing.

4.  Yoga will increase your strength and flexibility on the board.

5.  Yoga will help you improve posture and breathing.

Surfing and yoga is a perfect complement that assists in excelling each other to higher levels and that is why most women’s surf camps have yoga activities as well. The pair not only enhances your spirituality and physicality but also harmonizes your mind and body in perfect balance. So the next time, before you surf, practice a few minutes of yoga and breathing. Then you’ll realize that surfing is not only a purely physical activity but can have liberation effects as well.

Soft Tops are the best to learn on.

What to Expect
So, what should you expect for your first beginner surf lesson? First of all, surf lessons (and surfing) should always be fun! If you are able to laugh at yourself (even the naturally athletic may be humbled by a couple of not-so-graceful wipe-outs), you are right on track. Surf lessons are typically 2 hours and should be at a maximum ratio of 5:1 (5 students to 1 instructor.)

At the beginning of your surf lesson, your surf instructor will do a brief check-in and introduction. After the intros, it time for a land lesson. Your class time on the beach will include things like safety, ocean awareness, anatomy of a surfboard and last but not least, surf etiquette – all critical to having fun once you hit the water. On the land, you’ll also receive instruction on how to pop up on a surfboard, how to ride the surfboard, and how to safely end your ride.

After your land lesson, is the time you’ve been waiting for – time to hit the ocean! This is where the true test lies, so hopefully you have paid attention to your surf instructor. Once in the water, the surf instructor will corral you in a group and call you over one at a time. During your turn, your instructor will watch for the perfect wave, and once it is coming, he/she will give you a slight push (I call it a love pat) into the wave. This is when the fun begins! Once you feel the push, it’s time to pop-up and enjoy the ride. Nothing beats your first wave!

Plenty of surfing to be had this summer!

This summer has blessed Maui with tons of surf! I mean tons! It started in early summer and the surf continues on without any long lulls until the next swell. We get a breather of a day or two and then whamo!…surf’s up. This is turning out to be one of the best summer’s for surfing that Maui has seen in a long time. Come and join us for some exceptional waves. Click here for the Maui surf report and weather.

How to Surf in Seven Easy Steps

It does not matter if it is yoga on the beach or yoga outside, it all feels soooo good!!  Or as our yoga instructor from this weeks retreat Katherine Wilder would say, it is JUICY!!

Here are some photos of this weeks group getting JUICY with some bending and breathing!

Maui’s warm water, healing vibes, perfect waves, and warm sunshine, all come together to support these ladies as they inspire us with their energy and laughter out in the ocean!

Check out these photos of them having a blast in the waves during our SwellWomen Retreat!

The ladies getting ready to paddle out!

Oh Yeah! Stav is really an island girl at heart!

Stav All Smiles!

Lisa having Fun In The Sun!

Lisa having Fun In The Sun!

Question of the Day great way to check in with your self, explore your goals, boundaries, limitations, and tune into your own inner voice.  It is also really rewarding and inspiring to listen to the answers of your other friends.

Even if your own answer does not come to you right away, it is a great thought to take with you into your daily yoga and meditation practice.

Check out some of this weeks photos!

Question of the Day

One of these ladies you can’t help but love is Marvelous Marilyn!  All the way from New Jersey, her passion for life, kindness for people, and adventurous spirit, is contagious from the first time you meet her!

It does not matter if it is surfing, yoga, hiking, sunset, taking an extra day excursion, like biking down the volcano, or viewing the lavender fields, Marilyn is up for the journey!

Check out some of our photos from some of the amazing adventures this week with Marilyn!

We got to spend her birthday this year with her! Happy Birthday Marilyn!

Her she comes! Ripping in the waves!

Hang 5! Hang 10! She goes for it all!

Marilyn is also a chef! Lobster anyone?

Hiking with great friends to see great views!