Floating yoga: Lake Wingra offers new challenges to finding your balance

Sarah Schupanitz
Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:17:11 +0000
Adventure, Explore, experience, Madison, Schupanitz, sport

By Sarah Schupanitz A group in Madison is redefining yoga by moving from mat to water. Atop the soft ripples of Madison’s Lake Wingra, yoga enthusiasts […]

Instructor Maureen Hebl demonstrates Upward Facing Dog while a student focuses on her balance and stability in Low Lunge. Photo by Jahna Cook.

A group in Madison is redefining yoga by moving from mat to water. Atop the soft ripples of Madison’s Lake Wingra, yoga enthusiasts work their practices on paddleboards, bringing new balance to their poses.

Wingra Boats in Madison offered its first Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga — SUP Yoga — classes last summer and is eager to expand into summer 2012.

Instruction begins with a few minutes testing the paddleboard before getting onto the water. Instructor Maureen Hebl said one of the most difficult parts is getting on the board itself.

Hebl was trained in alignment yoga, which focuses on finding body alignment in postures through breathing and focus. This works well in combination with the paddleboard.

“You move through poses a lot slower and connect more with the mind and body,” Hebl said.

Many participants found that doing yoga on a paddleboard was easier than expected. It’s more about finding stability and learning about the self through the process.

SUP Yoga students become familiar with practice on the paddleboard before tackling poses on the water. Photo by Jahna Cook.

“Finding balance is the most challenging. You have to be present in the moment, more attuned with the body compared to a classroom environment,” Hebl said.

Most enjoy the simple aspect of being on the water and in nature. Favorite poses include inverted postures and poses lying down, looking at the sky.

It’s a space that you can relax in. “It’s very calming,” Hebl said. “You can let your thoughts go.”