Author: suppers

You know that moment when you think you’ve mastered something… and then the universe gives you a splashy reminder that you’re still a rookie?

Yeah. That was me trying paddleboard yoga for the first time.

Let me back up for a second.

I’ve always been the kind of guy who loves balance—both metaphorically and literally. On one hand, I spend my days deep in financial charts and gold trends, mapping out long-term plays like it’s chess with the market. On the other, I’ve got a salty addiction to ocean air, wind, and that feeling of freedom when I’m out on the water.

So when I heard about SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) yoga, it hit me like, “Why haven’t I done this yet?”

A workout that blends core strength, mindfulness, and ocean vibes? Count me in.

Why Paddleboard Yoga is a Total Vibe

First off, if you’ve never tried yoga on a paddleboard, imagine this:

You’re floating in the middle of a quiet bay. The sun’s just warming up the sky. The only sound? Water lapping gently under your board. Your mind? Clearer than your inbox on a Sunday morning.

It’s peace and presence… with a side of don’t fall in the water.

What’s wild is how much more aware you become when you’re balancing on water. On land, it’s easy to check out during a downward dog. On a paddleboard? Every micro-movement counts. Engage your core, soften your gaze, and if your ego tries to take over—splash—back to humility you go.

My First Attempt: A Wobbly (But Enlightening) Mess

I won’t sugarcoat it—my first session was kind of a circus.

I rolled up with way too much confidence, thinking, “I surf. I paddleboard. I stretch. This’ll be cake.”

😂

Plot twist: within five minutes of attempting Warrior II, I looked less like a graceful yogi and more like a drunk flamingo. The board was wobbling, my foot slipped, and I took a not-so-graceful plunge into the water. Twice. Okay, maybe three times.

But weirdly enough, I was loving it.

There’s something refreshing about doing something new and being absolutely terrible at it. Like, your brain kicks into beginner mode, and suddenly everything’s exciting again.

And when I finally managed to hold a steady pose—even just for a breath or two—it felt like winning the freaking Olympics.

What You Actually Need to Start Paddleboard Yoga

If you’re thinking about trying it yourself (do it, btw), here’s what you’ll need:

1. A Stable Paddleboard

Not all boards are created equal. Look for a wider board (at least 32” wide) with a solid deck pad. Inflatable boards work too, as long as they’re firm and flat. Stability > speed here.

2. An Anchor

Unless you want to drift halfway to Bermuda mid-pose, get yourself a simple anchor. It keeps your board in place so you can focus on flow, not floating away.

3. Comfortable, Quick-Dry Clothing

You will get wet—either from sweat, splashes, or straight-up falling in. Go for lightweight, fitted activewear that won’t drag or sag when wet.

4. Sunscreen + Water

Trust me. Nothing ruins your zen faster than a sunburn and dehydration. Hydrate early and often, and reapply that SPF like it’s your part-time job.

Beginner-Friendly Paddleboard Yoga Poses

Here are a few solid beginner poses that don’t require Cirque du Soleil-level skills:

• Child’s Pose (Balasana) – Start here. It helps ground your energy and get the feel of the board beneath you.

• Tabletop Position – Hands and knees, slow and steady. Great for warming up your wrists and building balance.

• Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) – Feels amazing for your spine and keeps you engaged with the natural motion of the water.

• Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) – Yes, you can do it on a board. Just take it slow. Micro-movements are your friend.

• Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) – A great one to do when you need a breather (or you just fell in and climbed back on).

Start simple. Flow later.

The Real Benefit? It’s Not Just Physical

Sure, paddleboard yoga will fire up your core and improve your balance. But honestly? The biggest shift happens between the ears.

When you’re floating on water, with nothing to hold onto but your breath and your body awareness, you have to be present. The board doesn’t lie. It reacts to every little moment of tension, every distracted thought, every bit of ego that sneaks in.

It’s like therapy… but saltier.

