Finding the Connection between Surfing and Yoga
When I was first introduced to yoga, it was on a beach before a surf session in Montanitas, Ecuador. 
“I practiced “Surya Namaskara A” every time before I hit the water to surf, it calmed me down, help loosen me up and set my breath in motion, it became my mantra.”

Breath & Body Connection

The Breath can be used as a tool,  not only to calm the mind & body, but also as a way of drawing more energy into a movement.  All martial arts practices use the breath in this way.  Swimmers also do this, and because their movements are timed, their breathing is rhythmic.  Pranayama is the yogic practice of exercising the breath.  By focusing on the way you breath, you can increase the capacity, length, and energy of your breath.  So not only will you be able to hold your breath under water longer, but you will get more "bang" out of every movement you take.

Paddling   

• Emphasize the exhale at the end of your down-stroke.  Inhale deeply on up-stroke.

*Pranayama Practice -

• Kapalabati - "fierce breath"

Bottom Turns

• Exhale into bottom turn and Inhale as you begin to come out of your bottom turn

*Pranayama & Asana Practice

• Deep Full Inhales as you bring your arms out to your side and up over head, trying to increase the length of your inhale by using the arms as a guide, long slow steady controlled movements

Top Turns "hitting the lip"

• Deep Exhale as you engage into your top turn, being sure to push out the bottom of the breath with some "umph"

*Pranayama Practice

• Simhasana - "Lions Breath"

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Body & Mind Connection

Yoga helps to build awareness within the body, through breath and movement.  Surfing can be an exciting and also dangerous sport, being alert and calm can be extremely important to stay safe in any surf condition.  By drawing from yogic techniques and philosophies we can help to increase our awareness in and out of the water.  Style and grace are what drawing a nice line is all about.

Staying Calm

• Slow the Breath

• Be aware of the space between each breath to still the mind
  

Staying Connected

• Pay attention to the breath, begin to feel the connection between the rhythm of your environment and your breathing

Staying Loose

• Be aware of the body, with each movement you take breath into the body,  Emphasize the breath when you engage into the movement

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Elements of Surfing and Yoga

Mental Field

State of Mind
Present
Not Present
Emotions
Awareness
Scattered Thoughts

Physical Field

Breath

Loose
Constrained
Short
Smooth
Relaxed

Body

Tight
Loose
Controlled
Uncontrolled

Energetic Field

High Energy Level
Medium Energy Level
Low energy Level

Collected State
Neutral State
Scattered State

Consciousness Field

Connecting Internally

Connecting to your
External Surroundings

Universal Connection