Starting a new activity, in this case SUP yoga, is exciting. But you’ll have questions such as what to wear, what to expect, where to start, and more.
Here, we’re going to answer one of these questions for you: what to wear for paddle board yoga.
The right SUP yoga clothing ensures comfort and allows you to freely do all kinds of poses. You’ll be able to focus on your yoga practice, as you embrace the sense of inner peace that comes with it.
The wrong SUP yoga clothing, on the other hand, could result in a bad experience. You’ll be constantly worried about having an embarrassing moment, especially with some yoga poses. The clothes will also be uncomfortable if you fall in and get wet. Nobody wants that.
So here is a simple guide on how to dress for paddle board yoga. And no, you don’t need anything fancy.
You only need clothes that are comfortable, can get wet, and allow you to move freely.
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Key Takeaways
- Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet and allow you to move freely.
- The material of your clothes should be comfortable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
- Rash guards are a good option for SUP yoga as they offer sun protection and protect you against rashes.
- You don’t need shoes for SUP yoga. Bare feet grip the deck pad better.
- Dress for the weather and don’t forget your sunscreen.
SUP Yoga Clothes for the Upper Body
You can wear a bikini top, t-shirt, sports bra, or the top you normally wear for yoga on land.
Whatever you choose, make sure the material is comfortable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
You may want to avoid tops that are too loose. Those can be a problem with yoga poses like the headstand or downward dog. They will keep sliding down to your face.
Rash guards are another good option for SUP yoga. For those who have no idea what a rash guard is, it’s a sports shirt made of spandex and nylon blend.
This athletic shirt is designed for water activities. It offers sun protection and also protects you against rashes.
SUP Yoga Clothes for the Lower Body
Just like stand up paddleboard yoga tops, the bottoms don’t have to be fancy or expensive.
Bikini bottoms, shorts, and regular yoga pants will do. But you should make sure they are not too tight or too loose. The material should be comfortable as well.
Some bikini bottoms may not be right for a SUP yoga class as far as modesty is concerned. Consider every paddleboard yoga pose. Wear your bikini and try the poses at home to see if you’ll need additional coverage.
Should I Wear Shoes for Paddle Board Yoga?
You don’t need shoes for SUP yoga. Stand up paddle boards have a soft traction pad, which is also your yoga mat. It provides a comfortable surface and keeps you from slipping.
Bare feet grip the deck pad better.
You can wear flip-flops to protect your feet when you’re walking to the water. But once you get on the SUP board, secure them under the storage bungee cord.
Water sandals and water shoes would be okay too when stand up paddleboarding to your spot. Take them off when you start your SUP yoga session.
Unless it is really cold, we recommend being barefoot.
ALSO READ: 17 SUP Yoga Poses for Beginners
Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen!
A sunburn is enough to completely ruin what would have been an amazing SUP yoga experience. Always apply sunscreen before your yoga class—preferably one that is water-resistant.
Dressing for the Weather
One way to be comfortable and have a good time when doing yoga on a SUP is to dress for the weather.
Cold Weather
Most people prefer to stay away from the water when it is freezing.
For other SUP yogis, cold weather is not enough to stop them. If this is you, you may want to invest in a wetsuit.
Wetsuits are skin-tight and don’t restrict movement.
If the weather is just cool and not extremely cold, a wetsuit may not be necessary. In this case, layering is the best option. You can reduce the layers if you start feeling too warm.
Hot Weather
You have a lot of options when it comes to SUP yoga in hot weather. You can wear your bathing suit or what you wear for your hot yoga classes.
If you decide to wear normal yoga clothing, pick light colors. Dark colors absorb heat and it won’t be a pleasant experience.
The good thing is that you can always jump in the water for a refreshing swim.
Dress to Look Good or to Feel Good for SUP Yoga?
What is more important when dressing for paddleboard yoga: style or comfort?
We say both! I mean, why not? It is easy to balance the two. There are so many stylish rash guards, yoga clothes, and swimsuits that also offer comfort.
Wrapping Up
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Dressing for SUP yoga is not complicated at all.
Wear dry-wicking clothing that provides enough coverage and allows you to move freely. The materials should also be comfortable and not make you itchy.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun once you get on that paddleboard.