And yeah, I still fall in sometimes. But now I laugh when it happens. I get back up, wipe the water from my eyes, and try again. Kinda like life, huh?

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Paddleboard Yoga?

Absolutely.

Even if you fall in (which you will), even if you feel silly (you might), even if you don’t nail a single pose (who cares?)—you’re moving, breathing, and connecting with nature in a way most workouts can’t touch.

It’s a full-body, full-mind reset.

And let’s be real—any chance to blend flow state with ocean state? That’s a good investment.

So grab a board, drop an anchor, and just… float.

Namaste, sea-style 🌊

So You Wanna Paddle, Huh?

Alright, so here’s the deal. I didn’t exactly grow up carving ocean swells or gliding across glassy lakes with the grace of a yoga-practicing sea otter. Nope. I was the guy faceplanting off a rental paddleboard my buddy “swore was stable.” Spoiler: It wasn’t. 🫠

But that first humiliating plunge? It got me hooked. There’s just something about paddleboarding—being out there on the water, sun on your back, mind finally shutting up for a second—that makes you feel a little more human. And, honestly, a little more badass.

Thing is, finding the right paddleboard? That’s a whole other adventure. It’s like shopping for your first car—except instead of horsepower, you’re comparing volume and tail shapes like some kind of aquatic engineer.

So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed right now, trust me—I’ve been there. Let’s cut through the jargon, the marketing fluff, and that one overzealous Reddit thread that almost convinced me to spend $1,300 on a carbon fiber rocket ship. 🙄

Here’s everything I wish I knew before picking out my first real paddleboard.

1. Know Your Mission: Chill Cruiser or Wave Chaser?

Before you even look at a board, ask yourself: What kind of paddler am I trying to be?

Are you imagining serene mornings on the lake, paddle in one hand, coffee in the other? Or are you more of the “let’s see what this baby can do in some chop” type?

Here’s a quick vibe check:

• Flatwater explorer – Think lakes, calm bays, slow rivers. You want stability, comfort, maybe even room for your dog or cooler.

• Fitness paddler / yoga warrior – Wide, stable platforms are your best friend. Extra points if the deck pad feels like a yoga mat.

• Ocean adventurer – For those chasing down waves or touring open water, you’ll want something sleeker with a pointed nose (aka “displacement hull”) to cut through swell.

• Travel junkie – You’re living out of a van, your board better deflate. Go inflatable. More on that in a sec.

If you try to get a “board that does it all,” you’ll end up with one that doesn’t do anything particularly well. Just sayin’.

2. Hard Board vs. Inflatable: The Great Debate

Okay, picture this: You live in a beach town, got space in the garage, and you’re all about performance. You, my friend, are likely a hard board person.

But if you’re in an apartment, like to hike into secluded spots, or just don’t want to strap something to the roof of your Subaru every weekend… inflatables are legit. And way more rugged than you’d think.

Here’s my personal take after owning both:

• Hard boards = better glide, better in surf, more precise. But also heavier, need more care, and a roof rack.

• Inflatables = easy storage, great for travel, surprisingly stable. But you’ll be pumpin’ air before every session (unless you invest in an electric pump, which you should).

I used to be a hard-board snob. Now my iSUP is my go-to for weekend getaways. Call it growth. Or laziness. Either way. 😎

3. Size Matters (But Not How You Think)

Let me just say this upfront: if you’re brand new to paddleboarding, go bigger. Trust me, your ego can handle it. You want a board that’s forgiving. Not one that dumps you in the water every time you sneeze.

Here’s the breakdown in plain English:

• Length:

  • 10’ to 11’6” is that Goldilocks range for most folks.

  • Under 10’ feels playful (especially in surf), but can be twitchy.

  • Over 12’ is great for touring or racing, but not ideal for turning or storage.

• Width:

  • 30” to 34” is the sweet spot.

  • Wider = more stable.

  • Narrower = faster… but also sketchier, especially for beginners.

