When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
WASUP Yoga
Why WASUP Yoga is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
WASUP Yoga offers a unique and invigorating way to practice yoga combined with the thrill of stand up paddle boarding right in Seattle's beautiful Shilshole Bay. Celebrating over 14 years since its founding in 2011, WASUP Yoga is Washington State's first and longest running stand up paddle board yoga community. Their serene location between Ballard and Magnolia allows participants to practice amidst stunning nature, often accompanied by harbor seals and great blue herons, enhancing the connection with the environment. The business is committed to honoring the traditional land and water of the Duwamish People, reflecting a deep respect for cultural heritage. WASUP Yoga fosters a welcoming community for yoga enthusiasts and adventurists alike, offering classes guided by experienced teachers with diverse backgrounds in yoga and fitness. The practice promotes balance, wellness, and an inner sense of bliss while encouraging connection with nature. The studio also provides options for group classes, private sessions, and workshops, making it an accessible and attractive meeting place for friends seeking a healthy, adventurous, and meaningful bonding experience on the water.
Here's what people think of WASUP Yoga
As of recent, WASUP Yoga holds a 5-star rating based on 3 reviews.
Reviews of WASUP Yoga consistently reflect a positive and fulfilling experience. Customers praise the unique combination of paddle boarding and yoga, highlighting the professionalism, passion, and expertise of the instructors who deeply engage with students to enhance their yoga practice. The peaceful and picturesque setting on Shilshole Bay is often mentioned as a major highlight, enriching the overall experience and providing a tranquil escape within the city. Positive reviews emphasize the welcoming atmosphere, the quality of instruction, and the transformative nature of practicing yoga on the water, which many find both challenging and rewarding. On the other hand, limited negative feedback points occasionally to the initial nervousness or hesitation some beginners feel before trying SUP yoga for the first time, but the supportive teaching staff and thorough orientation help alleviate these concerns effectively. Overall, the community finds WASUP Yoga to be an excellent venue for combining physical activity, mindfulness, and social connection in a stunning natural location.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Janice Milliman
I've taken several stand-up paddleboard yoga classes with different teachers. It's a fabulous location with great instructors. I get a good workout too because we paddle from shore to the anchor spot. Highly recommend taking a class. You won't be disappointed. Very affordable too.
Acu “coco” Jyun
It was really fun and cool experience! We highly recommend. Andrew at Surf shop was very nice and Yoga instructor Katie was very nice. Great Father's Day extravaganza!!
Tamara Yurkanin
So fun! A good workout but you can go as hard or as easy as you want. I didn't even stand up the first time, and I fell in twice, but I loved it so much and went back and was able to stand up while paddling the second time. Seals came and checked us out, plus the sun and all of the other sights and sounds make for an amazing time. Great teachers and cool classmates.
How to reach WASUP Yoga
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Website: None
Why WASUP Yoga may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at WASUP Yoga with your friends?
Gathering your friends at WASUP Yoga for a meetup is an exceptional choice because it combines physical activity, natural beauty, and community connection in a uniquely memorable way. Located in Seattle’s picturesque Shilshole Bay, WASUP Yoga offers stand up paddleboard (SUP) yoga sessions that are as adventurous as they are soothing. The experience of practicing yoga balanced on a paddleboard in calm waters, often accompanied by sightings of harbor seals and great blue herons, creates an unforgettable, tranquil outdoor setting that fosters togetherness and relaxation. It is not just a yoga class but a chance to immerse yourselves in nature, away from the usual hustle and bustle, while challenging your balance and focus in a fun group environment. Whether you’re seeking a healthy escape or a special occasion activity, WASUP Yoga provides a blend of fitness, mindfulness, and scenic beauty that makes it perfect for creating shared joyful memories with friends or family.
Beyond the physical benefits of yoga and paddle boarding, the supportive and welcoming community atmosphere encourages bonding and camaraderie. The instructors, passionate about guiding students toward wellness and balance, ensure everyone feels comfortable, whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi. This unique venue turns an ordinary gathering into a rejuvenating retreat on the water, combining wellness, adventure, and connection that is difficult to find elsewhere.
What activities does WASUP Yoga offer for group meetups?
WASUP Yoga specializes in stand up paddleboard yoga, a dynamic and refreshing form of yoga practiced on water. The primary activity is the SUP yoga class, where participants engage in traditional and fluid yoga poses while balancing on a paddleboard floating in Shilshole Bay. This activity requires balance, core strength, and focus, making it both a physical and mental challenge that groups can enjoy together. Classes vary in intensity and style due to the diverse backgrounds of their six highly skilled instructors. For example, some sessions incorporate Hatha or Vinyasa yoga styles, and others even use the paddle as a prop within the poses. This variety caters to different interests and skill levels, ensuring each group member can find a session that matches their preferences.
