Photo Courtesy of Monica Villalobos.
This pose warms up your legs, which can help prepare your muscles for quick takeoffs, the challenge of longer waves, and maintaining a balanced stance on the board. Anyone who has ever held utkatasana for more than a minute understands the leg strength and endurance it will build. It does not only strengthen the lower body – utkatasana also helps stretching the upper back and invigorates and energizes the whole body.
Instructions
-Look at the ocean and sit deeply into an invisible chair, maintaining a neutral pelvis, neither tucking nor arching the low back.
-Looking at the horizon (or the waves) will help. This same symmetry is practiced by surfers once they are standing on their boards riding a wave. Depending on the size of the wave you catch, your utkatasana on the board may be a very deep seat.
-Be aware as you hold the pose, and keep your spine lengthened. Calm your mind and relax. Smile.
-Now hold the pose for up to a minute.
-You can repeat this sequence from Surya Namaskar B as many times as you wish.
-Enjoy!!