Dedicated yogis often take their practice out of the classroom. But few may be brave enough to take it onto a paddleboard in Lake Lewisville.
But Float on Yoga founder Nato Tailford says people have nothing to fear about her unique practice, which combines stand-up paddleboarding and yoga. The Irving native and certified yoga therapist practiced on her own for a year before launching her company in 2011.
"When you're on the board, it's actually bigger than the yoga mat," she says. "I thought if I could do it on my own, I can teach other people to practice on the board too."
"I've had people come out on the board who have never done yoga before in their life, and I got them into a tripod and headstand," says founder Nato Tailford.
Now in her third season, Tailford says even someone who has never taken a yoga class can try Float on Yoga; the only requirement is knowing how to swim. And you may want to trade in your yoga pants for a swimsuit.
"It takes two three or times to feel comfortable, but I've had people come out on the board who have never done yoga before in their life, and I got them into a tripod and headstand," she says. "You don't have that fear of falling like you do in the classroom; you'll just fall into the water."
Tailford says not to worry about falling, either. Everyone falls in class — even the four instructors who also have yoga certifications. "We can't fight the wave," she says. But she promises it's "the greatest Shavasana ever."
Tailford started with four boards but now has 15 for larger classes at Lewisville and Grapevine lakes. Boards are provided by DFW Surf, where Tailford offices and Lake Lewisville water-yogis meet. Those attending classes at Lake Grapevine meet at one of two DFW Surf trailers.
The hour-and-45-minute classes cost $60 a person, $30 each for two people, or $20 each for a group of five or more. That time also accounts for paddling out to the designated area.
Classes generally from the end of April until the water gets too cold. Tailford expects the third season to end by mid-October. For the winter she is exploring ways to bring the boards indoors.
Visit the Float on Yoga website for class schedules.
Float on Yoga offers yoga classes on paddleboards at Lewisville and Grapevine lakes.
