Lake Tahoe is a land of outdoor magic. You can enjoy it, connect with it and get to know your Self through the practices of yoga.

I began teaching yoga asana on paddle boards in 2010. As a poineer of the practice on Lake Tahoe I had to learn how to manage and guide the experience without any formal training or coaching. I had to rely on my knowledge of teaching yoga, understanding of water safety and that which was shared with me by partners offering similar experiences.  I was lucky to have partners to collaborate with and made new friends who shared their knowledge of the water and use of paddle boards. We created a community of paddling people who shared in the joy and passion of being on the water.

I brought friends and loyal practitioners out on the water, taught them to use paddle boards properly, to pose, breathe and focus while balancing on the water and, ultimately, created a teacher training program focused upon guiding practices on Lake Tahoe.  Why so specific? Because Tahoe has 5 different wind patterns, multiple forms of motorized water traffic and is regulated by 4 counties, 2 states and the Coast Guard.  Offering anything on the water requires knowledge of the wind, water, climate, activities on the lake and the requirements for the various vessels that share the water.

You are more than a moving being.  Like all living things you are a small piece of the much bigger system.  When we practice yoga everywhere we become more aware of how everything is interconnected.  

Practicing yoga asana, breathwork and mindfulness while floating on water adds aspects of adventure, focus and connection to nature.  Throughout our practice and while guiding others we've tested hundreds of boards and have learned how each effects our ability to float, glide, adjust, balance, feel the water and connect with ourselves.

Recently, Thurso Surf offered the opportunity to test their newest series and we were very impressed.

Our experience of paddle yoga begins with unboxing. As the popularity of inflatable boards has grown we've found value in testing them so we know how to better guide our practitioners.  Inflatable boards aren't our favorite for paddle yoga sessions because they typically aren't as sturdy as a foam core. The solidiity of a solid board is preffered for practicing because it feels more stable as you move.  However, so many people have them that they now travel with them*.  Upon opening the new Thurso Tranquility we noticed it is different from other boards. 

Thurso's packaging has always been as low waste as possible. We appreciate that this company packs in paper and doesn't double box.   We don't need to be disposing of two boxes (one with a whole lot of ink on it) and a bunch of plastic.  The board arrived wrapped in a thin styrofoam which protected it from damages during travel. The rest of the supplies were in paper or cardboard.

The board, pump, paddles, bag and kit as well as a paddle board carrying strap were included.  The repair kit is one of our favorite supplies that Thurso provides.  The fins, attachment tools, repair supplies and more fit inside an easy to close envelope.  It's the most convenient way to keep these materials accessible and safe. How many times have you losta small part you need for your board?

*all boards brought into the basin should be washed and dried prior to prevent pollutants and invasive species transmission

We curated a new experience right before Thurso sent us their new boards to try. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

"Beach to Board" and "Boat to Board" are our Adventure Yoga offerings.  Each experience includes a guided yoga practice on paddle boards. Beach to Board begins on the sand with movement to prepare for paddling, a paddle out onto the lake, a mindfulness practice and then a paddle back. Boat to Board is a collaboration with Tahoe Tastings during which we load boards on the boat, travel to a quiet cove and practice on the boards.  Mimosas and brunch can be added on.

We inflated the boards, loaded them onto Legend and set a course to a quiet cove for a private paddle session and shoot to get images and promotional materials.  The boards performed well from inflation to deflation; we travel out with them inflated, then deflate them for the return trip so they are easier to store and the boat can travel faster.

We practiced on the Thurso Surf Tranquility. Waterwalker 132 and Waterwalker 126 as well as the 2024 Waterwalker 132 as well as the Bote Breeze Aero and the Funwater Cruise 11'. 

We found that each board has its merits. The Funwater is super light weight and easy to transport, but isn't our favorite when it comes to stabilty and width.  Prior to using Thurso boards, our preferred paddle yoga board was the Bote. The Breeze Aero is wide, glides well and provides a long deck pad that makes accessing downward dogs easier.  It's also a good looking board with a similar color scheme to Thurso.  We like those beach vibes!

What we like about the Thurso is that you can detach all the fins for travel and when your transport is an antique motor yacht you don't want to be apologizing for scratches.  As I mentioned before, the ability to attach the paddle to the side is one of our favorite aspects. Whether carrying the board or practicing postures, it keeps the paddle safe and out of the way.  We used the D-rings to attach the boards to the back of the boat while we were placing them on the water. It was convenient to tie them to eachother and to keep the bungees free to tucking our belongings beneath.

Five practitioners tested all of the boards and agreed that the construction of the 2025 Thurso Surf boards is significantly better than other boards.  Quoting one of them: "This feels as close to a solid board as I've ever experienced."  Of course, as it is with any inflatable board, the lack of inner support is still noticeable.  We're okay sacrificing that for ease of transport and storage.  

