Downward Doggy Paddle

I recently unintentionally fell into the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. The culprit: yoga.

Actually, it was Liquid Yoga. The water-based practice, done on an inflatable (and more stable than it looks) Aquamat, has been offered at the hotel nearly daily all summer—and, it was just announced, will be moving to the indoor pool for the winter months. As for my personal LY experience, well, I showed up a wee bit nervous (I’m a seasoned yogi, but a terrible swimmer) and was instantly put at ease by the gorgeous Emma Colling, who is a certified Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga instructor.

Determined not to fall in (though, to its credit, the pool was heated to a very comfortable temperature), I started the class cautiously, opting not to attempt any of the more advanced modifications suggested by Emma. But, as I grew more used to the way my muscles were compensating for the wiggle of the water, I got more adventurous with my practice … and splash! I was the only yogi that morning to fall, but it was actually exhilerating and, in fact, NBD.

After I successfully completed full bridge on my board (the only student to do that, too!), we finished class with mindful breathing, our mats gently bobbing on the water’s surface. The backdrop of ocean harbour and coastal mountains was the perfect accompaniment to a wonderful, watery Zen experience (ditto for raspberry smoothies and smashed avocado toast at H2 Rotisserie & Bar after)! —Noa Nichol

The Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, 604-682-3377, westinbayshore.com

Photos by Moonrider Productions.