I like yoga, and I like SUP boarding (Stand-Up Paddle boarding if you don’t know the lingo). Why should they be mutually exclusive activities? Because images of me toppling face first into the Mediterranean Ocean tell me they should. However, I’m all for a challenge so when a friend told me her fantastic yoga teachers had branched out and jumped on-board (pun intended) the yoga SUP craze for the summer I was willing to give it a good go.

What was it like?

As my friend Amanda and I stroll along the promenade of Palmanova Beach we vocalise our concerns about the possibility of turning up to a group of taut and toned yoga slash SUP aficionados raring to go. As the meeting point – Key West Beach Bar, comes into view, Amanda points out the instructor Lilla who certainly fits the ‘lithe yoga teacher’ mould. A few other tentative faces are perched up at the restaurant seemingly waiting for further instructions like us. Although a generally fit looking bunch, none screamed ‘yogi’ and we are awash with relief. Amongst them were three Italian friends on holiday (including two apprehensive looking males), and a Polish girl who is living on the island. Amanda and I rounded off the group of six participants.

We weren’t waiting long when a friendly face came and introduced himself as Tom, the other half of the business who separately runs SUP boot camps, and assists Lilla and Peter with the yoga side. He gives us a quick introduction to paddle boarding technique – namely how to stay out of the drink, and we set off. I’m pleased to find that we’re paddling about ten minutes around the coastline, well away from the prying eyes of any would-be beach spectators. The last thing I need is an audience. We arrive at our spot, and before commencing the yoga we lock our boards onto this nifty star shaped SUP docking station. This is clearly how we avoid finishing the practice approaching the shores of Ibiza (I did wonder!).

The yoga class itself is a pleasant surprise and just the right mix of challenging yet doable. We practice many familiar yoga poses that would be quite simple if done on terra firma, but I tell you what, on a SUP your core is never not engaged! The yoga practice is 1.5 hours and the time seems to fly. After finishing up with my favourite pose (savasana of course), we conclude the session by trying out some more acrobatic moves (well not me, but I happily watched others attempt headstands). Lastly we put Lilla through her paces by insisting she show us some of her best tricks.

With the yoga portion done and dusted the water was begging us to jump in. A quick dip in the calm crystalline sea before the gentle paddle back to the beach rounded off the active part of the experience. Palmanova beach is beautiful at this time of night. We bring in the boards, dry off, and park up at a table at Key West to watch the last of the sun set with a well deserved glass of cava (or a beer or smoothie if you’re so inclined). All in all a thoroughly enjoyable and wholesome way to spend a Friday evening.

The Finer Details

Our Yoga Mind duo Lilla and Peter are running SUP Yoga classes every Wednesday at 9am and Friday at 7pm at Palmanova Beach. The €35 fee includes a 1.5 hour SUP Yoga session, followed by a refreshing beverage at meeting point Key West Beach Bar (Carrer Martin Ros Garcia, 6). Spaces are limited so reservations are required. Book by popping into Key West, or contact Our Yoga Mind directly at ouryogamind@gmail.com, or on +34 644 788 572. Alternatively you can find them via Airbnb under the ‘Experiences’ category and make your booking online.

Written by Ché Miller

About the author Ché has always had a passion for hospitality having completed a conjoint Bachelors Degree in International Business and Hospitality Management. She has spent the last 15 years working in the hospitality industry. This passion led her to working in a premier health retreat in Australia in her twenties. There she found the knowledge she gained there inspired her to start living a healthier life. Now Ché loves to combine her two favourite things, hospitality and wellbeing. She scours the island for the best nourishing restaurants, products and services. Ché has been living in Mallorca since early 2017, having moved from her home in New Zealand. She absolutely loves the energy of the island and everything it has to offer. Ché’s other interests include ashtanga yoga, boxing, reading, writing, and really good coffee.