• Thickness (mainly for inflatables):

  • 5” to 6” is standard. Go 6” if you’re taller, heavier, or hauling gear.

Quick story: I bought a narrow 28” wide board because I thought it “looked cool.” I spent more time swimming than paddling that summer. Lesson learned. 🥴

4. The Fin Setup: Small Details, Big Difference

This one nearly slipped under my radar, but oh boy—fins matter.

• Single fin: Best for straight tracking. Great for flatwater.

• 2+1 (center fin + 2 side bites): A blend of stability and maneuverability.

• Tri-fin / thruster: Ideal for surf-style riding. Quick turns, decent control.

Most inflatables come with a single slide-in fin. Works fine. But if you upgrade, go for a tool-less setup. Ain’t nobody got time for fiddling with screws in the sand.

5. Bonus Bits That Make Life Better

Here’s some gear I didn’t know I needed until I did:

• Deck bungees: Essential if you wanna bring snacks, water, or a dry bag. And you do want snacks. Always.

• Full-length deck pad: More comfort. More grip. Great if you plan on doing yoga. Or just falling in style.

• Carry handle: Seems obvious, but not all boards have them. Trust me, your shoulders will notice.

Also… don’t forget a leash. Not just for surfers. If you fall off in a current, that board can drift faster than your motivation on Monday morning.

6. Try Before You Buy (If You Can)

This is the part no one wants to hear, but I’m saying it anyway: test the board if you can.

Rent it, demo it, borrow it from that one friend who’s always trying to get you into their hobbies. Even five minutes on the water will tell you more than hours of online comparison shopping.

And if you’re buying online (which, hey, we all do), make sure the return policy doesn’t involve selling your soul or mailing the board to Antarctica.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It, Just Paddle

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the “perfect” board isn’t the one with the fanciest specs or sleekest design—it’s the one that gets you out there. The one that makes you want to paddle. The one that feels like yours.

Start with something stable. Pick what fits your lifestyle. Don’t blow your whole paycheck chasing some influencer’s setup.

I started on a used inflatable that smelled like sunscreen and regret. And I loved that thing. Because it got me on the water. Gave me peace when I needed it. Let me discover who I am when I’m not staring at a screen all day.

So go find your board. Then paddle out—and just be.

See you out there. 🌊✌️

I’ll tell you something straight—when I first rolled up the coast of North Carolina in my beat-up old Tacoma (with the tailgate that doesn’t close unless you slam it just right), I wasn’t expecting much. I mean, I’d surfed the heavy hitters out west. Places with names that make your knees wobble before you even paddle out.

But what I found on the Outer Banks and beyond? Man… it was something else. North Carolina isn’t just hush puppies and hurricanes—it’s home to some of the most underrated surf spots on the East Coast. And yeah, I’m spilling the beans here. But don’t worry, I won’t give all the secrets away. Just enough to make you pack a board and chase a few good ones.

Why Surf North Carolina? (Besides the Sweet Tea and Sunburns)

First off, let’s clear the wax off the board: this ain’t Hawaii, and it sure ain’t California. The waves here don’t roll in like clockwork. Sometimes you wait. And wait. And maybe even take a nap in the truck bed. But when it’s on—it’s on.

What makes NC special is the mix of chill vibes, wild Atlantic energy, and that sweet southern charm. The beaches are raw, the locals are salty in the best way, and when the wind plays nice and the swell lines up—you’re in for something magic.

1. Kill Devil Hills: Where It All Clicked for Me

My first North Carolina wave happened here, just north of Nags Head. It was late September—hurricane season—and the forecast looked spicy. I pulled up before dawn, coffee in one hand, wax in the other, and the sky was doing that deep navy fade into orange.

I watched the sets roll in and thought, “Okay, this is the real deal.”

The break here is punchy. You’ve got sandbars that shift around like gossip at a family reunion, but when they’re dialed in, you’ll get shoulder-high peaks that peel long enough to throw a turn or two. Bonus: it’s rarely packed, especially if you paddle out early.

