In Paradise Yoga Happens On Water

Australia’s first and only SUPYoga (Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga) accredited teacher, Charlotte Piho, will be at Hamilton Island’s Gatorade Clash of the Paddles event next month providing competitors and guests with the opportunity to experience this increasingly popular, new-style yoga work out.

Held on Hamilton Island from 20-23 June, 2013 marks the 30th anniversary of the Island’s Clash of the Paddles event, which has expanded over the past three decades from solely an outrigging event to now including board paddling, surf skiing, stand up paddle boarding and for the first time in 2013, Dragon Boat racing. 

When asked about her involvement in Clash of the Paddles, Piho said she was thrilled to receive the invitation. ‘When Hamilton Island contacted me to ask me to be a part of this event, I jumped at the opportunity. I am so looking forward to visiting such a beautiful, dreamy paradise in the Whitsundays and I can’t think of a more perfect place to do SUPYoga. I can’t wait to share something I’m so passionate about with Hamilton Island’s guests.’

Piho’s passion for healthy living and beautiful surroundings is what motivated her to pursue a career in this unique form of exercise. She was teaching SUP in the Cook Islands and doing yoga as part of her own exercise regime when she realised she could combine the two and practice yoga outside on the water rather than inside, and make a living out of it at the same time.

Piho’s Work Out On Water business is now based in Sydney and her classes are gaining huge popularity with Australians. Her most regular clients are new mothers wanting to get back into shape but she also instructs top athletes, models, TV personalities and those who simply want to keep fit. Amongst her clients are Olympic swimmers Giaan Rooney and Geoff Huegill, plus one of Charlotte’s all time sporting heroes, big wave surfer Gerry Lopez. 

Piho said: ‘SUPYoga has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and I’m so honoured that ASI (Academy of Surf Instructors) has recognised the discipline and certified me so I can instruct in Australia. It’s an incredible sport both physically and mentally and I can’t wait to see it grow. I believe that in a couple of years time there will be SUPYoga schools all over the country.’

The SUPYoga classes will provide competitors and guests with a fun, unique and non-competitive addition to the Clash of the Paddles schedule whilst in keeping with the event’s paddling focus. 

Hamilton Island’s Gatorade Clash of the Paddles will be taking place from 20-23 June. For more information on the event visithttp://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/clash-of-the-paddles. 

-ENDS-

Notes to editors: 
Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna. Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, not to mention over 60 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities. www.hamiltonisland.com.au www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland 

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Michelle Crowshaw, Trade Communications Manager
e: mcrowshaw@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)417 065 173

Katie Cahill, Regional Communications Manager
e: kcahill@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)439 775 656

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