Surfing and Yoga Retreats: A Match Made in Heaven

Why do surfing and Yoga retreats go so well together? Both surf and yoga emulate the ebb and flow of life! We are changing everyday, like the tides or the phases of the moon.

Yoga and surfing retreats have gained popularity because they tap into creating a mind-body connection, while connecting like-minded people. A surfing and yoga retreat can help quiet our minds, leaving us more balanced and aligned, no matter what is going on around us.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into what you can expect from surfing and yoga retreats, what to look for when choosing a retreat, and the kind of surfing and yoga retreats we offer here at Beach Break Surf Camp.

What is a Surfing and Yoga Retreat?

Surfing and yoga retreats bring together these two classic disciplines and embed them into an overall experience focused on wellness, skill development, and connection with nature and other people.

Typically, surfing and yoga retreats are at least one week long. Surfing and yoga retreats typically include a daily yoga practice, as well as daily surf sessions with an instructor, advancing your surfing skills in and out of the water. Often, surfing and yoga retreats are paired with a healthy menu and other holistic activities. These retreats can be even more transformational!

Whether you are an avid surfer or yogi, or just getting started with these practices,  a retreat is an opportunity to disconnect from the world and focus on yourself and your craft. Retreats are great for reconnecting with nature, yourself and other like-minded people.

‍

Benefits of Surfing and Yoga Retreats

There are many benefits to attending a surfing and yoga retreat, from challenging yourself physically and developing your surfing and yoga skills, to decompressing in nature and connecting with like-minded people from around the world.

Here are a few of our favorite benefits of surfing and yoga retreats.

Increases Self-awareness & Mindfulness

By learning to harness the power of breathing through a daily yoga practice we can literally breathe new life into our bodies. All the while releasing mental and physical tension through deep exhalations. Deep breathing (Pranayama) combined with a yoga practice can help us connect our mind and our body, creating more self awareness, and mindfulness.

Surfers can also benefit from breathing techniques (when above the water, of course). Deep breathing and focus while paddling, helps slow our minds, which are constantly racing trying to process new information. By shifting our focus from the outside world to our breath, we can finally relax for a moment. Finding space for the task at hand, nurturing our mind, body and soul.

Understanding the Yin and Yang of Yoga and Surf

In yoga the Taoist concepts of Yin and Yang show the contrast between a slower more passive practice (yin) and a more dynamic practice with focus on strength and stamina (yang).

This duality also exists in the world of surfing, strength and grace are both equally important.

When a surfer first paddles out, she might try a more passive observer position, finding her place in the ocean before paddling into a wave. Taking a less aggressive approach towards catching waves, might improve the quality of the waves caught, and the enjoyment achieved from riding them.

Fostering Patience & Acceptance

First and foremost Yoga and Surf require a boat load of patience. Don’t be fooled by a bunch of people on the internet making these practices look easier than they are! Surfing like a pro or handstanding like a yogi takes time, patience, and dedication.

The funny thing is, if you are constantly trying to catch all the waves, do all the head-stands and look good doing it, you might actually miss out on the best gift these practices have to offer.

When the mind becomes distracted in trying to be "better" both yoga and surfing gently push out our human tendency to compete and compare.

Sometimes finding this mindset on our mat and board can be tough, no matter what level we’re at. Surfing and yoga retreats allow us to give ourselves the time and space to reset and tap back into the reality we want.

However, not all surfing and yoga retreats are created equal. So, when you are choosing a retreat, make sure that you are choosing a retreat that suits your style. Here are a few tips on things to consider when choosing a surfing and yoga retreat.

What to Look for in Surfing and Yoga Retreats

When looking at surfing and yoga retreats, there are a few key things to consider to ensure you get the experience you crave.

The first, and perhaps most important, is location. Many of the better-known surfing and yoga destinations around the world tend to get very crowded. Not only does this distract from the peaceful ambience you may be looking for, it can make surfing more difficult as you’ll be competing with many other surfers in the line-up. For many, this is a stressful experience that detracts from the joy of surfing.

Uncrowded Location

As a result, you may want to prioritize uncrowded and off-the-beaten path locations for your surfing and yoga retreat. Our location in Playa Venao, Panama, for example, offers the ideal blend of comfort and convenience while remaining somewhat of a “hidden gem” compared to busier destinations.

Panama is still a bit under the radar in the surf tourism world, making it an ideal spot to get your feet wet. Playa Venao located on the Pacific coast of Panama is a long consistent beach break with plenty of peaks for surfers of all levels. Since this community is home to some of the country's most consistent waves, Panama's top surfers live here. A surfing and yoga retreat in Playa Venao offers the opportunity to work with these surf instructors to improve your surfing.

Beachfront Accommodations

You also want to consider the exact location of your accommodations. Naturally, you want to be comfortable, but you should also consider how close you will be to a  consistent surf break.  The ocean can be unpredictable. So, your best shot at getting good waves on your trip is to stay as close to the break as possible, making those dawn patrol wave checks a bit easier.  

Great Instructors

As you can imagine, your retreat hosts and/or instructors have a major impact on the quality of your experience. From the level of training they’re equipped to provide to the overall energy and vibes they bring to your sessions, having great leaders in your yoga and surf retreat makes all the difference.

At Beach Break Surf Camp, our group retreats are hosted by passionate experts in their craft from around the world. Your retreat host might be an acclaimed yoga and breathwork teacher or award-winning surf instructor. We also have incredible surf instructors here at Beach Break that our guests return to Panama every year to continue training with– that’s how good they are!

All-Inclusive Surfing and Yoga Retreats

Whatever your budget may be, selecting an all-inclusive surfing and yoga retreat helps clarify your overall costs and keep things transparent. The all-inclusive surfing and yoga retreats we offer at Beach Break, for example, include everything from beachfront accommodations and healthy meals to yoga classes, surfing instruction and rentals, and other activities.

Great Vibes

It can be hard to put this one into words, but you really want to choose a yoga and surfing retreat with great overall vibes and ambience. Too many “retreats” out there are little more than a touristy assembly line, charging people exorbitant fees for a cookie-cutter experience. You deserve more from your yoga and surfing retreat.

Our best advice here is to take your time doing the research, reviewing photos and testimonials, and talking with the people running the show. Trust your intuition and go with the option that feels right for you.

Surfing and Yoga Retreats at Beach Break Surf Camp

Beach Break Surf Camp is an ideal place for your next surfing and yoga retreat. Located on the beachfront in Playa Venao, BBSC offers an immersive experience into the lifestyle and culture of the surfing and yoga community. Find yourself surrounded by lush jungle, in a beautiful beachfront resort, with like-minded people.

Host or Join a Beach Break Surf Camp retreat and you will leave deeply connected with yourself and the Playa Venao community. Our all-inclusive experience offers access to the area's top instructors, uncrowded locations, local healthy food and always good vibes!

Check out our group retreats page to stay up to date on our surfing and yoga retreats, and visit our retreat host page to host a retreat!

When you leave a retreat at BBSC you will leave with new practices you can apply to daily life. Even after the retreat is over, and the ocean is no longer at your feet, you will find yourself coming back to things you learnt on a surfing and yoga retreat at BBSC.