We found postures including warior II and headstand to be easily accessible.  Our photographer, a complete beginner, felt confident paddling from a standing position after a brief lesson on the Thurso Waterwalker.  On that note, we noticed that the Tranquility was sluggish compared to the Waterwalker and all of the boards slower than the Funwater, which has a shorter side cut and pointier nose.  For a cruise around the bay or a brief paddle to a quiet spot, the Thurso is up for the task.

No board is perfect, but some are better than others.  Knowing what you need and prefer is valuable.  Having tested dozens of boards we know that a racing or touring board is not what we need for paddle yoga.  We want a board that inflates quickly, is easy to carry, has a long deck pad, stays stable while moving and looks pretty for the pictures (everyone wants pictures).

The Thurso fulfills most of our desires. There are a few things we would improve upon.  The first is the pump that came with the boards. It's big and can get hot. It also sometimes smells like electicity.  Inflating the board to 15 psi, yes 15, makes a huge difference for this board.  We recommend checking for full inflation each time you use it, but have found that it can hold air for quite a long time.  We stored ours in a shady, protected location and didn't need to refill it for at least a month.  The deflation setting on the pump is inconsistent.  It will run for a bit and deflate, then the sound changes and it stops expressing air.  There doesn't seem to be a way to address this.  It also doesn't seem to hold a charge and we wish it could plug into a regular outlet for times when we inflate at home.

The fins are great!  It's so nice to be able to remove them for packing and they're sized perfectly.  It's also good to have a center fin that can be adjusted for your paddling style.  The thing we don't like is that the smaller ones have a tiny screw adjustment that requires a tiny tool.  Tiny things are not good when you're on the sand or water.  They dissappear.  We prefer the fins that lock in using a clip.  The Funwater uses fins like this as do a few other brands. The clip attaches to the fin, so it doesn't get lost.  Even though Thurso's site says, "No tools needed," if you don't tighten the screw, you might come back missing a fin.

The new bungee style is also not our favorite.  We like the thickness but have found, on other boards, this version dries and stretches out quickly in Lake Tahoe rendering them useless.  The commonly used round bungees are easy to re-knot and replace when this happens.  We do like that the new, wider bungees are adjustable and can be criss-crossed or removed.  

One of our favorite things is to introduce people to new experiences.  We've found that it's worth it to spend a little more on unique and singular things.  If paddling on Lake Tahoe is on your bucket list, why not do so in the most fun way?  

You can book our Paddle Yoga and Boat to Board sessions on our site.  We recommend doing so at least 30 days in advance.  As small business owners, we practice high-touch customer service. You'll hear from a real person who'll make sure your reservation is accurate.  Once you do, we'll prepare the boards and boat. You might want to add in mimosas and a bagel breakfast because you're going to need to refuel after this experience.

Sessions are limited to groups of 6. Yes, we'll honor your celebratory theme and are happy to add on other options to curate a special experience that aligns with your needs and requests.

Sessions are typically available June - October. While the start time is flexible, we recommend departing at 7am to enjoy the calm of the lake before the other boaters are out.  Trips are typically 3 hours and include a 60 minutes paddle yoga session.  Yes, photos are included (everyone wants photos).

Include Yoga as Part of Your Next Event or Celebration

As each decade arrives we begin to value new things.  In my 20's I wanted to experience all the things that I couldn't when I was in my teens.  When I hit 30 I wanted to remain in my 20's.  As I continue to move along the number line in age I have begun to value experience and time with those whom I can have fun and be myself.  

When you book your next birthday celebration consider hiring a Private Yoga Teacher to provide a guided practice for you and your birthday buddies.  An experienced guide will not only provide all of the necessary materials, but be able to vary the practice to honor the needs of everyone in your group regardless of the number of decades they have been living in their body.  It's a great way to bring everyone together in celebration of another circle around the sun.

Even though we may think we are doing a good job of remaining connected with our friends nothing is better than spending a few days together.  Experiences connect us.  Travel, events, exploration and adventures provide us with stories that last a lifetime.

When planning your next friendship getaway consider adding in a Private Yoga class for you and your crew.  Not only can it be a good way to limber up before you go out on a hike, mountain bike ride, kayak trip or winery tour, it can also help you to remember why you love each other.  From partner postures to Tarot card readings your Private Yoga Teacher should be able to create an experience that honors your group and helps you reconnect as friends.

Whether you are planning a Corporate Retreat or Bachelorette Party alcohol usually ends up on the grocery list.  For those of you who enjoy dancing, gambling or going to a show you might find yourself out at one of the casinos.  It can be easy to over-do it when drinking in Tahoe because the effects of being at 6000 feet of altitude can surprise you.

Be sure to add lip balm and water to your list as well as a Private Yoga Practice to prepare for and recover from your nights out in Tahoe.  A knowledgeable Yoga teacher will know exactly what postures and how to apply them to get you ready for a night out or detoxify from the prior one.  We want you to enjoy your stay.  An hour of Yoga can be the difference between getting out and having fun or spending the day on the sofa.

Have your entire trip to Tahoe customized and curated to honor your requests so you can enjoy your stay when you book with Tahoe Bliss Retreats.  Add a Private Yoga Session to your stay by booking with Lake Tahoe Yoga.