Find Fun, Friends and Relief with SUP Y’ALL Yoga & Paddle Boarding
The Chattahoochee River flows through downtown Columbus and offers many ways to enjoy nature, beat the heat, and enjoy some relaxation. The whitewater section of the river boasts rapids of varying levels, from kayak pro to the newly-waterborne. But further downstream, the river eases into a gentle flow that meanders for miles past wooded streambank on one side and the Columbus Riverwalk on the other. This is the spot where paddleboards can be seen gliding quietly on the water or anchored in a cove, their riders sitting atop perfectly balanced in meditative poses or practicing their headstands. This is the spot where standup paddleboard yoga happens.
Stand up paddleboarding is an increasingly popular way to enjoy the water. Paddleboards are sturdy, provide easy access to the water, and, believe it or not, are a great place to practice yoga.
In 2018, local yoga instructor Charlotte Gadilhe combined those two passions – yoga and standup paddleboarding – to create SUP Y’ALL. Charlotte has always loved the water and was excited to bring the activity to the community. “First time I got on a paddleboard was in Austin, Tx,” Charlotte recalls. “I loved the feeling and freedom of standing on the water. A few years later I heard about SUP yoga and instantly jumped at the chance to get certified. I love how SUP offers so much for the mind and body in just one hour. You’re connecting with nature, getting sunshine, playing in the water, strengthening your entire body, and relaxing deeply while floating on water. It forces you to really pay attention to your balance and slow down.”
Offering classes for people of all skill levels, SUP Y’ALL takes students out on paddle boards to teach them the basics of using a paddleboard, to lead them on a paddle around the water, and to lead them in an all-levels yoga flow. “We teach beginner friendly classes because pretty much everyone who comes out is a beginner, because SUP Yoga is such a unique activity,” Charlotte explains. “I’ve been teaching for almost nine summers now and have watched hundreds of students leave with a smile on their face because they realized they were able to do something they didn’t think was possible. It boosted their confidence, and that’s one of the main reasons I love to teach SUP. It’s an activity that may look scary, but once you get out there and try it, you realize it’s not as difficult as feared. And that mentality translates into so many facets of our lives.”
After teaching SUP Yoga at Whitewater Express for five years, Charlotte decided to open her own SUP business. Her custom designed inflatable boards were made by local craftsman Alex Cabral and are unique and fun. SUP Y’ALL is currently headquartered in the Chattahoochee Paddle Company building (400 Brickyard Road, in Phenix City), where participants are able to walk right down to the river, get on a paddle board, and go. Evening classes are often held at Lake Oliver due to the fluctuation of the water level and flow in the Chattahoochee River.
There are many benefits of practicing yoga on a paddleboard, a main one being the opportunity to explore balance and experience poses from a new perspective. The challenge of trying to stay on the board while holding a pose can exercise muscles that a regular yoga class might not. Practicing yoga while surrounded by nature can help reduce stress, and many groups find that enjoying a paddle class together is a fun alternative to the everyday activities in town.
A stand up paddleboard yoga class begins with a water safety meeting at the Chattahoochee Paddle Company or Lake Oliver Marina. Participants get outfitted with boards, paddles, anchors, and flotation devices. The class is led onto the water by a certified instructor, where students are shown how to get on their board and maneuver around the water. After a relaxing initial paddle, the class drops anchors in a calm cove, their boards floating in place while they are led in a one hour yoga session complete with meditation and breathwork. The instructor leads the class through a yoga flow incorporating poses that gently stretch muscles, encourage balance, and challenge participants to try something new.
“I am grateful that I get to lead SUP and SUP yoga classes on such a beautiful river. SUP Y’ALL has grown over the past few years with three more teachers – Natalie Downey, Lauren Matkovich, and Candice McGarvey. Each teacher offers their own style and finesse to each class. No matter what, we offer options throughout the class so each student can choose what challenge they want to try,” Charlotte says.
The good news and a common SUP Y’ALL mantra is, “if you fall off, you can get back up.” Standup paddle boards offer a safe place to practice poses you might not want to try on land, like headstands. Summer heat tends to make the water look extremely inviting, and going for a swim can definitely be part of a stand up paddleboard yoga class. “Be prepared to get wet,” Charlotte says, “It’s part of the experience, and it’s all for fun!”
A stand up paddleboard yoga class feels like a retreat in your hometown. Without having to drive very far, you can have an immersive experience surrounded by water, fresh air, wildlife, and sunshine. Classes encourage students to go with the flow and explore what it’s like to try something new.
In addition to yoga on paddleboards, SUP Y’ALL offers guided evening paddles and full moon paddles. These excursions consist mostly of paddling stretches of the Chattahoochee River or Lake Oliver, enjoying the sunset on the water while encountering occasional wildlife and exploring Columbus in a new way.
Bring a group of friends, or enjoy some solo time on the water. Standup paddleboard yoga classes have limited spots, and tickets for summer classes are available at getlocaltix.com.
Check out @supyallyoga on Instagram for a summer class schedule and link to purchase tickets.
By Natalie Downey