SupAsana East Bay

What a fabulous, fabulous organization and way to exercise.
Stand-​up Paddleboarding (SUP) can itself be a tough workout, especially on a windy day, but practicing yoga on a stand-​up paddleboard was an entirely different animal than practicing in a studio or even outside! Your balance is challenged, and your perspective can completely change. The class itself is quite pricey, but I definitely feel that it was worth every penny.
Practicing familiar poses in a complete altered setting with a different balance point not only helped me to focus inward more deeply and concentrate on grounding into the board, but it helped me to release and let go of my fear and inhibitions. I was always hesitant to try arm balances and suggested inversions in class because I would think, «Oh, I can’t do that,» or «I’m not strong enough,» but the key word is YET and you should always give it a shot, if only to know that there’s still progress to be made! I’d never tried Eight-​Angle Pose before in a class and when Malia suggested it out on the water, I thought, «Why not?» And while I didn’t full get into the pose, I easily lifted myself off the board and realized that I’d been underestimating myself all along.
If you’ve never tried it and have always wanted to, don’t be afraid and just go for it!
One memorable part about practicing yoga with SupAsana East Bay is the wonderful sense of both practicing by yourself, as well as practicing with the entire group. Most of the flow happens on your own but occasionally everyone comes together as a group or in partners.
It definitely helps that the water feels relatively clean against the skin and the view is quite lovely. And of course, practicing with the sun warming your skin and water beneath your fingertips, and wind teasing against your hair and body? Breathtaking.
A huge plus: there are always pictures of the class that get uploaded onto Facebook!

Doing yoga on the water requires a level of focus and staying in the present that I wish I could maintain on the mat. It also enhances the core workout. And there is nothing like going into a pose and seeing the dancing light on the lake, feeling the breeze on your skin, or resting with your feet or hands in cool water. Everything is well-​thought-​out here so you can enjoy the class — quality boards are provided, clear basic instruction in paddling is given, and a relaxed attitude about the possibility of falling in is emphasized. There is even a team watching out for the class to make sure we don’t run into any other groups using the reservoir for recreation. A special experience and worth the 2 hour trip each way on transit for me once in a while!
Regarding earlier comments on challenges signing up, you do need to be persistent and keep an eye on the site when new classes are posted, join a waiting list, or sign up in the off-​season.
A few tips on what to bring:
–sunscreen (the water reflects the sun)
–glasses strap (if you wear glasses or sunglasses into the water, to keep them on your head if you fall in)
–baseball cap for keeping sun out of eyes
–water bottle (there are some crossed bungee cords on the boards which you can use to secure the bottle)
–snack for before or after
–flip flops (helpful for walking down to the water which is a bit rocky)
–towel (for wiping feet after getting out of the water if it’s not hot enough to dry them naturally or wiping off in case of falling in)
–payment (cash or check)
–waiver
–cash for parking (if driving)
–change of clothes (next time if it’s hot I might do the workout in a swimsuit so that I don’t mind falling in)
Tips on getting there by transit:
–After arriving at Dublin/​Pleasanton BART, you can catch the WHEELS 10 bus which takes about 20 minutes and stops just outside the park. The route doesn’t show up on google maps (yet) but the 511 trip planner will show you the schedule. Or, if you exit on the Pleasanton side and go to the taxi stand there, it’s about a $ 15 (pre-​tip) 10-​minute taxi ride. (If you take über, it helps to walk a little bit away from the station to make it easier for the driver to find you as there are 2 sides to the BART station.) The park staff should let the taxi take you to the meeting point inside the park without charging the parking fee.
Here is a map of the park:

I hadn’t done any yoga in awhile, but when I saw this place on Facebook I knew I just had to try it out! They were amazing! I was a little nervous since I had never been on a paddleboard before and hadn’t done yoga in awhile, but everyone was so welcoming. They taught me how to paddleboard and even would help keep me close to the group with a little nudge if I started drifting off. The yoga was so calming and enjoyable. Jessica was a great instructor and incorporated all levels into the class. I just had the best time and I can’t wait to get out again! Thanks for an amazing time!

I fell in love with this class instantly. For me there is a peacefulness I feel out on the water and bring yoga and Malia to that and you’ve got a winner! I had taken Malia’s yoga class in the studio and she brings the same care and encouragement out onto the water. I find myself trying things I probably wouldn’t otherwise. This class is for any level as long as you can swim! Mind you it is difficult to fall in because the BOGA yoga boards are so stable. I highly encourage anyone to try it and be patient the high demand for the class has brought the need to get more teachers certified and out there making more times available. You can’t go wrong with this class.

I have no balance. There — I said it. But, I love any water-​related sport. So, of course I had to try this class. I knew I had to be extremely present and aware of what my body was doing so that I didn’t fall into the water. I’ve taken multiple classes and couldn’t love this experience any more. To experience the beautiful environment, the balance challenges, and Malia’s calming, yet motivational, teaching — it’s just such an amazing experience — like no other. I truly feel like this SupAsana classes have helped me with strength and balance — plus, I’ve discovered something I truly love. The sense of accomplishment — and peace — cannot be described.

This class is so much fun! I can’t imagine a more serene way to start your day than floating atop a boga board and being instructed through an amazing yoga class by such a kind an beautiful teacher. I have heard they are even going to add a guided paddle for all those who want the SUP without the asana! Personally, my advice is, if you re even curious about it you need to try it! Malias style of teaching is all inclusive and she is such an amazing individual she will make everyone, rookie or expert alike truly have an amazing experience. I love supasana east bay!

