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).

We are tribal creatures who enjoy engagement, connection, conversation, and presence.  The practice of Yoga is one of union.  Virtual classes provide much, but the connection we feel to others while practicing in person is much deeper.

The transition to more virtual classes as well as those that are on-demand has opened many doors.  You can now access any teacher from anywhere and attend practices that may not have previously been available in your area.  The opportunity to learn from new teachers, instructors, and guides has given many of us a chance to expand our knowledge and skills.

As we transition from "at home" back to "real life" many of us will continue to practice virtually as well as through on-demand classes.  Being able to join in whenever we are able and to re-attend classes we wish to repeat are conveniences we previously didn't have.

Missing from virtual and on-demand practices are the qualities that we seek out as community creatures; connection, energetic exchange, engagement, conversation, and presence.  The virtual world is one of connected disconnect. 

While joining a practice with people from all over the world we get the chance to see, but not to know them.   Our guide may be able to provide verbal adjustments and suggestions, but they aren't specific to our individual needs.  We see a two-dimensional figure in a flat space and have to shift our bodies and perspectives to see them, then readjust ourselves into the posture.  There are sound delays and internet issues that make participating challenging and, sometimes, impossible.

If you've ever been to Tahoe you know how magical this place is.  There is no way to experience the size of the lake except for being at it.  You can't experience the magnitude of the mountains unless you stand among them.  An entire tree can't be seen to it's fullest magnificence without your own eyes.  To see is to feel, is to experience.

Our new practice space at Bliss Experiences has been designed to capture the experience of being at Tahoe whether you are in the basin, or joining virtually.  Our intention is to give everyone an experience of being present even if they are unable to be in the space.  Of course, there is nothing quite like being within the four walls of our space.  Visually and energetically, the experience of being present and with others is unparalleled.

As we begin offering indoor, in-person practices again, we will also continue to invite you to attend virtually.  You are welcome to join the practice in whichever way you feel most comfortable. 

Spaces will be limited in our indoor sessions.  Proof of vaccination or a mask will be required to attend.  Physical adjustments will only be available during Individualized Private Sessions.  We suggest that you bring your own tools.  Mats will be available for rent.  You may pay a monthly fee to store your materials in our space.  Memberships and registrations are required to attend.

Outdoor classes will continue to be offered on beach and paddle board during which we will not be requiring masks.  We ask that you do a health check prior to attending: if you feel sick, have a temperature or Covid-19 symptoms, please do not attend.  Bring your own beach towel, water, and sun protection.

Please practice satya (truthfulness) and ahimsa (non-harming) by honestly sharing your vaccination status.  Our ability to continue to offer indoor, in-person classes depends upon your honesty and consideration of others and our small business's need to follow the current directives to be able to remain open.

In 2008, Lake Tahoe Yoga opened as Svadhyaya Yoga (have fun pronouncing that one).  Svadhyaya  (svah-dee-yah-yah) means Self study and this is the focus of everything that happens at Lake Tahoe Yoga.  Studio owner Jenay is consistently learning, growing and creating . . .and failing.

In 2008, there was only one other studio in Tahoe South located out in the Tahoe Keys.  There was no  place to practice Yoga in the Stateline area.      When she opened Svadhyaya Yoga, it was the first studio available for Nevada-side practitioners to join in and learn the practice.

In 2009, Jenay brought the practice outdoors, combining two of her favorite things: Yoga and  the beach!     Svadhyaya Yoga Studio became the first Yoga Studio in Tahoe South to offer both studio and beach classes.  

From late May/Early June through October, you can join Beach Asana classes that are held both in the mornings and evenings.  The  instructors, trained by Jenay are skilled at varying the practices and know all the tricks for making movement on the beach accessible or challenging.  

You can find our practice spot by turning right at the end of the Nevada Beach driveway and heading to the North End of the beach.  Then, keep your eyes open for our rainbow-colored flags.

In 2010, one of the practitioners at LTY brought a news article into the studio about Paddle Yoga in San Diego.    This sparked an idea and Jenay did the footwork to find a location with which LTY could collaborate and offer the practice. 

A little experimentation, a lot of practice, and years of devotion & consistency has resulted in the best Paddle Yoga classes on Lake Tahoe.  South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle is the best  connection LTY could ever have.  Not only is it easy to access the water from their boathouse, they store, maintain and provide boards for use.  In addition, we get to use Riviera Paddle Boards every season.  The lack of boat traffic results in crystal clear, calm waters that create incredible images in the photos that are taken during every single class.

You can't be everything for everyone.    Jenay is a Rajahatha Yoga Teacher which means that every class includes a focus upon traditional Yoga philosophy and practices.  She does her best to adapt these practices to our modern times and make them accessible for all.  

Her team includes instructors whom she has trained and continues to guide and support as they learn to meld the practices that they enjoy with their training in Rajahatha.  LTY  offers a variety of practices that vary from gentle to active.  It is important to read the class descriptions or speak with one of the instructors prior to attending.

No two classes are ever the same as our teachers are adept at varying the sequencing and the practice in order to make sure everyone joining gets what they need.    Raja is the practice of internal awareness and mindfulness while Hatha is the practice of effort.  Every class includes both.

 We believe that we are the Best Yoga Studio because we are the best at doing what we do.  Jenay and the team at LTY will continue to learn, to grow, to create.  . .and to fail.  While we do so, we hope that you will join us for the practice.