Mind, Body and Montauk With Liquid Yoga and Surf
by Laura Allahverdi

A new way to experience Montauk is with Liquid Yoga and Surf retreats. Founded by Lauren Hanna, Liquid Yoga and Surf is a complete experience of yoga on the beach, surfing and paddle boarding. Lauren, an avid surfer and yoga instructor currently teaching at the well-known Mandala in Amagansett, began these retreats about 5 years ago. This summer, along with director Annee Elliot and teacher Cher Meli, they will continue these experiences throughout September due to the incredible weather and warm water.

If you are planning an intense escape, join a 3-day retreat at the Crow’s Nest in Montauk. As you arrive on a Friday evening, you will be a part of an opening ceremony yoga class followed by a lobster and clambake all ready for you. Groups are kept small to allow for personal attention and group bonding. Saturday morning begins with yoga facing the water under a beautiful white open-air tent accompanied by a live sitar player at all yoga classes. After breakfast, you then have your choice of 2 hours of surfing or paddle boarding and then an evening yoga session. Max of Air and Speed surf shop in Montauk teaches your surf lessons so don’t worry if you are new to the sport. For dinner, you are encouraged to go out and explore Montauk and go to a great Montauk restaurant and then rejoin the group for a bonfire party on the beach complete with live performances by a drummer, a truly unique experience. Sunday again will have you at morning yoga followed by surfing or paddling. These retreats are held once a month. Liquid Yoga and Surf also offers one-day clinics every Saturday morning where you can experience yoga in the sand at Ditch Plains beach in the morning followed by surfing or paddle boarding.

Paddle boarding also known as stand up paddle, is a great trend this year and spreading fast. The women of Liquid Yoga and Surf have included this new mind and body experience into their clinics and retreats. Lessons are taught by Craig Sr. of the Sunset Surf Shack and participants meet over at the Sunset Saloon where Craig will teach you all the motions on land before taking you in the beautiful bay. As the water on a good day is pretty smooth, you will glide along the water while standing up on a board. This is an awesome workout, as you must use all your muscles to balance yourself, tighten that core and tone up your arms as you stroke the water. It is a most unique relaxing experience. Once you learn, you can rent a board from the Sunset Surf Shack and cruise around wherever you wish. You can take your pet out on the water, or glide in the sunset with a bottle of champagne on your board. It’s the perfect addition to Liquid Yoga and Surf.

Lauren, Annee and Cher want you to feel in touch with your mind, body and spirit and really get the Montauk feel as you partake in this wonderful journey. Director Annee says, “whether it’s an escape from the city or just pure exercise, its about experiencing an enjoyable weekend.”

Check out their website for more information at www.LiquidYogaandSurf.com "Step on the mat, dive into the surf and just flow!”

Aug. 30 One-day Clinic, Montauk * Sept. 6 One-day Clinic, Rockaway Beach 90th St Sept. 6 One-day Clinic, Montauk * Sept. 7 One-day Clinic, Gilgo Beach * Sept. 13 One-day Clinic, Montauk * Sept. 19-21 Three-day Retreat, Montauk *

Sept. 27 One-day Clinic, Montauk *