Stand up Paddle yoga in Bali

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What is SUP yoga?

Sup yoga, short for stand-up paddleboard yoga, is exactly what it sounds like: practicing yoga on a paddleboard while floating on water. It combines the tranquility of yoga with the core strength and balance needed for stand-up paddling, offering an immersive, meditative, and physically engaging experience.

Though I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, I quickly discovered this water-based yoga offers a completely different level of connection to the breath, body, and environment.

Why try SUP yoga in Bali?

Bali is a global yoga haven, but sup yoga brings a new dimension to the island’s wellness scene. Practicing in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by cliffs and the scent of salt in the air, creates an environment that feels otherworldly.

Here’s why sup yoga in Bali should be on your wellness list:

Tropical setting with calm waters
Experienced instructors
Warm climate perfect for water-based practice
A unique way to build focus, core strength, and mindfulness

My SUP yoga experience at Karma Kandara

When I heard sup yoga was offered at Karma Kandara’s Nammos Beach Club, I knew I had to try it, even if I wasn’t totally sure what I was signing up for.

From the moment I stepped into the calm, shallow lagoon, the combination of ocean sounds, gentle water movement, and the need to focus on balance pulled me fully into the present moment. My busy mind, usually full of chatter, became surprisingly quiet.

Our instructor, Leilani, guided us into a vinyasa flow that she modified for all levels. Beginners started on their knees, while more confident students moved into full standing poses.

Favorite moments on the water

Downward dog with an ocean view
Three-legged dog pose that surprisingly felt stable
Floating savasana under a warm sky

Yes, I did fall in once. And yes, it was the most refreshing moment of the day.

Is SUP yoga difficult?

Not really. If you can paddle and breathe, you can do sup yoga. Here’s what helps:

Be okay with getting wet
Focus your eyes on the horizon during balance poses
Engage your core throughout the practice
Start on your knees if needed and work your way up

Leilani also suggested looking straight ahead during side poses to improve balance, which really helped.

What happened after: Mind and body reset

The next morning I felt it. The soreness in my core, shoulders, and lower back was proof that this was more than just relaxing. It was a proper full-body workout with all the peaceful benefits of a yoga session.

Post-yoga at the beach bar

After class, we returned to shore to find a clean towel, fresh juice, and soft beach towels waiting at the beach bar. The timing lined up with the sunset and a chill playlist, and the afterglow of the session stretched into the evening.

Final thoughts on the experience

Sup yoga is more than a novelty. It’s a moving meditation, a physical challenge, and a sensory immersion. Bali’s warm waters and calm lagoons make it the perfect place to try it, and Karma Kandara offers a supportive and professional environment whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned yogi.

Thank you to Leilani, the Karma Kandara team, and nature itself for the perfect floating yoga experience.

Tips for first-time sup yogis

Wear a secure swimsuit or yoga gear
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Bring water and a waterproof bag
Expect to fall, and enjoy it

Other top spots for SUP yoga in Bali

Radiantly Alive in Ubud – occasional sup yoga retreats
Sanur Lagoon sup yoga – calm and beginner-friendly
Odysseys Surf School in Kuta – surf and yoga options
The Chillhouse in Canggu – coastal wellness programs

Want more?

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Ready to experience sup yoga in Bali? Book a session at Karma Kandara or explore other spots across the island. Have you tried yoga on water? Tell us what pose you mastered or splashed into first.

Address: Jl. Villa Kandara Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia

Tel: +62 361 8482200

Open 24 hours.