2. Wrightsville Beach: The “Clean Cut” Cousin

Wrightsville is like that one friend who’s always got sunscreen, a cooler full of La Croix, and somehow still surfs better than you. It’s clean, consistent, and stylish—just like the breaks here.

The waves are a bit friendlier, so it’s great if you’re newer to the scene or just want to mess around on a longboard. I met a guy here who swore the water feels different—”softer” he said. Not sure if that’s science or poetry, but he wasn’t wrong.

Oh, and there’s a killer burrito spot a few blocks from the beach. Pro tip: go after your session, not before. I learned that one the hard way. 🌯+🌊=🤢

3. Emerald Isle: Small Town, Big Stoke

If you’re chasing solitude with your surf, Emerald Isle hits the sweet spot. It’s sleepy in the best way—think old-school beach town energy where everyone still waves when you drive by.

The break here works best with a southwest wind and a solid east swell. When it’s working, the right-handers run clean and smooth. I paddled out during a glassy morning last fall and ended up sharing the lineup with just one other dude. We nodded, swapped a few waves, and didn’t say much else. Surfing doesn’t always need words, you know?

4. Surf City: Yeah, It’s Literally Called That

You can’t skip a place with a name like Surf City. And no, it’s not just marketing—it actually delivers.

This spot is great for all levels. Beginners can paddle into mellow rollers near the pier, and more experienced surfers can hunt down the sandbars further out. There’s a local surf shop that rents boards and gives lessons, and I’ve gotta give them props—they’re the type of folks who actually care if you’re having a good time.

Bonus points: There’s usually a taco truck parked somewhere nearby. Ask for the fish tacos. Trust me.

5. Frisco Beach: Remote and Ridiculously Good

This one’s a bit of a mission—but worth it.

Way down on Hatteras Island, past the kiteboarders and the tourists posing with lighthouses, you’ll find Frisco. It’s one of those places that still feels wild. There’s not much around, which is part of the charm.

The waves here are heavier. I’m talking powerful beach break barrels that can really thump. I snapped a leash here once, and the paddle back to shore taught me some humility. But man, the waves I did stick? Unforgettable.

Camp nearby if you can. Nothing beats waking up, unzipping your tent, and seeing lines stack up under the sunrise.

Real Talk: What to Know Before You Go

• Hurricane Season Is Prime Time: Late summer into fall brings the juice. Be respectful of the ocean—those swells can be gnarly.

• Tides Matter: Some spots only work mid-tide, others on the drop. Ask locals or check the cams.

• Water Temps Swing: Spring and fall can be cold. Bring a wetsuit. You’ll thank me.

• Respect the Lineup: East Coast surfers are friendly until you snake a wave. Don’t be that guy.

• Watch the Wind: Offshore is gold. Onshore? Might as well grab a book.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Waves 🌊

Surfing North Carolina taught me something I didn’t expect: patience. The kind of patience that makes you sit with the silence, watch the horizon, and appreciate every ripple of movement. You don’t just score waves here—you earn them. And somehow, that makes them taste sweeter.

I’ve surfed a lot of places. Chased the rush, the size, the hype. But there’s something about pulling into a roadside surf lot in NC, wax melting in the sun, seagulls squawking over a salty breeze, and knowing… this is it. No crowd. No cameras. Just you, the board, and the next set rolling in like a quiet promise.

So yeah, if you’re thinking of checking out North Carolina’s coast, stop thinking. Go.

Pack your board, fill the tank, and chase that feeling.

Key Takeaways

• Kill Devil Hills: Punchy and powerful, best during hurricane season

• Wrightsville Beach: Consistent and clean, ideal for longboarders

• Emerald Isle: Laid-back and uncrowded, great for quiet sessions

• Surf City: Friendly for all levels, with easy access and good eats

• Frisco Beach: Remote, raw, and heavy—bring your A-game

Catch you in the lineup. 🤙