Beyond the on-water yoga, the location also invites socialization and relaxation before and after classes with beautiful waterfront views and a friendly communal atmosphere. The base location at Surf Ballard provides convenient amenities such as parking and nearby food options, allowing groups to easily plan a full-day outing. Additionally, the connection with nature—practicing yoga on calm water with regular visits by seals and birds—enhances mindfulness and offers a scenic backdrop perfect for group photos and lasting memories. The instructors foster inclusivity, even accommodating hesitant or nervous participants by encouraging gradual water exposure and emphasizing fun. This makes the experience enjoyable and stress-free, perfect for group bonding through shared challenges and achievements.
How is WASUP Yoga uniquely suited for group gatherings and celebrations?
WASUP Yoga’s unique location and activity format make it an ideal spot for group gatherings and celebrations. Unlike traditional indoor yoga studios, the open-air outdoor setting on the water encourages groups to experience wellness together in a novel and refreshing way. The large Bay area and calm waters allow for multiple paddleboards to be on the water simultaneously without overcrowding, so friends and family can practice side by side and support each other during the session. This promotes a natural sense of community and shared accomplishment, as balancing on paddleboards while holding yoga poses is both entertaining and rewarding.
The environment is safe and accommodating, with instructors ensuring everyone’s comfort and safety by assessing swimming ability and allowing life jackets if needed. The flexibility in class styles and levels means groups with mixed yoga experience can all participate and enjoy themselves. The surrounding natural beauty of the Seattle waterfront provides a calming and inspiring backdrop that transforms a regular meetup into a rejuvenating mini-retreat. For celebrations such as birthdays, fitness milestones, or simply reconnecting with loved ones, WASUP Yoga adds a memorable, active element to the occasion. After the session, groups can easily extend their time together with local dining options nearby or simply relax by the water to enhance the bonding experience.
What makes the instructors and community at WASUP Yoga special for group experiences?
One of the core strengths of WASUP Yoga lies in its passionate and diverse team of instructors who bring a wealth of knowledge to each class. The teachers—Gwendolyn Payton, Ben Grieshaber, Jay Holby, and Louise O’Sullivan, among others—have backgrounds in different yoga disciplines and fitness, which allows them to offer tailored guidance and creative adaptations to suit all skill levels. This diversity lets groups experience a range of yoga flows, from gentle to dynamic, ensuring that everyone—from novices to advanced yogis—can participate comfortably and safely.
The instructors emphasize connection to nature, balance, and community, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that makes group members feel welcomed and supported. This community-oriented mindset strengthens bonds among participants, as everyone is encouraged to relax, have fun, and leave daily worries behind. For groups rallying around wellness goals, the instructors’ commitment to nurturing inner balance and bliss provides a shared sense of purpose and fulfillment. This supportive environment helps new participants overcome any apprehension about trying SUP yoga, making the activity accessible and enjoyable for your entire group, ultimately enhancing the collective experience.
What practical details should groups consider when planning a visit to WASUP Yoga?
Planning a group outing to WASUP Yoga is straightforward, but considering some practical details will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The facility is located at 6300 Seaview Ave. NW in Seattle at Surf Ballard, a convenient spot with access to parking and nearby amenities. Since the classes take place on the water, all participants should prepare by wearing appropriate attire, ideally moisture-wicking layers suitable for movement and potential splashes. Instructors recommend not eating two hours before class and bringing swimwear for comfort and ease once on the paddleboards.
Swimming ability is important for safety; although life jackets are available, participants should be comfortable in water or communicate any concerns to instructors ahead of time. It is also wise for groups to book sessions in advance, especially for larger parties, to ensure availability and receive any specific instructions or accommodations the teachers might suggest. As the weather can affect water conditions, groups should be flexible about timing or class days. Lastly, planning additional time before or after the session for socializing and light refreshments in the nearby Ballard neighborhood can maximize the outing’s enjoyment and bonding opportunity.
Why is the natural setting of WASUP Yoga important for a group experience?
The natural setting of WASUP Yoga on Shilshole Bay profoundly enhances the group experience by creating a serene, inspiring environment that is rare in urban areas. Practicing yoga outdoors on flat water surrounded by wildlife such as harbor seals and great blue herons is calming and visually stunning, which deepens relaxation and mindfulness. This immersion in nature helps participants disconnect from daily distractions and stress, cultivating presence and collective focus that benefits any group gathering.
The open space of the bay allows for effortless social distancing when needed, while also facilitating intimate connection through shared outdoor activity. The gentle sounds of water and birds contribute to a soothing atmosphere that encourages deeper breathing and calmness, helping friends and family recharge together. Being part of the first and longest running SUP yoga community in Washington State also lends a sense of heritage and tradition to the meetup, making it a meaningful and memorable occasion. In this way, the setting itself becomes an essential part of the experience that nurtures wellness, bonding, and joy for every group that rallies at WASUP Yoga.