What to Expect at the Surf and Yoga Retreats with The Perfect Wave?

Jolie Manza is the co-founder of Surfin2Yoga.

Jolie is Rob Underwood’s partner. Many TPW clients will know Rob as Kandooma‘s effervescent chief Surf guide and programme director.

Jolie also runs the yoga programme at Kandooma with her assistant Mel and the team have now expanded operations, establishing Surf and Yoga Retreats at S Resorts Hidden Valley in Bali too. What a perfect way to spend your time in Bali or the Maldives.

TPW’s Ben Horvath caught up with Jolie for a chat about what to expect when you book your Surf and Yoga Retreats with The Perfect Wave.

Hi Jolie, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hey Ben! Sure thing. I’m originally a dancer from Boulder, Colorado, who ended up studying yoga and dance in university. After 8 years in New York City decided to travel to Bali to further my opportunities and fell absolutely in love with the island. I have never looked back and am now based out of Bali running yoga teacher trainings, and retreats. During my time there I met Rob Underwood, the Happy Surf Guide, who connected me to the amazing people of TPW and I was offered an opportunity to start the yoga program on the beautiful island of Kandooma in the Maldives. This will be my 4th season there which is incredible!

What sets the Surfin2Yoga retreats apart from others (besides, of course, the idyllic locations)?

Surfin2Yoga is designed to offer people a full immersion into the practice of yoga and the art of surfing. It’s no secret that the two marry together perfectly and what we are creating gives people a chance to go deeply into both aspects, rather than just scratching the surface! We are not just offering yoga classes, but intensives (2-3hrs daily) spending a bit more time on achieving new levels of strength and flexibility at the same time as introducing deep meditative relaxation that will surely pull you out of your head and into the present moment, be it on your surf board or your day-to-day life.

We want people to walk away with a new relationship with the ocean. Our coaches are there every step of the way allowing you to step comfortably into a new experience if you are just starting off surfing or coaching you into new techniques that will improve your time in the water if you have some experience behind you already! Daily 2.5hr surf sessions will guarantee progression and without a doubt fun!

What can The Perfect Wave client expect from your style of yoga?

Great question! Yoga offers one of the most well-rounded physical and mental experiences you can have. The week is designed around a few aspects.

• strength
• flexibility
• balance
• breath awareness
• restoration

We want to create more awareness around the practice of yoga, putting to rest the assumption that it is only reserved for super bendy people. Flexibility is one component, but it is not a requirement to find success with the practice, just one of the benefits that will eventually come.

The week will have 2 daily yoga classes… The mornings will have a bit more gusto in them. Creating heat in the body and finding balance so that you can take those tools right into the surf!

The evening classes will restore and relax your mind and body from the day’s activities leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed.

Are you able to customize classes for particular requirements such as beginners and those with sports injuries?

Our yoga teachers are all able to handle every level, age and ability that joins us. Our classes are designed to move you forward from whatever your starting point may be, injuries included.  You will have plenty of one-on-one time with the instructors who will focus on your exact needs and show you every step along the way. This is not a competitive environment, and we have tools to help you find comfort and support no matter what situation you may be facing. It’s not uncommon to have absolute beginners in the room with people who have been practicing for years. It’s about your personal journey and we welcome and hold the space for it all!

What style of yoga do you teach?

The morning practice is style is called Vinyasa flow which is a dynamic/energetic practice that links breath and movement. The evening we will focus on Restorative and Yin yoga which is a slower practice focused on stretching the fascia of the body, helping you achieve new levels of flexibility and restoration.

What can a client hope to learn from your classes?

A new level of strength, balance, and an openness/flexibility in the body that was not previously there. Clients will learn about anatomy, alignment, technique as well as tools to deepen your breath, mindfulness and how to turn the volume of your monkey brain down.

My boyfriend/husband is a surfer. How can the package be tailored to suit both our needs?

This retreat truly caters to every individuals needs. For the surfer, yoga will add to the experience in the water and give a new focus. For the yogi, the retreat is a chance to try something new, getting out in the waves and sharing that experience with the ones you love the most. We want people to try something new, fall in love with the potential of it all and walk away with a new found focus and intention. We welcome everyone!