Yoga

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.

Life on Maui is always nice, but this week has been absolutely magical!  The swell has been amazing, so there has been a lot of surf action going on during this weeks retreat!  The jacuzzi, yummy food, and yoga sessions has really helped rejuvenate everyone from all the activity we have been up to!

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!

Reason #1455 why I love living on Maui! We always have amazing yoga instructors from around the world conducting workshops in paradise. One of these renowned yoga instructors is John Friend who joined over a 100 yogi’s at The Studio Maui for a spectacular week of Anusara Yoga and heart opening.

One of our SwellWomen yoga teachers, Katherine Wilder is a student of John Friend. Our SwellWomen guests get to enjoy a combination of Anusara and flow during our week long surf and yoga retreats.

John Friend Anusara Workshop at The Studio Maui

Beginning of Class with John Friend

John Friend and Ram Dass Satsung

I had the privilege of attending this year’s annual 2010 Hawaii Spirit Festival held at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore. What was even better is that it was a sister trip for my sister, Monica and I. Our last yoga retreat was two years ago and we were long over due to enjoy some downward dogs together. The festival was held from Oct. 21st-24th and features some amazing yoga instructors such as Annie Carpenter, Rod Stryker and Sarah Tomson-Byer to name a few. The other component to the festival was music. The guests were treated to a 6 hour concert on Saturday night featuring artists such as Justin Ancheta, John Cruz, Rocky Dawuni and Go Jimmy Go. Some of the proceeds went to supporting local non-profits’ Hui O Ko’olaupoko, Stretch Your Imagination and Kanalu’s. The cool thing about the proceeds is that WE got to pick the non-profit that we wanted out money to go to. I’m looking forward to The Hawaii Spirit Festival 2011! A big Thanks to all the wonderful teachers, Kate and the new friends that we made.

Sister Yoga Trip (Monica left, and Me-Shell right)

Prop work with Annie Carpenter

Annie Carpenter teaching an all day workshop next to the beautiful ocean.

Annie Carpenter assisting my sister into a deeper forward fold.

Another sibling duo, The Yax Brothers.

Katherine our yoga instructor has been rocking it out for our August retreats. Her outdoor classes are “JUICY” and bendy.

Take a look at some of our August 15th guests getting their yoga on at SwellWomen Retreats.

Katherine takes us into a brief Meditation.

Stretching out our Surfing Arms

Pamala sends love to her hips.

Kristy has us laughing all week long. South Sideeeeeee!!!!

Beautiful Leyla :-)

Katherine's Lovingly Assists

Child's Pose... a favorite.

Final Stretch in front of The Yoga Tree. Outdoor yoga is certainly blissful.

In my opinion, yoga and surfing are two peas in a pod. There are numerous similarities between these two activities… the poses you do on your yoga mat are similar to the pop-up steps on your surfboard. Not to mention, yoga brings an awareness to your breath and brings you in the moment while surfing allows your mind to be free of it’s daily worries. I don’t know anyone who is thinking about their mortgage payment while they are surfing a precious wave.

Heading off to The Yoga Tree for our outdoor Bliss

Balancing poses help us with surfing.

Balasana or Child's Pose

Katherine assisting one of our SwellWomen

Warrior 2 pose is similar to a surf stance.

There's nothing better than doing yoga outdoors, especially in Maui.

Yoga and Surfing are a great mix!

Have you ever wanted to become a yoga teacher? What is The yoga + surfing connection: what does it mean and how can we live it? Peggy Hall, Yoga for Surfers Founder, is now offering a yoga program for inspired individuals who would like to learn her technique and style this September in California. Peggy Hall is an avid surfer, certified yoga instructor, surf-nutrition specialist and the creator of the first-ever yoga program specifically for surfers! Surfer Magazine calls Peggy a “legend” in surfing fitness, as she has helped tens of thousands of surfers all over the world surf better — and live better through her Yoga for Surfers® instructional videos.

SwellWomen loves Peggy Hall and all she has done with the Surf and Yoga community. If you are thinking about becoming a Yoga Instructor and enjoy surfing, click here for additional information.

Time to stretch, strengthen and breathe. We love yoga time at SwellWomen! Thanks to our wonderful instructors, Katherine and Tiffany.

Stretching the side body while listening to the tropical birds.

Spirit Fingers Michelle holds steady during her plank. We all admired her strenght, beauty and humor.

SwellWomen Lunge.

Great image of Olga in a peaceful Child's Pose.

Holding Tree Pose near our lovely Yoga Tree.

SwellWomen retreats is not only about surfing, we incorporate wellness into our week by practicing yoga daily, optional meditation, Question of the Day, Massages and more. We hope our guests incorporate bliss and wellness into their daily life long after they return home.

One of our questions for, Question Of The Day.

Katherine Wilder, our amazing yoga instructor.

Nothing beats Yoga outdoors, just ask our guests.

Yoga after a morning surf session is the best way to stretch out your paddling muscles and keep your core strong. Yoga outside after a surf session is even better. Thanks Katherine for a wonderful week of Yoga.

Goddess Warriors

Lengthening the side body.

Our Yoga Tree

Tree Pose

Focus and Joy

It really IS this beautiful.