Fun SUP yoga in Montreal in the rain

My 3 weeks around Eastern Canadian cities were a lot of fun. The weather did not want to collaborate as much as I would love it to and even though it rained quite a lot in June which was supposed to be sunny and warm, it did not make me change some things I really wanted to do. At least I learned one thing … you never know what to expect in summer in Montreal :)

When visiting Montreal, the kiss city, I was more than happy to find out you can practice SUP yoga with KSF. First, I wanted to find a special adventure activity for my Adventure and Spa project as sometimes it is not easy when it comes to fun adventures in big cities. And second, I tried SUP (stand-up paddle) for just 2 minutes when snorkeling in Los Cabos in Mexico and I found it impossible to stand up because of the waves.

I did not want to accept I was defeated by a board and wanted to give it a second try. Now in Montreal it was the best time to do so … and even more challenging as it not was just about managing to stand up on the board but also practice some yoga positions on it.

But I believed in myself … I believed it was time for SUP yoga in Montreal.

I remember how happy I was to enjoy the sun on my skin and even fall down of the board to cool myself the day before SUP yoga when I was exploring the beauty of Montreal city, its markets, the best food and other main attractions in the Old Town. I was pretty sweating that day.

However, the following day, the day of SUP yoga in Montreal, I woke up to rain, cold and a completely different season of the year. It felt like 20 Celsius degrees less. 

Well, I figured out that was just another challenge…

I took a taxi from my hotel where I was staying to the 7770 boul. Lasalle, Rapides de Lachine where KSF company is situated. I wasn’t properly dressed and felt cold, still hoping for the Sun to change its opinion and appear above our heads.

After we registered, we could change into swimming suit and put a wet suit on top of it as the wind and some rain drops were giving us chills.

Josie, our SUP yoga instructor from O’Yoga welcomed us with a warm smile. So far it was the warmest thing on that day … until I started sweating on the board :D

First, we sat on the grass in a circle just next to the river and each one of us said something about herself. Yes, it was just girls there which I was grateful for. Most of the girls did practice yoga regularly but never tried SUP yoga like myself.

sitting in a circle

Josie from O’Yoga explaining us the basics

Josie told us something about the history of SUP adventure, SUP yoga and when it all started which is kind of difficult to determine. Does not matter when exactly and why, the SUP has become very popular now around the world.

Once the usage of the main gear was explained to us, such as how to use the leash attached to our ankle, and always wearing the life jacket, we picked up a board and were ready for the water.

the river where we did SUP yoga

preparing the boards

the way to attach the board to your ankle

ready to go to the river

The first few minutes we dedicated only to learning how to stand up on the board from the initial position on the knees, and then paddle straight, how to turn (circular propulsion) and how to slow down and stop (using retro) and not to fall off the board. It was not that difficult than I had thought after my initial experience in Baja California Sur in Mexico but it was not easy either. I did everything possible to stay on board and when I felt like almost falling off it, I just paused and didn’t force it.

After learning to paddle we also relaxed our muscles and lay down on the belly to see what to do when windy or wavy, or like Josie said ”just for fun”.

first on the knees

our first seconds standing up

finally stand up paddling

paddling on the belly with our hands

down on board on the belly

Afterwards, once a bit more stable on the board, we attached the boards to the buoys so they didn’t move much, took off the life jackets and the SUP yoga class started.

Some yoga positions were fine, the others were a big challenge.

If I had to use one word to describe it … it would be 2 hours of FUN! We laughed so much at ourselves and each other too.

I gave Josie my little waterproof camera to take at least some photos of us. See the rain drops on the pics? I was not lying about the weather … Shame I did not explain to Josie to use the zoom to take close-ups too. But to stay calm in any position together with Josie standing straight and wishing for no wind to take a clear photo was just a bit too much to ask for.

I don’t remember all the SUP yoga positions we did … but I definitely remember clearly the good time we all had and … the muscle fatigue the following day as the SUP yoga tones some muscles you would not use practicing yoga on the floor. Especially the abdominal muscles had to work hard on board.

attached the board to the buoy

see the rain drops?

warrior 2

the best relaxing pose

SUP yoga

SUP yoga in Montreal was one of the most interesting activities I’ve ever done in a city, for sure. It was also a different kind of yoga I was used to when practicing yoga around the world.

Looking for accommodation in the city? Check the best Airbnbs in Montreal. 

SUP yoga in Montreal adventure was part of my Adventure and Spa project organised by KSF and Quebec Tourist Board. Many thanks to them for such fun times.

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Posted in achievement, adventures, Canada, North America, press trip, tips, travel Tags: Montreal, SUP yoga