7 yoga poses to get back in your surf shape

Finally, after months of being locked between four walls, most of Europe can breathe again and do what they love; in our case of course, going surfing…

But after months of not doing much, without a little exercise, it’s going to be really exhausting to paddle out again.

Practicing yoga has grown deep roots in this community. Both physical and spiritual, surf and yoga work very well together to help a surfer achieve mindfulness and good physics.

In fact, yoga is one of the best exercises that help your surfing before and after session, so we collected 7 poses to get you back on track quickly:

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, or Upward Facing Dog

One of the most valuable body parts we use for surfing is our upper body. Practicing upward-facing dog repeatedly helps in strengthening the arms, waist, and spine. By stretching your torso you build up the muscles and a strong torso helps to elevate back pain, relieves sciatica, promotes a healthy spine and reduces the risk of back injury.

Adho Mukha Svanasana, or Downward-Facing Dog

Of course, we cannot leave out the most common asana, downward-facing dog. It uses the strength of your arms and legs to fully and evenly stretch your spine. This pose creates length and strength in the hands, arms, shoulders, back, calves, hamstrings and even the arches of your feet. Just what we need when it comes to popping up.

Virabhadrasana II, or Warrior II

A forceful stretch for both upper and lower body. Virabhadrasana II helps stamina, relieves backaches, and stimulates healthy digestion. This is a deep hip-opening pose that strengthens the muscles in the thighs and buttocks.

Utkatasana, or Chair Pose

This pose strengthens the thighs and ankles and tones the shoulders, butt, hips, and back. Utkatasana stretches the shoulders and opens the chest. A perfect pose to help us raising the chest while paddling.

Bakasana or Crow Pose

Crow Pose is an arm balance that looks scarier than it actually is. This asana works on your body awareness and builds up the mind-body connection while flying in the air. It strengthens your arm and core muscles, as well as your wrists, upper back, and legs.

Ustrasana, or Camel Pose

Ustrasana opens up the front of the body and stretches the chest, abdomen, quadriceps, and hip flexors. It improves spinal flexibility, while also strengthening the back muscles.

Utthita Parsvakonasana, or Extended Side Angle Pose

By practicing Parsvakonasana after every session, your shoulders and back will be seemingly less stiff. This pose provides a deep stretch to the groins and hamstrings, and improves stamina. It strengthens the legs, knees, and ankles, while also stretching and toning the abdominal muscles.

See you soon with our lovely yoga teachers on Tayourt rooftop…

Photos by Reka Borcz and @musebyplume