Class after class – Emily kept showing up to SUP.
It was hard not for us to notice A) how great she was on the board, B) how much fun she was having and C) how she supported those around her. We had to ask what kept her coming back to SUP and of course, she was game to share her Stand Up Paddleboard love story!
- When/why did you start coming to Funky Buddha?
I first came to a Slow Flow just over a year ago with some coworkers when Vox Vidorra was playing. I totally fell in love with how great it felt to move and be embodied on my mat and the way yoga practice was like a little laboratory where I got to experiment and learn more about myself.
- You’re a member! Was there a certain experience in class or reason that made you want to become one?
I became a member after my first class! After that first class, I knew I had found something that I had been looking for, so I signed up for the 30-Day Trial, and then went straight to regular membership after that. At first I was practicing 3-4 times a week, but then I did the 30-Day Dare last October and actually found it easier to practice every day, so have had a mostly daily practice since then. It feels easier to keep up the momentum of practice that way, and as a life-long procrastinator, daily practice doesn’t give me the chance to listen to that voice that tells me to put off practicing until tomorrow 🙂
- SUP yoga this summer… we’ve heard twitterings that you’re all in when it comes to SUP! Tell us everything – had you ever done stand up paddleboarding before?
Nope, my first time on a board was at the Reeds Lake Open House in June.
- Was it what you thought it’d be?
Yes and no. Before my first class, I was so nervous I told my friend that I felt like it was the day we had to run the mile in middle school (when I almost always came in last or close to it). As someone who is not athletic and has been overweight my entire adult life, trying new physical challenges puts me right at my edge and up against my feelings of self-worth. I could feel the fear in my body when I stood up on that board – the knot in my stomach, the shallowness of my breath, and the shaking in my legs. But as class progressed, I realized not only could I do this, but I was doing it, despite being afraid. It really helped that Jen said to breath in and then breathe out like we were letting go of our jitters. There is nothing like the feeling I had after that first class of doing something I was so nervous to do, working with that fear, and coming out on the other side. It makes you feel invincible.
- Any favorite stories from a class?
My nephews came to watch me once from the shore, and my 2-year old nephew kept yelling, “Emmie – fall in!” So I did and he would just belly laugh and get right back to yelling at me to fall in. It helped remind me that I shouldn’t take myself too seriously – this has been a great personal challenge, but is also just fun.
- What keeps you coming back?
The sunshine, the calm, the gentle rocking of the water, and really committing to learn to do something new.
- Do you have a tip or piece of advice for a first-timer?
You should try SUP Yoga, even if you don’t think you’ll be any good at it. If yoga has taught me one thing, it’s that we can all do things we don’t believe we can do. Also, if you’re nervous about falling in, you should just fall in right away. It helps to remind you that falling in is part of the practice, no big deal, and kind of fun and refreshing.
- Should we expect to see you out on the water all summer?
Absolutely! After that first class, I went and got the unlimited pass so I am going to be out there as often as I can!
- What’s your favorite yoga pose (on the water and on land)?
On land, it’s half moon – I love how open and joyful it feels. On water, it’s half pigeon. I love the way the water rocks you to gently soften your hips and ease you deeper into the pose.
You’re an inspiration, Emily! We’re feeling ready to hit the water after all this SUP talk. See you there!
