Will You Fall In? The Truth About SUP Yoga

Yesterday I made a reel about falling in. It's the thing people ask me most. Before the date, before the booking, before anything else, the question comes. "But what if I fall in?"

So let's talk about it.

Do you actually fall in during SUP yoga?

Sometimes, yes. Not as often as you'd think. The boards we use are wide and stable, more like a floating mat than the narrow race boards you might picture. We anchor them for the yoga, so you're not drifting anywhere. Most people are surprised by how solid it feels underfoot.

But yes. Now and then someone goes in. Usually laughing. Usually during a balance they were holding their breath through.

Is SUP yoga hard?

It's different, not hard. If you've done yoga on land, you already have what you need. The water just asks you to pay closer attention. Your foundation, your breath, the small adjustments. Beginners do this all the time. You do not need paddleboard experience. You do not need to be strong or bendy or any of the things people decide they aren't.

You need to be willing to wobble. That's it.

Falling in is part of it

Here's what a few seasons on the reservoir have taught me. Nobody regrets the fall. The water is there to catch you, and the moment you come up you're grinning. The fear is always bigger than the splash.

There's something the water teaches that the mat can't. You hold on a little less tightly. You stop performing the pose and start feeling it. Falling in, when it happens, is just the lesson arriving early.

What you actually need

One real requirement. You need to be able to swim 25 metres in open water and feel comfortable there. That's the safety line, and it's non-negotiable. We can provide buoyancy aids for those who will feel less confident in open water. Beyond that, bring a swimsuit, something warm for after, and a smile. :)

We provide the boards and everything you'll use on the water.

Where we practise

We're on West Reservoir in Stoke Newington. Open water, the city behind you, herons, ducks & geese for company. We run sunrise sessions on Saturdays at 8am, Thursday evenings at 6.30pm, and a midday session on Bank Holiday Mondays.

If you want the fuller experience, the All Aboard the Water workshops are three hours of paddle, anchored yoga, a swim, and a proper debrief. No experience needed, and they sell out fast.

Come and wobble

Book through Momence and select West Reservoir as your location.

The fear is bigger than the splash. Come and find out.