Surfing and yoga are a match made in heaven — and it is no accident.
Pre-surf stretching has been part of surfing since forever — you will never see a real surfer enter the water without warming up first.
Using your limbs in ways which are alien to most other daily activities really takes its toll, even for people who are ordinarily quite fit. Yoga helps us prepare and recover — there are 3 Yoga sessions on offer Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Balance is the
key.
Unless you are a strong, seasoned swimmer, your arms will not be used to paddling. The strain on arms and shoulders can be intense when you are catching lots of waves and paddling back into position. Good balance is an essential part of surfing. Yoga brings together many of the skills you need to surf well.
- Stretch and lengthen aching, overworked limbs.
- Relax the mind and slow the breath.
- Repair and tone for the next day on the water.
Slow afternoons,
in the garden.
Yoga should concentrate on the individual. Ella is wonderful at pin-pointing your sore spots and gently encouraging your body to give and relax.
Classes are held in our tropical garden, three afternoons a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
You do not have to be a regular practitioner to take and enjoy a class. The style is Ashtanga: a dynamic, flowing practice that builds the strength, flexibility and balance that carry straight over to surfing.
You must pre-book to guarantee your spot. We also have our own Yoga mats at Swell that you are welcome to use any time, and other venues nearby if you would like more practice.
Stretch, relax,
repair, tone.
-
Stretch
Opens up the shoulders and hips that paddling and pop-ups tighten all morning.
-
Relax
Slows the breath and settles the mind — calm that carries you through the day.
-
Repair
Ease and lengthen aching limbs so you wake up ready for the next session.
-
Tone
Build the deep control and stability that holds your balance whilst on the wave.
-
Balance
The single other skill surfing leans on most — train on the mat, feel it on the board.
-
Align
Proper alignment to maximise performance and keep niggles from becoming injuries.
Warm, supportive,
and a surfer too.
Originally from Norway, Ella encourages students to explore beyond their perceived limitations — emphasising proper alignment to maximise performance and prevent injury. Yoga first served as a complement to her active lifestyle; soon it became an integral part of it.
- A dedicated Ashtanga practitioner.
- Surfer and yogi for years — she knows the strains surfing brings.
- Friendly, relaxed teaching that meets you where you are.
Three afternoons
a week.
Held in the garden at Swell, after the day on the water. You must pre-book to guarantee your place.
-
Mon · Wed · Fri
Three afternoon sessions across your week-long stay, after the water.
-
Ashtanga
A dynamic, flowing style — taught by Ella, our experienced resident yogi.
-
$25 per class
Per person, per class. Pre-book to guarantee your place on the mat.
-
All levels
No experience needed. Mats are provided and yours to use any time.
The afternoon, framed.
Before you
step on the mat.
The things first-timers and seasoned practitioners ask us most. Anything we've missed — write to us, a real person replies within a day.
Our surf & yoga weeks suit people who have never surfed and want to learn, while enjoying three yoga classes on a Caribbean retreat. The yoga is Ashtanga, taught by an experienced yogi, and pairs perfectly with our learn-to-surf programme.
Ella, our yogi, specialises in Ashtanga — a dynamic, flowing style that builds the strength, flexibility and balance that carry straight over to surfing.
Absolutely. Ella’s teaching is warm and supportive; she encourages students to explore beyond their perceived limitations while emphasising proper alignment to prevent injury. You do not have to be a regular practitioner to take and enjoy a class. We run three classes per week-long stay, and mats are provided.
No — we have our own yoga mats at Swell that you are welcome to use any time, in class or on your own. Other venues are available nearby if you would like more practice than the three weekly sessions.
Watersport paradise
Tell us your dates, how many people you are thinking about coming with, and we’ll send you a custom price and availability quote; almost instantly. Hasta pronto, see you soon.