Month: January 2018

Going back to a studio yoga class

I have documented my struggles in finding a yoga studio that fits my needs. Either the yoga isn’t my style (Vinyasa), the class times aren’t consistent, or frankly, the yoga studio is too expensive for my frequency.

Well, I pushed myself to yoga class last night by a teacher who gives free classes out of her converted garage. It was a perfect night to practice yoga as well. It was super rainy and cold, and since we were in a converted garage, the rain sounded awesome.

I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. My muscles have been hurting lately and a guided practice is exactly what I needed.

~Namaste

Scrappy Surfing Yogi

Surfing on a Sunday with Elephant Seals

It’s very rare that I surf the weekends anymore, mainly because the beaches are so crowded. This particular weekend I had to surf because the huge XXL swell was easing, and we have rain forecasted most of the week.

My group of surfer buddies went out a little earlier than low tide, just to get into position. After paddling and catching some mushy waves (or trying to), I was just frustrated in the area of the ocean my group was sitting in. I decided to paddle more towards the cliff, hanging out with another surfer.

We took turns on the shoulder of the wave, then all of a sudden this huge elephant seal came out of nowhere! If you aren’t sure what elephant seals look like, see the pic below. Picture courtesy of National Geographic

He/she was huge, and seemed to be following us. My new surfer friend and I decided to immediately exit the water to let the Elephant Seal pass. Strangely enough, he/she never really left. The Elephant Seal moved from the shore, to a rock, then back to shore. These are always good reminders as I am a guest in the sea.

Finally, when the waves started to break did the Elephant Seal go back out to sea. Readers, I would love to know what is your weirdest animal encounter?

Saturday Yoga

I’m getting ready for a pretty big surf session tomorrow, so I felt that today yoga would be a great way to relax and stretch out my aching muscles

Since I have been setting up more home practice than anything, I decided to dedicate a place in my living room for my mat. I thought this would be a nice place, especially with the sunlight.

Btw, I know my yoga mat is completely worn out, but I love it so much I really can’t part with it.

Today, I focused on more of a “warm vinyaas flow” to keep the heart rate up and stretch out my leg muscles. Today consisted of a lot of chaturangas, planks, and half moon poses. I also did some pop ups just to keep it fresh.

Happy Saturday!

~Namaste

Scrappy Surfing Yogi

Mystery Blogger Award

I was nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award by Crafty Surf. I always enjoy reading this blog and learning creative ways to enhance my surf life. As per the instructions, here are the rules and explanation of the award copy and pasted below. Thank you again to CraftySurf.com for nominating me!

What is a Mystery Blogger Award?

The creator of this award, Okoto Enigma, says “It’s an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging, and they do it with so much love and passion.

The Rules.

  • Put the award logo/image on your blog.
  • List the rules.
  • Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog, as well as to the specific post in which you were nominated. That way, the blogger who nominated you will receive a Pingback and know that you posted your answers and will be able to read them!
  • Mention the creator of the award.
  • Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.
  • Nominate 5 people.
  • Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.
  • Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice, with one weird or funny question (specify)
  • Share your link to your best post(s).

Three Things About Me:

  1. I have always been fascinated by water. When I was little, I was always swimming. Surfing was a natural progression for me. Maybe it has something to do with being an Aquarius?
  2.  I used to make websites for fun, especially using the site Neopets ( just aged myself). I always liked the community aspect of these online sites.
  3.  I started my yoga practice in North Carolina over 13 years ago as a way to pass the time

Here are my questions from Crafty Surf:

Coke or Pepsi?

Usually, Coke but on the one made with real sugar. I also prefer bottle as well. Unless, it’s a Slurpee from 7-11. Then cup is fine.

Miami or Orlando?

Miami seems more fun. I also can relive the Will Smith song “Miami” while driving. This is a plus!

Apple or Samsung?

Well, it’s Samsung now because I married an engineer who likes to program his own things. Used to be Apple. I am literate in both technologies, and pretty much a geek.

Chips or Chocolate?

Chocolate, not much of a chip person. Now if there are pretzels in a room, that’s my go to snack.

Sand or Snow?

Definitely sand! Surfer Chicks Unite!

The Nominees:

  1. Shana
  2.  Baby Crow Yoga
  3. The Om Project
  4. Mad Cap Dog
  5. The Running Rebel 

My Questions:

  1. What is your dream vacation?
  2. Why did you start blogging?
  3. What are you most passionate about?
  4. What’s your favorite T.V. show?
  5. If you could have one super power what would it be? (I guess funny question?)

