Photography by Piers Woodford
Know it’s no accident that we’re called SOUL & Surf. When we first set up our retreat in Kerala we were terrified of being stuck with a load of meat-heads talking macho surf s%*t all day long so we tried to put them off by making our website pink and putting soulful stuff to the forefront of what we do.
We don't see yoga and surf as polar opposites, in fact, we think they share more than they differ.
Yoga puts us back together again after a day in the water, it mentally prepares us to find equanimity in the challenge of surfing, the fear that can accompany the wildness of the ocean. It helps us to find acceptance when our confidence is low, or the conditions not as we might like. To us, surfing IS a yogic practice, the two entwined in a dance that ebbs and flows as much as the tide.
Our approach to our classes is also, to be honest, sometimes a bit silly. We don't like to take ourselves too seriously, so there is often a lot of laughter, bad jokes, and a good old chinwag at the end. We also appreciate that sometimes, it's just preferable to simply skip class and have a sunset beer instead.
The point is, our sessions are there because we really believe in them, they aren't something we bung on to the surf offer to sell spaces, or because we think we should run them. And this is why we offer so much more than generic classes.
Yoga is more than that to us, so we curate a selection of pranayama, meditation, creative flows, yin yoga, workshops, 1-1's – all with our very experienced teachers and their individual styles. We are lucky to have teachers that have come from different backgrounds, weaving in elements of Shiatsu, Qi Gong, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine through to Ashtanga, Somatics, Yoga Therapy, Restorative, Vinyasa, Yin and, yes – surfing.
For us it’s more than just being Soul Surfers, it’s the balance of all things soulful with surfing that defines our attitude.
Who would benefit from our classes?
Both totally new and experienced yogis will take something away from our classes. You are encouraged to work to your own capabilities and with what is needed in the moment for your body. We create inclusive sessions that are designed with lots of variations in mind, so those of you who want to make it stronger absolutely can - and also those of you who are new to the practice (or, let's face it, a bit wiped out after being at the beach all day) can chill out and take it down a level.
Read more about how our classes go, and what yoga is to us
What you will take home
A basic understanding of the fundamentals of a hatha-based yoga practice. Upon finishing your time with us you will have established a set of postures that can be put together into a sequence that suits your lifestyle at home and will also have the tools to start a meditation and pranayama practice using breathing techniques. If you're a seasoned yogi, you'll have a new perspective on your practice - and perhaps even some new 'challenge' asana to refine too.
Above all, you will take home a relaxed, rejuvenated and revitalised body and mind (and you can even take us home with you too if you fancy - via our on demand yoga subscription, At Home).
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(Some of) our class styles
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa means 'to move in a special way' and that way is to link the movement and breath together. Our flow sessions will be physically energising, working the breath and the movements in harmony to build heat in the body as we get to grips with the asana practice (physical postures). Our classes will include various traditional yoga techniques to help you connect with the true essence of yoga – aiming to leave you feeling invigorated and uplifted.
Slow Flow
Our Slow Flow classes are deep and creative, slower-paced and more gentle than the Vinyasa classes. Postures are held for longer, and the transitions between postures are slower. The slower nature of this class is great for beginners but is also wonderful for intermediate and advanced students who feel like slowing down and sinking more deeply into their practice.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is quiet and simple – but is not necessarily an easy practice. This style works deeply into our body. It targets our deepest tissues, our connective tissues — ligaments, joints, bones, and the deep fascial networks of our body — rather than the muscles. The perfect balance for surf/travel/vinyasa tired bodies.
One To One Sessions
Private classes are a great way to take your practice to the next level or focus on a particular aspect of your yoga practice. Whether it’s your first yoga experience, or if you’re a seasoned practitioner who wants to develop the finer details of each asana, one on one classes give you the time to deepen your practice or to simply organise those wavering limbs. Discuss what you want to achieve with your yoga teacher before the class.
Pranayama
While yoga asana (postures) sort out our bodies, yoga pranayama (breathwork) sorts out our minds. And respiratory system. And cardiovascular system. And lymphatic system. Actually everything. During these classes you will be guided through specific breathing exercises to channel your 'prana' (or life force), rejuvenating, stilling and uplifting your mind. Plus it's really great for lung capacity, which is kinda handy when you surf.
You can even check out an example of our work if you'd like...
Meditation
More of us are turning to meditation to help calm and still the mind to cope with being permanently 'on'. Though sometimes thought to be boring or difficult, our meditation class will guide you through accessible techniques to help calm and organise your thoughts and help explore a mindful approach to your day. Meditation is not separate to Yoga - it is part of the bigger picture. If you think you are too brain-busy to meditate then you are probably the person that needs it the most.
Workshops
From time to time we like to put on special workshops. Often we hear of cool teachers passing through our area and we invite them to hang out and…perhaps, if they have the energy, put on a workshop for our guests. We can never really tell when this is going to happen, but we’ll give you as much notice as we can, so if you’re a keen yogi watch out on our socials for any workshop listings.
There's nothing quite like getting your bend on to the sound of the ocean
What is yoga to us? Long-time collaborator and friend Hayley describes Soul & Surf's approach to yoga, and why it means more to us than a tickbox to tag on to the surf.
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