A Complete Guide to Teaching SUP Yoga Effectively

Teaching SUP Yoga: A Complete Guide to Teaching SUP by Rick Burnett is a must-read for anyone interested in mastering and teaching the art of SUP yoga. As the popularity of paddleboard yoga grows, Rick Burnett offers an essential resource for both seasoned yogis looking to transition into teaching SUP yoga and new practitioners curious about incorporating stand-up paddleboards into their practice.

This book stands out for its thorough exploration of the techniques and methods required for safely and effectively guiding students through a SUP yoga session. Burnett’s practical approach, coupled with his deep knowledge of yoga and water sports, makes this guide indispensable for anyone serious about teaching paddleboard yoga.

Overview of Teaching SUP Yoga

The book takes readers on a journey through every aspect of teaching SUP yoga, from selecting the right equipment to mastering the art of balancing on a stand-up paddleboard. Burnett dives deep into the nuances of this unique practice, discussing the adjustments needed for traditional yoga poses when performed on water. He also provides insights on how to safely instruct students of varying skill levels, making this guide particularly valuable for SUP yoga instructors.

Burnett begins by discussing the logistics of yoga on stand-up paddleboards, offering advice on choosing the best boards for yoga, maintaining proper balance, and staying safe while on the water. His step-by-step breakdowns of SUP yoga techniques are easy to follow, and his clear instructions ensure that readers will feel confident applying these methods in their teaching practice.

Key Themes and Insights

Get Your Asana on the Water covers a range of topics essential for any SUP yoga instructor, including:

Pose Modifications: Burnett provides clear instructions on how to modify common yoga poses for the paddleboard, with a particular focus on ensuring safety and stability. The book emphasizes core engagement, balance, and breathing techniques to help students succeed in challenging stand-up paddling yoga conditions.

Mindfulness on the Water: A key theme in the book is the integration of mindfulness into SUP yoga practice. Burnett highlights how the connection with water and nature can enhance both the physical and meditative aspects of yoga, leading to a deeper, more calming experience for students.

Instructor Tips: Burnett’s advice for instructors is invaluable. He covers how to manage group dynamics, give clear cues, and maintain safety while out on the water. His expertise is particularly helpful for those new to teaching yoga on SUP boards.

Safety Considerations: Safety is a recurring theme throughout the book. Burnett stresses the importance of using anchors to keep boards stationary, choosing calm water environments, and ensuring that students are comfortable with both the board and water conditions before advancing to more challenging poses.

Personal Experience

In my own experience of paddleboard yoga, Burnett’s advice truly resonated. One key takeaway from the book that I applied immediately was his suggestion to start with basic, stable poses like Child’s Pose or Cat-Cow to build confidence on the board. This step-by-step approach helped me feel more secure, allowing me to enjoy the practice without worrying about falling into the water. Burnett’s focus on safety and mindfulness helped me deepen my connection with the water while staying grounded in my practice.

Another valuable aspect of the book is Burnett’s breakdown of teaching SUP yoga to groups. As someone who occasionally teaches yoga, I found his tips on managing group sessions and providing clear instructions especially helpful. His emphasis on ensuring each student feels comfortable and safe on their paddleboard really made a difference in my teaching approach.

Why You Should Read Teaching SUP Yoga

Get Your Asana on the Water is essential for anyone serious about teaching SUP yoga. Whether you’re a yoga instructor looking to expand your skills or a passionate SUP yogi ready to share your practice with others, Rick Burnett’s guide offers all the tools you need to succeed. The book’s combination of practical advice, clear instructions, and thoughtful insights makes it an excellent resource for both beginners and advanced instructors.

The beauty of SUP yoga lies in its fusion of physical and mental balance, and Burnett’s guide encapsulates that perfectly. His approach to teaching this unique form of yoga will not only help you lead safe and effective classes but will also deepen your understanding of paddleboarding yoga as a meditative, transformative experience.

If you’re ready to start teaching SUP yoga, here are some essential tools to enhance your practice:
Yoga SUP Paddleboard – A stable, yoga-friendly paddleboard designed for balance and stability.
SUP Yoga Anchor Kit – Keep your board in place during classes with this essential anchor kit.


This book review was brought to you by BreathingExerciseGuide.com.


A Complete Guide to Teaching SUP Yoga Effectively
A Complete Guide to Teaching SUP Yoga Effectively
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