Big fan. I love yoga and love being out on the water, so this is a natural match for me. It’s is an amazing class, taught by Malia, an amazing instructor, who does a beautiful job of making this a fun and unintimidating experience. What I love about this class is that it’s a true all levels class. It’s totally suitable for beginning students of yoga (I met someone the other day in class who’d only taken a few studio classes prior to coming to SupAsana), as well as providing a challenge for even the most advanced students. It’s super relaxing to paddle around on the water and is hands down the most relaxing savasana ever :).
p. s. City people… Pleasanton is really not that far from SF. It usually takes me 45 minutes max, which is about the time it could take to get across town and park. So worth it.

This was so much fun! I went with my cousin on a chilly Sunday morning, and I didn’t really know what to expect. I have done Yoga in a studio a few times before, and I have never paddleboarded before, but it was something I really wanted to try. Malia was very patient helping me paddle out, and she even waited for me while the other more experienced students rushed ahead. Once we began our yoga moves, it was so relaxing. It was such a beautiful moment being at one with myself, hearing the water lap against the board every now and then, and for all of us to float around each other without actually bumping into each other. Out of the entire hour, we only had to reposition ourselves once. Since I had never taken class with Malia before, I had to look at her often to make sure I was doing what I was supposed because, at times, it was difficult to hear her instructions. Next time I would just position myself closer to her.
Thinking about doing BOGA, I had a huge fear of falling in. I envisioned myself falling in, and I even brought a change of clothes in anticipation of falling in. Sure enough, I fell in. But quite honestly I believe I did because I had my mind set on doing so, and I probably shouldn’t have challenged myself with poses that I’m already shaky with on land because I obviously had a hard time balancing on water, too!
On the way back in it got super windy, but I just got on my knees and paddled in. I had a wonderful experience, and I look forward to going back out there again!

I feel like I’m 18 again! I’m 34 now and in better shape than I was when I was a trainer at 21! I’ve birthed 3 kids and nursed for a total of 6.5 years! If you are frusterated with your body after having babies… you need to have Yoga and Sup Asana East Bay in your life! My hip pain that I’ve had for 3 years has vanished! No more neck and shoiulder pain! My energy level is through the roof! My body fat is vanishing before my eyes! I’ve only been practicing for a couple of months. Results come fast!!! I’ve been taking Malia’s classes at The Yoga Company in San Ramon for the past few months. She is amazing! So much passion, knowledge and enthusiasm. She makes you feel so welcome and comfortable and helps you achieve the asanas of your dreams.
Now let’s talk about the main reason for this review… I heard about Malia’s other business venture, SupAsana East Bay and knew I had to try it. My first time was on a Saturday evening at 6:30. We got a quick SUP (stand up paddle board) lesson from Rick. He and his wife, Kate supply the awesome BOGA boards. They also take pictures of all of us on the boards going through the asanas and paddle boarding. It’s really fun to show these off to your facebook friends! The boards are very sturdy and has a cushy center just like there is a yoga mat built in. I was so worried before I did the class that I would fall in but I didn’t. It’s very rare that anyone falls in. Once we got out on the water we paddled out to one end of the lake where it was calmer. The paddle boarding is so much fun and such a great workout in itself and you are already good and warmed up by the time Malia starts class. Let me tell you, once you start going through the asanas, hearing the water slosh beneath you, the birds chirping, the breeze blowing and the feeling of drifting… you will be hooked! It’s heaven! I felt so relaxed. Malia makes the class incredible for beginners and also for the more advanced. It’s a huge confidence booster too! You will make new friends and feel like you are a part of a new family! I’ve done it a second time already and I’m signed up for my third class in a few weeks! You need to try this ASAP! It will be one of the best things you will do for yourself! My life is forever changed because of Yoga and SupAsana East bay! Thank you Malia, Rick and Kate! xxoo

My boyfriend Josh and I have been taking yoga with Malia Hill through the Yoga Company in San Ramon for a few months now and when she told us she was doing paddleboard yoga as well, it was a no-​brainer that we were going to try it out with her!
First off, if you haven’t taken a yoga class with Malia you are out of your damn mind and you need to hustle your a$$ over to one of her classes so you get your detox on (the classes are warm, but not Bikram hot), groove to her playlist (there’s no Zen music here, she’s played Rihanna, E-​40, MIA, etc, so get ready for the head bobbing and sing-​a-​longs) and honest-​to-​goodness seriously ENJOY your yoga practice in a safe, supporting environment where she encourages you to try something without fear of judgment.
I digress, back to the paddleboard yoga. We did the 8AM Sunday class back in August and it was so nice and peaceful to paddle out to the middle of the lake and move through the yoga poses. It’s a small class, I think there were about 6 – 7 of us and you use a special board that’s mean for paddleboard yoga. It’s not as vigorous as her usual class, but there’s something to be said about doing yoga out in nature with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. You will feel energized, I guarantee you.
So don’t sleep on it, get to Malia’s class (whether it’s paddleboard or regular) and do it!!!

I am not a water person at all. However I love yoga and know that Malia is an amazing teacher so I decided to give this a try. I ended up having an amazing time! Paddling and doing yoga out on the water is so peaceful. Malia likes to encourage fun and playfulness in her classes which carried out into paddle board yoga perfectly.
I was seriously surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I can’t recommend it enough, just do it!

I had never done yoga before. so this was the first time and on a paddle board in the lake I was nervous to fall in. but guess what, I didn’t fall in. malia did such a good job teaching for me a beginner and more experienced people. it was so beautiful and peaceful on the lake too. I would definitely do it again and it was such a good work out, my core was sore for days after. if you have not tried this I highly recommend it. malia is awesome and everyone was welcoming and friendly. I loved the paddle boarding aspect of it too.