1st published 19.1.19 | last update 14.3.25
Why Surfers Everywhere Are Embracing the Mat
Yoga has taken the surf world by storm. From pros on the world tour to beginners catching their first waves, more and more surfers are turning to yoga to boost flexibility, core strength, breath control, and overall performance in the water. But what’s really behind the yoga craze in the surf scene?
We caught up with our Star Surf Camps Moliets Yoga Instructors, Wednesday and Sarah, to get the lowdown on why yoga and surfing make such a perfect pair — and how the practice has become a core part of the surf experience.
Why Do Surfers Choose Yoga?
Wednesday:
“To be fair, not all surfers do yoga, but I think a lot are drawn to it because the movements mirror each other in so many ways. Think about it: paddling out, popping up, balancing on the board — those are all motions we mimic in yoga. But it’s also about how both surfing and yoga feel. Serious surfers and committed yogis are often chasing the same thing — that deep, present, almost meditative state. That’s where the magic happens.”
“I actually did my first yoga teacher training focused on yoga for athletes, and it really reinforced how much the practice can complement surfing — and other sports too. The beauty of yoga is that whatever it is you love doing, yoga helps you do it better, and for longer.”
Sarah:
“Exactly. Surfing demands upper-body strength, flexibility, mental focus — and yoga helps with all of it. Even breath retention, which you practise in yoga, is super helpful when you get held under by a wave. The connection runs deep, physically and mentally.”
How Did You Get Into Yoga?
Wednesday:
“I started with yoga as a complement to dance, especially ballet when I was younger. But it wasn’t until I came to Star Surf Camps that it clicked. I met a fellow yoga teacher here — she’s now one of my best friends — and she showed me how much fun yoga could be. It made me realise how much a teacher can shape your experience of yoga.”
Sarah:
“My aunt got me into meditation early on, which opened the door. I was also a dancer growing up, but in the competitive scene — and I wanted something that let me move more freely, without the pressure. When I came to Star Surf Camps at 16 and started practising with Wednesday, everything changed. I saw how yoga helped my surfing and thought, ‘Yeah, this is what I want to do.'”
Is Teaching Yoga a Good Career?
Wednesday:
“Yes and no — like with any career. On one hand, it’s beautiful. You’re helping people slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. That’s incredibly rewarding. But it’s also a solo path. As a travelling yoga teacher, you need to have your own back, especially when navigating an industry that’s sometimes undervalued. You have to know your worth and be able to communicate it. But if yoga connects you to your passions — like surf, travel, or community — it’s so worth it. The longer you do it, the more rewarding it becomes.”
Sarah:
“I honestly feel like I’m changing the world, even if it’s just for a few people at a time. When someone leaves your class feeling more at peace, more connected, that energy ripples outwards. Of course, like Wednesday said, it can be tough professionally. But yoga doesn’t really fit in a conventional system — and that’s kind of the point. You make your own path.”
Can Yoga Help Prevent or Heal Surf Injuries?
Wednesday:
“Absolutely — if it’s practised mindfully. Like any physical activity, yoga can cause harm if approached without awareness. But when done right, it enhances body awareness and helps with injury prevention and recovery. A big part of healing is letting the body relax and release stress or trauma. Yoga helps create the conditions for that kind of healing to happen. We also recommend specific postures for rehab, depending on what’s needed.”
Sarah:
“Yes — the combination of physical movement and mental reset is powerful. Yoga brings you back into the present, and that mindset can be essential for injury recovery. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, yoga reminds you of what you can. That’s a huge shift when you’re healing.”
Come Catch the Yoga Wave
Yoga and surf are more than just a trend — they’re a lifestyle. Together, they create a balanced, mindful, and empowering approach to health and happiness. Whether you’re starting your day with a sunrise flow before hitting the waves or winding down with a gentle stretch session at sunset, the benefits go far beyond the physical.
At Star Surf Camps, we offer yoga sessions in all our locations — led by experienced and passionate instructors like Sarah and Wednesday.
Join the yoga-surf revolution on your next surf holiday. Your body and mind will thank you.
See you on the mat (and in the water),
Your Star Surf Camps Team
