A 10-minute, seated practice that combines MFR with gentle stretches and breath work to help you wake up and expand your lung capacity before paddling out for a surf.
Another September has come and gone, and for the 2nd year, I participated in the SurfAid September #MakeAWave Challenge of surfing 30 days to raise funding and awareness for the SurfAid Programs.
My current, go-to, Pre-Surf Stretch for when my body is feeling stiff and a bit surfed-out. This sequence could also be nice for a brief Active Recovery practice post-training or post-surf/sport
It was an honor to have the opportunity to write a piece for the Manduka Blog as a part of the Manduka x Gerry Lopez collection launch. In this article, I share my personal experiences with surfing and yoga and how I view the two as similar spiritual paths that reconnect us to life.
Now don't get me wrong, sometimes simple can be easy. And that's great. And sometimes there is a place for complexity as well. But the simple, the simple is available. Accessible. And when noticed and practiced regularly, the simple can support us in coming back to center. Back to what's true.
Toxins can come in many forms —some more out of our control than others — but as I’m learning, it’s important to minimize what we can. Most oral care products are full of potentially harmful chemicals that can not only be a burden to your system, but that also strip your mouth of ALL bacteria — both good and bad (yes, there is an oral microbiome!). So I was stoked when Oral Essentials asked if I wanted to try their Microbiome Kit!
This is a 20minute, energizing Breathwork Practice that is really nice to do first thing in the morning to help you wake up your body and to cultivate a clear, calm, and focused mind. You could also use this before a yoga practice, a surf, or a training session. We’ll begin with some MFR so grab a towel or a blanket and let’s dive in!
Happy Monday! And to kick off the week, and a new month, here’s a NEW Spotify playlist for you. This one was inspired by the transition from summer to fall, and as we switch seasons here in the northern hemisphere, the autumn months always seem to carry with them a sense of slowing down, turning in, and a return to routine. So, enjoy this mainly instrumental playlist to encourage introspection in your practice. Enjoy!!
As some of you know, or maybe you weren’t aware, I committed myself to a 30-day detox program leading up to my 31st birthday, which was this past Friday the 25th. Surprisingly enough, or maybe not surprising at all if you really know me well, this was the first time that I’ve actually successfully completed a “detox” program, and here are a few of my takeaways…
A curated playlist of a few of my favorite myofascial release (MFR) techniques for overworked shoulders -- perfect for surfers, swimmers, athletes, and weekend warriors!! You’ll need: two therapy balls (or tennis balls), a yoga block or foam roller, and maybe some pillows & blankets. These techniques are great to do at the end of a long day, or after a long surf or training session. Enjoy!
Crowded lineups are relatively unavoidable these days. And we all get it, yea!? Surfing is awesome!! But, much like the ‘rules of the road,’ the unwritten but very much accepted ‘rules of surf etiquette’ are there to ensure everyone’s safety, as well as to help create some order to make sure that everyone gets their fair share of rides. So here are 6 tips that I think are most important to know.
I’m stoked to have teamed up with prAna for National Yoga Month to share with y’all a 30minute Yoga for Surfers practice that will help get the body warm and awake while also cultivating a clear, calm, and focused mind for your surf, or for your day. Great as a pre-surf/sport practice, morning flow, or midday re-energizer. Enjoy!!
Low back pain is unfortunately all too common. Check out this myofascial release (MFR) tutorial to help you release tension, ease pain, and free up some space in the low back so that you can continue to feel good and move well! I highly recommend this as recovery post-surf or sport, or at the end of a long day. You’ll need 2 therapy balls.
On average, it’s estimated that US adults spend about 90% of their time indoors. And although this tendency is not something new (the indoors is comfy with heat/air, TV, wifi), I also think that it’s really important for us to recognize and utilize the many mental & physical benefits that come from something as simple as stepping out into the sun.
One of my favorites and definitely most used!! This is a nice way to start the day and a GREAT technique for pre–yoga / breathwork / training / surfing / and of course, I gotta think about all my free-diving friends! This technique focuses on the intercostal muscles between the ribs and you don’t need any props - sólo tús manos - so you can practice it anywhere.
“In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is a story of the Earth.” - Rachel Carson. How amazing is it that we get to be a part of this story?? And while our time on this planet is relatively short-lived — the Earth was spinning long before us and will likely continue to spin long after us — I can’t help but think about the small-but-mighty impact our own existence holds.
Let’s explore fascial health and the role it plays in how we move through our daily life. I began incorporating myofascial release into my self-care routine a little over a year ago and it has been a game changer - not only for my yoga practice, surfing & cross-training recovery - but also in how I feel and connect with my body. I’m stoked to share a 2-part MFR for Surfers Series that I recorded for the rad crew at The Salty Club!
I am a BIG fan of using props in both my personal practice and in the classes that I teach. But with current times - classes transitioning to online, at-home, and bring your own props - it can be easy to miss the yoga studio experience. So here I share 5 easy, DIY yoga props that you can recreate at home!!
Our ability to notice 'on the mat' fine tunes our ability to notice 'off the mat.' If our practice stays limited to the confines of our yoga mat, then it is not really yoga. As our practice reminds us, we can learn so much when we give ourselves permission to get quiet and to notice... So why wouldn't we want to apply this to the external world??
NEW Yoga-inspired Spotify Playlist. Over the years, both my personal practice and classes have definitely transitioned from Power Vinyasa Flow to Gentle Vinyasa Flow, and THIS playlist here is a lovely soundtrack to inspire a little bit of mellow movement. Press play, turn up the speaker, roll out your mat, and get moving!
A cue that’s commonly heard in many a yoga class is: “Relax the shoulders away from the ears.” It’s like as a collective we hold tension in the neck & upper back. Relieve tension and stiffness, ease pain, and encourage tissue health and hydration with this myofascial release (MFR) technique that targets the tissues of the upper traps. You’ll need 2 therapy balls and a yoga block.
On the topic of diversity in surfing, here are some perspectives to listen to and some organizations to support. Let’s make sure our new normal is one that’s rooted in equity, equality, and celebrating the beauty of diversity. PC: Javier Gil
The saying “only a surfer knows the feeling” has never held more weight than right now. From an outside perspective, surfing can appear as an obsession, or just another form of physical exercise, or a way to spend time in nature. And while surfing is those things, for many of us, surfing is also so much more… For many, it’s a cure.
