The Best Stand Up Paddle Boards for Yoga and Aquatic Exercise -

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Stand Up Paddle Boarding has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Take a look around while lounging at the beach, floating a local river, or simply perusing Instagram, and you are bound to see someone stand up paddle boarding. Want to kick it up a notch? Try paddle boarding AND doing yoga. According to Forbes.com, stand up paddle boards are more popular than ever because they are now inflatable, making them perfect for someone who wants to use their board for aquatic exercise, but who doesn’t want to have to worry about where to store it! Stand up paddle board yoga classes are popping up everywhere. Change your studio yoga class to a Saturday morning stand-up paddle boarding yoga or aquatic exercise class – just make sure you have the right board first! Read on and figure out why you should have started SUP Yoga yesterday, and the best boards to buy so you don’t look like you’re fresh out of water.

Name	Price	Board Thickness	Our Rating	Best Price
Peak 10' Yoga Fitness Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board	$$	6 inches	9.7/10	See Current Price
ISLE 10'6" Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board	$$$	6 inches	9.5/10	See Current Price
SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board	$$	6 inches	9.4/10	See Current Price
Retrospec Weekender-Yogi 10' Extra Wide Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard	$$	6 inches	9.3/10	See Current Price
THURSO SURF Yoga Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board	$$$	6 inches	9.4/10	See Current Price

What are the Benefits of (SUP) Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga?

Floating on a body of water while doing intricate stretches and breathing may sound intimidating, but I promise it is all worth it! While the scenery and clean air can’t be beat, the actual benefits are incredible:

Improved balance
Improved muscle strength
Great core workout
Burns calories
It’s outside – no stuffy yoga rooms or gyms!
Helps calm and relax
It’s fun!

Tips for Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga

Start in Calm Water

As always, practice makes perfect. In this case, practice makes sure you don’t end up hurting yourself or someone else! Always start slow and in calm water (meaning relatively no wind or waves). Practice the poses before integrating into groups or choppy water. Safety should always be your first priority when on the water. If the water isn’t right, come back another day.

Don’t Forget your Paddle, Leash, and Dry Bag

Always double-check that you have all of your gear, including your dry bag. Missing even one piece of gear can compromise your or someone else’s safety. It can also mean you are compromising the safety and longevity of your board. I recommend making a list of what you need when paddleboarding. Put this list on your phone and reference it before leaving for the water.

Apply Sunscreen

Always apply sunscreen. Even if it is overcast and supposed to rain all day, it is better to be over-prepared than come home with a serious burn that can potentially have lifelong consequences. Schedule at least 10 minutes before getting on the water to apply sunscreen – you won’t regret it!

Practice Falling off and getting back on the board a few times before starting

Always practice falling off your board and getting back on multiple times before starting. There is nothing more embarrassing than falling off your board and being unable to get back on in the middle of a yoga class. Falling off your board does not mean that you are a failure, it means that you are trying. Accept that you are going to fall at least a few times and make the commitment to know how to get back up when you fall (because you will – I promise).

How to Fall off and Get Back on a Stand Up Paddle Board

What to Look for in a Stand Up Paddle Board for Yoga?

Not all Stand Up Paddle Boards are made equal. If you are interested in practicing Yoga, Pilates or other Aquatic Exercises, make sure your board is made for it. Look for boards that have these specific features:

Paddle Board Thickness – The thicker the board, the sturdier it will be. You want a sturdy board to help you balance during your exercises.
Board Width – The wider the board, the more stable it will be. The more stable the board, the better and more effective your poses will be.
Cost to value ratio – Always compare the accessories, materials used, and design to ensure you are getting what you pay for with your board. There are some great boards on the market at a lower price point.
Maximum rider weight – If you are interested in doing more complex yoga poses and possibly bringing a human (or canine!) companion, you should seriously consider the maximum rider weight.

The Best Stand Up Paddle Boards for Yoga

Peak 10' Yoga Fitness Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Summary: This inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board was specifically made for aquatic exercise. It is 10 feet long, 31 inches wide, 6 inches thick, weighs 18 pounds, and has a max capacity of 275 pounds.

Pros: This board comes with a great accessory bundle that includes a pump. With the included pump, it can be inflated within 10 minutes. When deflated, it is compact and can be worn as a backpack when transporting.

Cons: According to a few reviews, the included paddle is not made well and is prone to breaking after minimal use.