Yoga

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.

Are you one of those people who say, ‘I’m too old to do this, I’m too old to do that’. Well then,  you need to watch this and think again. Are you inspired yet? I am. I want to do headstands at 90 years old. How amazing is this woman. I wonder if she wants to learn how to surf?

I can’t think of a better way than to get off the plane and start your vacation by participating in a gentle vinyasa yoga class. Having class outdoors is an even added bonus! Our SwellWomen have arrived; Roberta, Marcia, Erin, Rachel, Portia, Valerie (alumni!), Catherine and Lynn. A fun bunch of ladies! We have some guests who have recently quit their job and are embarking on a change of life, some whom have changed jobs, a guest taking a break from her PHD, a guest taking a vacation away from her 20 month old and hubby and ladies who want to Vacation in Paradise!

Say Ommm…. and check out the beautiful and magical location that we have our yoga classes at.

Say Ommmm...and begin your vacation, NOW.

I love this picture, and yes, it really is as beautiful as it looks.

Stretching the upper back.

Side stretching is great for surfing.

Breathe in and breathe out on and off of your surfboard.

You might think that surfing and yoga are far out from each other but that 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.
Yoga is more than an exercise as surfing is more than a sport. Both are ways of living that help make people attain a fuller and more complete life.

2.    Surfing without exercise such as yoga can have health repercussions.
Although surfing is a good exercise, it is not perfect because it is not completely symmetrical. That is why it is always recommended that surfing be paired with a form of exercise that gives emphasis on stretching such as yoga.

3.   Yoga will teach you patience in surfing.
The extended patience that you gain from practicing yoga can also be helpful while waiting for those surf quality waves to practice on.

4.   Yoga will increase your strength and flexibility on the board.
Flexibility gained by practicing yoga helps you move with more freedom, balance and comfort. And in this area, it is obvious how yoga can really be helpful.

5.  Yoga will help you improve posture and breathing.
Proper breathing and posture will give you strength and balance that can increase stability while you glide on the waves.

Surfing and yoga is a perfect complement that assists in excelling each other to higher levels and that is why most surf schools 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.

Have you ever wondered how to prepare physically for a surf in the ocean or even an entire surf week! Yoga is one way to really get your muscles ready and stretched before going out into the ocean. Peggy Hall, from YogaforSurfers.com has introduced many yoga poses that help with surfing. If you are going to hit the surf soon, why not check out these Free Yoga Stretches for Surfing. Just take a second to sign in and access your surf stretches. We know your mind is ready to surf, but is your body?

Let yoga help your surfing.