YOGAqua — Local services in Marina del Rey

Almost by accident, I stumbled upon Yogaqua. Now, every week, I am down in Marina del Rey, out on the water with the SUP Yoga tribe. SUP yoga is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Every session, we paddle for about 30 minutes and then we do a yoga session for an hour. The practice challenges the mind and body in unique ways, from maintaining balance and pushing the physical limits of the body, to overcoming fears and conquering the mind.

Yoga? On a paddleboard? Sounds crazy, right? Trust me, the board is more stable than you think. Plus, you are anchored, so you don’t float away during practice. Take it from a rookie; my balance is not so great, although I’m slowly improving, class by class. I only fall in when I’m doing headstands, so you’re probably safe if you try this yourself for the first time! Honestly, I fall in because I push myself to the max and I let go of all the fear I feel. Part of what I love about SUP Yoga is the water is there to break my fall… not concrete or wood. The water removes that mental block, allowing me to release my inner self and soar to new heights. Whether you are a beginner or a lifelong yogi, I hope you are able to try SUP yoga at some point in your life.

Sarah Tiefenthaler, the founder and owner of Yogaqua, created an amazing atmosphere. Everyone is incredibly warm and welcoming, greeting you with a big smile and warm heart. The classes blend mindfulness, strength training, and flexibility, as well as the most important component – fun. The whole combination leaves me feeling invigorated and refreshed, strong and independent, accomplished and Zen. SUP yoga is my way of re-centering. It’s a time to focus on myself as a whole and explore my limits, mentally and physically, while surrounding myself with positivity, friendship, nature,...

I have this addiction to doing stuff in the ocean so I'm really not surprised to add YOGAqua to my list of activities. When I first heard about it, I thought about how I struggle just doing yoga on land and that it would be a real challenge to do it on a paddleboard. Well, its a struggle but it's not like you have to be a yoga master to be able to do it. It's a fun challenge that tests your core balance and strength. My first time was in the rain, it wasn't cold but I didn't want to fall in and I didn't!!! The second class was a nice sunny day and I got a little encouragement to go for a handstand(like I can really do them on land). I got onto my hands and then down I went! Best thing about falling in this class is that it's pretty hard to get hurt. I used to drive from woodland hills just for this class. It's LA and there are probably 100 yoga studios between Woodland Hills and marina del rey but this class is different. I've since then moved to Marina del rey and have become a regular. They're an incredible group of people! If it's your first time, you'll get a short questionnaire finding out how knowledgeable you are in paddling and yoga and teach you everything you need to know if you have never been on a board. They switch things up and gives you things to try for all abilities. If you've done yoga before, I don't have to explain the feeling you have after a yoga class. The only difference here is that you feel a little more accomplished and get extra relaxation during your Shavasana when you're floating! Whether you're just in town for a few days or you live local, it's definitely worth doing! Hope to see you out...

This was my first time paddle boarding AND doing SUP Yoga! I was both nervous and excited getting out on the water. Sarah was great at giving instructions and setting expectations so when we started I felt more empowered than afraid. I was a little slower and cautious when paddling out around the marina, but Sarah made sure to keep an eye on me and directed me how to maneuver around 🙂 Once we started the yoga … wow! I love the water and love yoga so this was the best way to combine the two! It was incredibly calming and serene. Sarah’s cues were very clear and I had no trouble flowing through the poses. I even surprised myself with the courage I had to try wheel and a headstand … on a paddle board floating in the water! 😮 I don’t know what came over me, but I was confident and curious enough to give it a go! None of us fell in and we all had a great time! Highly recommend this- even if it’s your first time! I think you’ll surprise yourself in what you’re capable of! AND you’re in great hands with Sarah- she definitely cares and has a...