Let’s be real — cruising is equal parts magic and madness. One minute you’re floating in turquoise bliss, and the next you’re wedged under the settee chasing a rogue can of chickpeas or reefing the main in 25 knots with hair like Medusa. 😅

That’s why yoga isn’t just a “nice-to-have” on a boat. It’s an anchor — to your body, your breath, your sanity. It keeps you grounded when everything else is literally moving beneath your feet.

Why Yoga Belongs on Board

Out here, space is tight, routines go out the porthole, and your body is doing constant micro-adjustments just to stay upright. Add in wind, salt, sun, and maybe a couple boat drinks — your nervous system is doing laps whether you realize it or not.

Practicing yoga onboard is about creating some stillness amidst the motion — a place to land, even when the boat’s pitching. It’s not about fancy flows or Insta-worthy poses. It’s about moving your body in a way that supports this lifestyle.

Here’s what it gives you:

• Balance & Strength – Hello, core. You’re my best friend when I’m climbing the mast or walking the deck on a heel.
• Flexibility – Because living on a boat turns you into a human origami project. Anyone ever do  “Engine Room Yoga”? I know I have!
• Mental Calm – Boat life is beautiful… and also unpredictable. Yoga keeps my head and heart centered when things get chaotic.
   

How It Actually Works Onboard

Keep it simple. A towel on the foredeck, a quick flow in the cockpit, breathwork in the V-berth — it all counts.

• Use what you’ve got. Lifelines = props.   Cabin sole = mat.   Boom = stretch partner.
• Short + sweet wins. Even 10 minutes of movement or breath shifts everything.
• Make sunrise your sacred time. Nothing like salty air and a pink sky to start your day grounded and grateful. This is my absolute favorite time. Still. Quiet. As cool as it gets.
• Adapt to the conditions. If the boat’s bouncing, do seated stretches or restorative poses. Legs up the mast? Yes please.
   

My Go-To Onboard Moves

• Seated Cat-Cow – Keeps the spine juicy when standing isn’t happening.
• Seated Twist – Follow your seated cat-cow with a gentle twist & your spine will love you!
• Low Lunge – Because hip flexors take a beating out here.
• Supported Forward Fold – Hello, hammies and nervous system reset. A fender between the legs works great for this!
• Legs Up the Lifelines (or mast!) – Swollen ankles? Not today.
• Savasana on the deck – Waves lapping, sun warming your skin, zero effort. Feel the movement of the boat. Pure peace.

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Big News from the Helm…

I’m beyond excited to share that the newly revised edition of my Yoga Onboard book is coming soon, just in time for the 20 Year Anniversary! (What? Wait? Has it really been 20 years!?!)  It’s packed with more content AND (drumroll)… it’s going digital! So you’ll be able to bring it with you anywhere your anchor drops — phone, tablet, Kindle — you name it.

Whether you’re a salty old sailor or dreaming of your first float, Yoga Onboard is here to help you move, breathe, and be well on the water.

Stay tuned — your boat just became a floating yoga studio. 🧘‍♀️🌊