Home

Friday 17 June 2011

Welcome to Paddle to Yoga in the 1000 Islands! Canada

Paddling is a journey, and yoga is a practice that puts you on a path you can follow or lead. When you combine the two, yoga and paddling, something spectacular happens.

Why Paddle to Yoga?

You can get bored doing yoga in the same place, day after day, especially indoors. You can also get bored paddling the same waterways day after day, but this is less likely because the same water can be completely different from one day to the next because of the weather, wind, waves, and/or tides. 

Indoors doing yoga, we are, and feel more contained. Safe. Outdoors we feel more free. It wakes up the senses. It can even scare you a little bit sometimes. 

Paddling and yoga are activities that are harmonious with health and the natural environment. Both paddling and yoga can invite and create inspiration, relaxation, energy, motivation, and happiness.

Paddling to yoga is also a lot of fun and a great way to get outdoors!
There are many places you can visit by sea kayak. The 1000 Islands are dotted with sandy beaches, pink granite, and plenty of natural beauty. This makes paddling to yoga in the 1000 Islands from Gananoque, Ontario, an ideal location to get away, and enjoy the path to get there. In this location, take care of the weather reports, water temperatures, and watch out for boat traffic. 

Depending on the weather, if the wind and waves kick up, it can be pretty exciting.
How will you get to yoga in the 1000 Islands?

A sea kayak gliding along under your own horsepower will be your mode of transportation. Waterproof hatches in the front and back of your kayak are a great place to store your gear, snacks, or lunch for the day.
If you aren't an experienced paddler, and don't know your way around the islands (it is easy to get lost if you wander far and wide amongst so many islands), you may want to contact 1000 Islands kayaking for a tour with a certified guide who knows the area and can guide you or your group to a beautiful practice point on a island. 

You can rent sea kayaks from them as well if you don't have one of your own. 

You’ll also be given a briefing and demonstration of basic paddling techniques and water safety before departure.

Sound like fun?!
There are so many wonderful spots I found that inspired me to strike a yoga pose, or to do a longer practice in my paddle travels, both from day trips and from kayak camping in the 1000 Islands (Ontario, Canada). 

Join us now as we paddle our way through the islands to a yoga practice point and find your true nature along the way.
 
This charming historic gazebo built in 1904 on Gordon Island, faces south, offering beautiful vista views over the St.Lawrence River. The floor is smooth concrete with open sides

Who is Paddle to Yoga For?

Paddle to Yoga is for anyone who would like to paddle to an outdoor location with beautiful views to do yoga.  It appeals to people who like adventure, freedom, wide open spaces, and who enjoy engaging in activities that are relaxing and exhilarating.

I hope you enjoy your journey and your path. Stay safe and warm. Be aware and watch out for ticks in the 1000 Islands.


Namaste!
The BaffinPaddler
Paddle to Yoga 

Wednesday 9 March 2011

Paddle to Yoga in the 1000 Islands, Gananoque, Ontario, Canada

Hi there!

Do you dream about getting out of your beloved yoga studio, strapping your yoga mat on to the back of a gorgeous, sleek, 16-foot sea kayak and heading out to a beautiful place to practice your favourite yoga style outdoors?
Yeah! Me too! I'm the BaffinPaddler.

I'll be posting stories of some of my trips to paddle to yoga. Some of the trips are in the 1000 Islands (Ontario, Canada) and in other spots in Canada and the USA. Maine is a particular favorite.

No, I don't always bring a yoga mat when I paddle or hike! I discovered long ago that you really don't need a yoga mat in the outdoors. They don't fit very well on rocky surfaces and uneven terrain. And, who wants to haul a yoga mat around unless you are paddling to a beautiful gazebo with a flat surface floor. There are lots of yoga poses you can comfortably do without a yoga mat.

Yoga mats tend to get a little wet or A LOT WET when paddling if the wind and waves are up, but they can be wonderful to have around when you want to sit on something softer than the ground and they do fit easily under the bungees on the back of a long, sleek sea kayak. Some yoga mats are very light weight as well.

See pics of my first exploratory trip out to the 1000 Islands region on the St. Lawrence River to find the perfect Paddle to Yoga spot on my BaffinPaddler blog post at: Paddle to Yoga with the Maelstrom Vital 166! This is one mission I love!

Wishing you the happiest paddle and yoga trails!
Namaste
The BaffinPaddler