Yoga poses are hard enough on land. Attempting them on a stand-up paddleboard? It’s enough to make you a little seasick.

When I did give Kelsey Barden’s Yoga Floats class at Ala Moana Park a try, my fears were confirmed: I kept losing my balance and falling on top of the board. But then I got the hang of it.

Barden, a registered yoga teacher, explained that it’s always a different experience depending on the weather and the waves. “The wind makes a big difference,” she said. “There’s still lots of sway and movement even though the board is anchored.”

The boards, which are 22 inches wide and 5 inches thick, are designed for yoga. A deck pad helps with traction.

A typical yoga class aims to increase flexibility, but on the water the focus is a bit different, Barden said. “We’re on a moving platform, so instead of moving fast and building heat, we focus on balance, stability and strengthening the body.”

Barden trained for SUP instruction with Paddle Canada and the American Canoe and World Paddle associations. She also has a SUP yoga endorsement from Paddle Into Fitness.

She said she was drawn to SUP yoga because of the outdoor factor. “Practicing yoga alone can be very inspiring and uplifting, but I find when you add the element of nature, it really becomes a very special and meaningful practice,” she said. “Being out in the fresh air, floating on the ocean helps bring a sense of appreciation and also a sense of peacefulness and calm.”

The setting

Classes are held in the water at Ala Moana Beach Park near lifeguard stand 1-E. The boards are anchored in waist-deep water to keep you from floating away. As you sit or stand on your board, you can soak in the serene surroundings, watch clouds floating overhead, gaze at the horizon and see coconut trees swaying in the breeze.

The workout

The “Gentle Wave” class is designed for yoga newbies with or without SUP experience. Most of the poses are done seated or lying on the board, with a few standing postures that challenge your balance. Modifications are provided during class so you can work at your comfort and ability level.

We did a few sun salutations (a sequence of poses performed in a single, graceful flow), but downward-facing dog, with hands and feet on the board and butt in the air, left me feeling a little dizzy and nauseous. About halfway through the class, Barden gave me some Sea-Band acupressure wristbands and ginger candy to help ease the symptoms. She said she’s worked with hundreds of students, and only a handful have suffered seasickness.

The class ended in a traditional savasana (corpse pose). The gentle rocking on the waves, with fingers dangling in the water, created a sense of peace and relaxation.

Benefits

Your entire midsection works to keep you balanced and afloat. The balance challenge also forces you to slow down your practice and move with intention.

User review

Heather Chuck, 49, of Honolulu had never done yoga or SUP before starting the classes several months ago. After multiple falls off the board at first, Chuck said she’s seen improvement in her balance and abilities. “I’m sleeping better and my posture is getting better,” she said.