This is my favorite post, not necessarily a good one 🙂 Wipeouts, Workouts and Warrior Poses

Yoga in the A.M.

*I am not a yoga instructor, just a practicing yogi. I added links to Yoga Journal and Yoga Merge to explain poses.

I have been struggling for a while to find a studio that fits my needs. Most of the studios I have been finding around me, I’m just not clicking with the instructors. Of course, they are top notch yogis, but it hasn’t been working for me.

After a couple of months of trying out different studios, this week, I finally just gave up for a while, and decided to indulge in home practice. I decided to start this morning, as I was in desperate need of a yoga session. This past surf session really tightened up my hamstrings, and overall just sore.

To start my home practice, I always start in Hero Pose or Virasana. Now, this pose never came easily to me until I started to make an effort at it. I started by sitting on blocks, and now I can sit on the floor, without them. It was definitely a long process. Then I moved to Sun Salutation A and Sun Salutation B today. I didn’t feel like more floor movements, I wanted to get up and stretch out my legs. I also did not do full Chaturanga’s today, my shoulders are sore from surfing, so I find that knees-chin-chest, is just as good.

After my Salutations, I went to Lizard Pose. Now, this for me, is a pretty intense hamstring opener. I do like to stay in Lizard Pose for a while. I then moved to my handstand, which I just like doing because it’s fun.

All in all, this was about a 30 minute practice session for me. I would love to know what poses y’all like and dislike?

Namaste

Scrappy Surfing Yogi

 

To Surf With or Without Booties 

So, as most of you know, I’m a Santa Cruz surfer, which means the water is about 50 -58 degrees. A wetsuit is a must because of things like hypothermia. What are not always used are booties and gloves, your feet and hands might get cold but nothing extreme will happen. 

So the other day, while I was doing some yoga stretches and dry pop ups it dawned on me; I can feel every part of my foot. I haven’t surfed without booties in Santa Cruz in a long time, and my booties tend to be extra thick and padded. Great for ankle support, but not great for feeling your feet.

So, today was a surfing day. The swell was fantastic! 5-6 feet and most beaches, long period swell ans chunky powerful waves. We’re gonna get hit with an XXL swell by end of the weekend (maybe even Mavericks will happen next week). With the weather 65 degrees, I decided to go without booties. I wanted to see if it hurts or helps my surfing ability. 

Guess what? Totally did better without the booties. Of course the water was freezing, but I could really turn into the wave. And not to mention after surfing my feet were freezing! Guess that’s why Uggs were invented 😁

~Namaste 

Scrappy Surfing Yogi 

Welcome to the home gym

About three months ago, we bought a weight machine and an elliptical machine. Our reasoning was since my husband and I both work from home, having a home gym would be less than monthly gym memberships and we don’t have to leave to work out.

It did take us a while to set up, since we had to do some extreme cardboard box removing, but it is finally all done. I honestly don’t use the weight machine, I like free weights, but I have been using the elliptical on a regular basis.

My favorite thing of our home gym is the tv my husband installed. Now really no excuse not to exercise.

My workout lately has consisted of cardio or hill workouts and watching surf movies on the regular. As for yoga, I practice inside the house because the garage floor is concrete and that hurts in yoga practice.

Readers, do you like to watch tv or listen to music while working out?

~Namaste

Scrappy Surfing Yogi

The New Surf Rack 

For years, I have been storing my surfboards in not great locations in our homes. Against walls, one the ground, in bags, and the places go on and on. I even kept one in my car for awhile.

I desperately needed a surf rack. My loving creative husband decided to build me one instead of buying an expensive wooden rack.

He took some spare wood we have (he’s making a table), built a box against our garage wall and presto surf rack.

I put insulated cardboard on the bottom on the box to keep my boards safe. I still want to add sections to the box for each board and secure it better to the wall (you know earthquakes) but it’s working for now!

~Namaste 

Scrappy Surfing Yogi 

Hawaii Prep

We’re going to Hawaii! I’m celebrating a milestone birthday, so what better place to celebrate than Hawaii. So excited to surf, hike and snorkel. I’m probably most excited for the surf to be honest.

To get myself ready for those Hawaiian waves, I have been surfing as much as possible. I have also stepped up my cardio and yoga for strengthening.

Readers, do you exercise prior to get ready for vacations? 

~Namaste

Scrappy Surfing Yogi