Fun Yoga Choices: Goat or Paddleboard?

This summer is so unusual so why not mix up that yoga practice a bit. I’ve participated in on line yoga and followed a few you tube videos since all the studios closed down in March. The pandemic has changed our lives. Maybe I would have finally been able to do a tree pose without holding onto the railing or a pigeon pose with my butt in the right spot but alas, COVID. So here I am. Making an effort. Amusing myself. Travel is limited so I am having whatever small adventures I can manage this summer.

Goat yoga:

Outdoors. We settled onto our mats in a fenced in lawn area at the local park. The trailer opened and the goat owner led five goats and one baby alpaca into the area. As the animals wandered, we waited on our mats for a visit. Soon, a certified yoga instructor began to bring us into a gentle practice. As we did our cat – cow movements, the goat owner walked between our mats, and placed a rather large and gawky looking goat on our backs. The goat was happy to just lay there, so on my next inhale as my head went up, the owner snapped a few photos with my iphone.

The class was more relaxing than I thought it would be. Goats can be so cute, but these were bigger than I expected. Maybe if you attend a class in early spring, you may be lucky and get baby goats! Steppinoutponies was the provider of the rescue goats, and we all did fall in love with the adorable week-old baby alpaca who was just learning how to spit. Still, I love animals and the animal handler and yoga instructor from Buddhabarnyoga worked hard to ensure an enjoyable evening for all.

Paddle board yoga:

It was a sunny, warm morning at 9:30 when we paddled out to the calm harbor spot with 10 other women. The paddle boards had anchors attached which helped to stabilize us and keep us from drifting away. We each found a spot well distanced from each other. Our instructor encouraged us to balance with seated positions or on our knees. I was good at sitting on the board and breathing which is an important part of yoga.

Once we stood up, things were a bit different. Holding a warrior pose was more difficult than a one-legged tree pose on land. Balance was at the mercy of the passing motorboats as the wake approached our boards in this harbor. If you had warning, you might quickly squat onto the board, but since it was so hot, an accidental spill in the salty water was rewarding and refreshing. The instructors and staff at Huntington Stand Up Paddle were friendly and supportive of all yoga levels.

Honestly – I would do both again. I felt safely socially distanced and enjoyed myself one time with a friend and one time on my own. Always up for a new experience. ❤️

Which one would you try?

Which one will you try next?