“Nature nurtures us, if we can slow down long enough to let it.” Kristy Wright of Just Add Water Yoga and SUP wants to give people an opportunity to disconnect from technology and ground themselves in the beautiful world that is all around them. With a range of classes to choose from, clients can choose what most calls to them. We had an opportunity to connect with Kristy to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Just Add Water Yoga & SUP – I also run SUPVancouver – we offer on-water classes that include; yoga on floating mats in an indoor/outdoor heated pool and stand up paddleboarding lessons, guided tours and SUPYoga around the lower mainland.
What made you want to do this work?
In 2010 after a trip to Maui where I stood on my first paddle board a mutual friend and I started SUP Vancouver to bring Stand up paddling to Vancouver as an easy access to the local waters. Being outdoors in nature brings me so much joy, when I learned to stand up paddle I recognized the presence and connection of simply paddling, making this my work feel easy because I enjoy taking people on a journey – whether on the mat in a yoga practice or exploring the coastline and beaches it never completely feels like work.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I strive to open people up to the natural environment, to get present to what is right in front of them, in the moment and out of their heads. Nature nurtures us, if we can slow down long enough to let it, the on water yoga mat and paddle board have people leave the technology behind and have them re-connecting to themselves and others in a short amount of time. It builds confidence, balance, strength and community – all things that we need in our day to day.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
My clients are primarily female between 25-60; most tell me they grew up on or near the water and it calls to them.
How does your business make money?
How does it work? We offer a range of classes from Liquid Yoga on floating yoga mats in an indoor and outdoor heated pool partnered with a local hotel, these classes are for the general public and hotel guests. We also offer Stand Up Paddle lessons, guided tours and weekly SUPYoga classes on the ocean for those with perhaps a more adventurous spirit. Our clients book a class on our website www.justaddwateryoga.com or www.standupaddlevancouver.com and will receive a follow up email with more detailed information about the type of session they have booked. We then customize our classes to best suit who has booked – class sizes are 6mstudents to 1 instructor allowing us direct connection with each student.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We offer Liquid Yoga at The Westin Bayshore Hotel in Coal Harbour, SUPYoga in White Rock and all Stand UP Paddle Lessons are hosted at local parks and beaches in the lower mainland with access to water.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Why should I do yoga on the water? or take a Stand Up Paddleboard lesson? Our response is similar for both – Joining us on the water will re-invigorate your mind and body and leave you feeling like you got a workout without feeling like you are ‘working out’. It fires a different set of muscles that will help build balance and overall strength while leaving you feeling relaxed. Water is such a healing element and what we offer is custom and unlike any yoga class or workout.
What is the best part about what you do?
The best part is seeing people go from nervous and unsure to confident and comfortable in a short time.
What is the worst part?
There are very few downsides to our work, but when the weather doesn’t cooperate it can be challenging – we do our very best to plan for the weather and ensure the best possible experience for all.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
That ‘yoga on the water’ is so Vancouver’ – Vancouver is very trend setting and often goes against the grain…. so ‘of course we took yoga to the water’ is a common comment we get.
Where can we follow you?
On Instagram and Facebook or go to our website and join our email list
PAY IT FORWARD:
What is another local business that you love?
