Experiencing the Magic of Beach Yoga

There is something magical and mystical about practicing under the sky.

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The first time I ever went to a yoga class on the beach was on holiday in the Algarve, Portugal. I saw a sign advertising classes and quickly signed up to two evening beach sessions. When I arrived at the first class, it became apparent that I was the only attendee that evening. What was supposed to be a group class had actually turned into a 1:1.

As this was long before I trained to be a yoga teacher myself, and as I am a born introvert, this was a little alarming for me. I did feel self-conscious, as if the public on the beach were looking at us. I also found it a little disconcerting during inversions, looking at the cliff face from an unusual angle, watching the birds sweep in and out. This was the first time I had ever practised yoga asana outside a traditional indoor studio, and I was very easily distracted.

For the second session a few days later, I knew what to expect, and I knew it would be a 1:1 as there were no other sign-ups. This time I was a little more relaxed and could start to take in the sensory experience. I let go of the idea of being watched — that was my own story. The sound of the sea, the fresh air, and the very active birds swooping overhead brought me into the experience. The teacher took a photo of me afterwards, sitting on her circular beach mat, and I look so happy in it.

After class, I got changed and headed for an Indian meal with my husband. I remember that I felt really good — positive and relaxed. In hindsight, this was nervous system regulation that I was experiencing.

Years later, I can appreciate how the teacher may have felt. It might not have been particularly financially beneficial to teach one student at a group rate, or feel successful as a teacher with only one sign-up. But I certainly value it now. She showed up for me. I still follow her to this day on social media and I am subscribed to her newsletter; based on those two classes all those years ago, I would recommend her offerings in Portugal to anyone who asked.

Having since attended beach yoga in Ireland, India, Spain and the Maldives, I can now really appreciate the finer details. Like the simplicity of having no mirrors. No mirrors mean less pressure sometimes. We are each in our own bodies, with less comparison. The movement practice becomes more intuitive.

The vastness of the space helps me feel grounded — literally rooting my hands and feet into the sand — but also spacious and expansive at the same time. As if I can extend my energy outwards towards the rolling sea, and at the same time draw in some Surya (sun) energy into my being. There is something magical and mystical about practicing under the sky.

For the casual yogi, it might be the sense of community that attracts. Beach yoga is a lovely, wholesome activity to do with a friend. You can giggle together as your tree pose wobbles in the wind, make friends with a passing puppy who runs over your mat, jump into the waves to cool down, and go for coffee or brunch afterwards. You might even make new friends — a new tribe — as it is not always easy to find these opportunities as an adult. Grasp them.

But if you do happen to find yourself as the only sign-up, and have the opportunity for a private 1:1 with a teacher on the beach, take the leap of faith and open yourself up to the magic.