Modifications are a common practice in yoga, especially when poses are too difficult or too strenuous on the body. Having practiced yoga for so long, I’m used to the idea of modification, that my practice is not going to be perfect, and modifying can create a positive yoga experience. When it comes to surfing, the whole idea is the perfect wave with perfect conditions. No modifications required, right? Well, I think I found one.
Recently, I got a new Retro Noserider Paragon Surfboard. She’s beautiful! 9 feet and old school; perfect for little waves and lazy summer days. She’s quite different from my other board, which is 7 feet 8 inches, and I have had my other board for a year. We know each other, and when I surf, I’m a part of my board.
I could not wait to try out my new board in the ocean, but then there was an interesting realization. I haven’t surfed on this big of a board since Maui. I don’t know the board yet, and will I even be able to surf?
A couple of my surfer buddies were going to our local break, so I decided to head on down with my new board. Once I arrived all suited up, I realized the wind was making some very choppy conditions. By the way, I loathe choppy conditions. It doesn’t make surfing that fun.
As I looked for my entry to the ocean, I couldn’t find an easy path. With my surfer buddies egging me on to try, I finally had a realization. I can modify this experience to a positive one. Just like in yoga. I knew of a different entrance to the ocean, where it is not as intense, and walked down that way. I’m sure some surfers would tease me for this change, but honestly, I don’t care. It’s my surf life.
I had a great day trying out my new surfboard. It wouldn’t have been such a great experience if I had not remembered my yoga practice.
Readers, what have you modified in life to create a more positive experience? Also, I have started up a Scrappy Yoga Instagram, follow me @ScrappyYoga to see more pics of yoga gear, ocean waves, and surfboards.
~Namaste
Scrappy Yogi
~
Scrappy Yoga 
That’s a REALLY nice board- great shape for nose riding!
For me, I’ve grown to LOVE chop- not only is the break empty, it’s a good time to try new things out and practice, since the waves are crap anyway. Around here, chop gets kind of “rampy”, so I can practice quicker, sharper bottom turns. I know I’m gonna eat it at the end (it IS practice, after all) but the chop makes a softer landing. Weeeeeee!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I love this new board! I guess I am spoiled in Santa Cruz…you can always find a better wave :). I do agree, choppy conditions equal less people and more practice 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person