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).

Seeking serenity, peace, quite and self connection?  Allow us to be your guides.  Follow our suggestions for experiences that allow you to take your time and enjoy every moment during your stay in Lake Tahoe.

There is a difference between a hike, a walk and a Forest Bathing experience.  Yoga is the practice of reestablishing union.  You are so disconnected from your authentic self that you think that you are the stuff you have and the things you do.  Spending time in nature reminds us that we are made up of the same qualities, particles and energy as the rest of the world.

Next time you travel be sure to get out and take a walk.  A slow, mindful, engaged hike, that allows hear the sounds, smell the scents and touch the Earth.  If your travels take you to Lake Tahoe reserve a Forest Bathing experience with Felix Brosch.  He's trained in Shinrinyoku Forest Bathing.  It has become a vital part of preventative healthcare in Japan. The results of Japanese studies have shown forest bathing improves sleep quality, mood, ability to focus, and stress levels.  What a great way to slow down while you're in town.

Did you know that Tahoe's sand is made up of decomposing granite, DG for short?  This unique sand allows you to sink in as you walk and rest on the beach.  One of the best ways to experience this phenomena is to join a Beach Yoga practice.  During the session you will get to experience the sand moving beneath your body.  You'll identify imbalances while attempting to remain steady as the sand shifts. 

The experienced guides at Lake Tahoe Yoga know how the sand moves and provide expert instruction to help you feel confident and develop awareness of your body as you attempt the postures during the practice.  Tips and tricks are abundant during the classes to help you become stronger and more steady throughout the session.  They also offer the second best savasana ever.  The first best one?  I'll tell you more about that later.

I like to drink gin and wine.  Going to wine tastings is one of my favorite off-season activities.  In my pursuit to find gin and wines that I enjoy I have befriended a distiller and a wine maker who have become good friends.  I've noticed that each time we taste their libations we do so slowly; we take sips.  

While you're visiting Tahoe instead of getting shots and chugging down drinks, take sips.  Choose to join a wine tasting or cocktail event where you learn about the spirits you are tasting.  You can even book private events at places like Bliss Experiences where a sommelier will guide you as you learn to taste wine and explore unique food pairings.  Slow down, take sips, and truly experience that which you are tasting.

www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/sound-bathThere are many branches of Yoga.  The of practice of sound vibration is Mantra.  Sounds are powerful.  I'm sure you've felt the feeling of a deep drum beat or experienced the shrill of a high pitched whistle.  Mantra Yoga is the practice of using sacred sound, intentionally, to effect shifts in energy and mindset.  A group experience of mantra is called kirtan.  These are hard to find in Lake Tahoe.

You can find live performances and will hear music being played throughout the basin.  If you're seeking a "slow music" experience we recommend a sound bath or sound healing experience.  Anne Roos offers live and virtual guided relaxation that incorporates the sound of harp music.  You can join her while you're visiting or from the comfort of your home.  Let the music slow you down.

You probably came to Lake Tahoe to spend some time near or in the water.  There are so many water-based experiences to discover.  Power boats and jet skis are many.  There are kayaks and paddle boards.  You can waterski or wind surf.  These high adrenalin activities draw a lot of attention not only because they are risky, but because they are fast and noisy.

Slow down, quiet down and truly experience the lake on a paddle board or kayak.  These activities are low impact on the lake, the environment and on your body.  The ultimate slow down experience on the lake is Paddle Yoga.  Lake Tahoe Yoga offers scheduled classes and private bookings.  Not only do you get to experience the lake at its most peaceful, you'll experience balance and restoration unlike ever before.  You can also rent boards and kayaks or book tours at a variety of providers including South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle.  Experience Tahoe at lake level and let the waters can help you to slow down.

As you plan your next trip to Tahoe consider including moments of slow travel.  Allow time to get immersed in the forest, sink into the sand, sip in the scene, move with the music and float upon the waves.  If you're seeking other suggestions or opportunities to slow down reach out or visit Bliss Experiences for recommendations and curated experiences.