Retreat to the bitter end

White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, sunshine and warmth - just two months away. Will you join me? 

View fullsize

Portrait of a Yogi

To me, yoga means a voyage into the depths of connection. It begins with an untethering from the embankment and catches wake of the magnificence of nature. As featured in Robert Sturman's piece, Portrait of a Yogi: A Photographic Exploration of the Power of Yoga to Unite People Across Cultural and Physical Divides in Al Jazeera. All photographs by Robert Sturman.

View fullsize

Would of. Could of. Should of.

The forecast was for rain. The temperatures were unseasonably low. And the wind was fierce. I booked a session with Robert Sturman Studio on Thursday, October 23rd to capture SUP Yoga on my home turf, the Long Island Sound. All signs pointed to cancel the shoot. I have a low threshold for cold. I mulled this over at 530AM as any glimmer of sun was spanked by black clouds. Warm coffee in hand I looked to the sky. Would I regret not trying?

This ride was to mark the season close of my New England paddling in 2014 and I had plans to make the occasion a ceremony. There was a lot to celebrate on the SUP front this year and it deserved a proper send off.

Dark clouds, cold air and rain is nature's reminder of a spectrum - a spectrum of weather and a spectrum of choice. Within the throws of darkness there may be a solidary speck of light, and that illumination may be a beacon, on the path of growth and discovery. The chop of the sea here, a rarity in our neck of the woods, that foaming bright white reminds me of that. And I bow to its representation of the power of the sea and the depth of my love for the sport of SUP.  

View fullsize

Spiked Seltzer - Sag Harbor, NY

Have you heard of Spiked Seltzer? It's a gluten free, low carb, all natural alcoholic beverage developed thoughtfully and spreading rapidly because of its clean nature and refreshing taste. There is a mermaid on the bottle of this crystal clear drink with a trident (hello water warrior) spearing the fruit infused. To me, its essence is fierce in sparkle.

I was thrilled to strap the board on the car and teach SUP Yoga for Spiked Seltzer's event at Sag Harbor Sailing. The days stayed warm, the harbor was stunning under the crisp September sky and the wind was mellow enough for everyone to play with poses. We laughed (a lot), tried something new on board and best of all, were greeted at the end of class with a cold, delicious beverage outstretched. The inner mermaid in me was positively beaming.

Do you have an outing that could use some THUMBSUPYOGA? Let me know! 

SUP + Supper

In the Summer of 2014, I teamed up with Jamie Sydney, a graduate from the French Culinary Institute and owner of A Dinner Party Chef (http://www.chefjs.com/), to offer SUP Yoga in conjunction with a seaside supper.

It is our finding that time on the water invigorates the senses and creates an inevitable appetite for more time by the shore. The move from sea to land with like-minded Adventurers is seamless as tableside discussion turns from the SUP experience to the delights of exploring summer. Jamie prepares seasonal dishes creatively. There is a freshness with each morsel that evokes the preciousness of the summer sun melting in the sky.

Follow on facebook to hear about the many more SUP & Supper dates to come..

Please contact me to discuss SUP & Supper options for your personal event - birthday celebration, corporate function or private party. It's SUPer fun! Seize this opportunity while you can.

A Call to Action

I go down to the shore in the morning and depending on the hour the waves are rolling in or moving out, and I say, oh, I am miserable, what shall - what should I do? And the sea says in its lovely voice: Excuse me, I have work to do. - Mary Oliver