AGE IS JUST A NUMBER IN THE PADDLING WORLD

Today we introduce you to Wendy because she has taken on iSUP yoga like a pro. Wendy is the inspiring 60 year old grandma and yoga instructor from the beautiful seaside town of Clevedon, UK. Since Wendy was little her ‘need to feel physically free’ brought her to gymnastics and trampolining. Later in life, that same search of freedom turned her into a yoga enthusiast. With the love of yoga developing Wendy decided she wanted to become a yoga teacher. So, she set on a journey by completing her certification and have been teaching ever since! Over time with years of practice Wendy was ready for more. She wanted to challenge herself in a new way but keep the foundation of yoga. What better way to do that than with an iSUP?  

FINDING BALANCE

Life becomes a juggling act when you teach yoga classes, volunteer your time with diabetes prevention programs, facilitate a community drum circle, provide workshops for self-esteem, and most importantly being the best grandmother to your grandchildren. That doesn’t stop Wendy. Finding the balance and what works for you during busy times doesn’t come easy. How does Wendy find balance? She allows the breath to guide her in the moment, remind herself to connect with nature and dive deep within her inner self. We can all learn a little something from Wendy when it comes to finding our own balance.  

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE STARTING iSUP YOGA?

“I think the biggest challenge at first is making yourself relax and look ahead. Your muscles are wobbling and a bit tense, so once that side to side rocking momentum builds and your arms start failing, you're off the board and taking an involuntary dip! But once you've done it a few times, the wobbly legs settle, the new muscles you're using strengthen and your confidence grows.”  

WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT iSUP YOGA?

There are many reasons one might like about iSUP yoga as there’s plenty to offer. One of Wendy’s reason is the ability to reach alignment between body and spirit. “I get out on the lake and I just totally reconnect with myself! If the weather is bad for too long, I get very restless to get on the board, but as long as it's not too windy or pouring with rain I go all year round. If it's cold, I just wrap up in jeans and a coat - maybe not so much yoga at those times, but I still sit and look out to the sea. It's a fantastic meditation! “  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF THE DAY TO GO PADDLEBOARDING?

“We have some amazing sunsets in Clevedon, often written about over the years by well-known poets like Coleridge. But dawn is very special (and usually less people around). If there is absolutely no wind, the lake is like a mirror and when the clouds reflect it's like paddling in the sky - so surreal! I take a flask of coffee with me, porridge and a book if I'm not in a rush and have a full-on wonderful start to the day. “  

WHY NIXY?

“I discovered the joys of paddle boarding when I tried it at a family wedding in Italy last year and thought 'Where has this been all my life!'. I searched on google and was overjoyed to see there was such thing as a board especially designed for yoga! I've looked over many reviews and NIXY won hands down for me.”  

WHAT ISUP YOGA LOOKS LIKE

Check out the below video and photos below! Wendy was featured on the local news and we are loving every bit! Click here to view Wendy's appearance on the local news channel.