Vrksasana a.k.a. Tree Pose, by Harmony Dawn
Start in a standing position with your feet together in the centre of your board. Place one foot on either side of the handle.
Bring your arms out to the sides of your body at shoulder level, holding your paddle in one hand.
Gaze forward onto the horizon. If possible, find a fixed object to focus on.
Shift your weight onto your left leg. Root down by pressing into your left foot. Be mindful not to curl your toes.
Grow your tree by bending your right knee. Keep your toes on the deck of your board, and slowly draw your right heel up to rest it on top of your left ankle.
Engage your core. Continue lifting your right foot up along your left standing leg. Place the sole of your right foot against the inside of your left calf (your tree trunk) or place the foot higher above the knee, if possible.
Take a moment here & breathe.
When ready, slowly move your arms overhead as if reaching for the sun. If you feel strong in your tree, gently wave your arms like tree branches swaying in the wind.
Once comfortable doing this pose on flat water, try it out in the waves! Time your pose in between the sets so you can paddle over the waves and repeat the pose on the other side.
Modification: If you need the paddle for SUPport. Flip it upside down so the handle is on the deck of the board in front of you and use it to help maintain your balance as you learn tree pose.
Added challenge: Wrap your right leg around your left leg to create a twisted tree trunk.
