The Girls at Play 2010 Yoga for Kayaking DVD with Anna Levesque and Joe Taft has taken off tremendously.  Hundreds of kayakers have redefined their bodies and minds through the sequences Anna and Joe take you through.  With such high praise and success, we’ve decided to offer a real life yoga for kayaking series at the Town and Mountain Training Center in Asheville, NC!

The series will include six yoga sessions on from 6:30-8:00 Tuesday evenings from November 8th through December 20th (no class on 22nd for due to Thanksgiving).  Each class will target a different area of the body which kayakers need to focus on.  Some classes may be based on stretching and opening parts of the body like the hips, while others may be geared more towards balance and strengthening the core.  With individualized approach to different aspects of yoga for kayaking, Anna will give you a comprehensive aresenal of poses, stretches, and sequences you can continue doing to improve your kayaking and personal well being.

The series is also excellent cross training during these chilly months when you’re not paddling as much.  Also, if you’ve been kayaking lots during the summer and fall, yoga is a great way to heal any pain, tension, or reoccurring soreness you’ve experienced recently.  Stretching and strengthening also plays a huge role in injury prevention, particularly in the back.  Kayakers often suffer from injuries such as bulging discs in the spine, which can be prevented and almost solely healed through yoga!

It is commonly said that it takes 21 days of completing an activity to make it a habit.  While the course spans the time of 7 weeks, by the end, you will certainly feel that incorporating yoga into your weekly or paddling routine is habitual.  This will allow for you to not only have a stronger mental game on the river, but your body will feel more relaxed, open, stronger, and less ridden by pain and tension.

California Kayaker Magazine recently published a review of the Yoga for Kayaking DVD in their Summer 2011 issue.  The author states that “I own a boat that has never been very comfortable for me to sit in.  In just a short while of sitting in it, my legs would fall asleep.  But after two weeks of doing the routines, this sleepy-leg syndrome was greatly reduced.”

Mary Ann Furda, yoga instructor and owner of High Health Studio in Palo Alto, CA said “Her precautions, such as how to safely practice if the viewer is hypermobile, are excellent.  Her choice of reclining poses are a good, rich blend of hip, thorax, and flank openers, excellent for kayakers after paddling to ease post-paddling stiffness, as well as to provide the opening over time that will allow for greater freedom in range of motions that can prevent injury and allow for better, more efficient paddling.  This section could easily be done by anyone who’d never had a yoga class.”

I’ve personally become addicted to my own yoga for kayaking practice which I adopted from the Girls at Play Yoga for Kayaking DVD.  I complete an hour long sequence after each day of paddling, and several other times throughout my week.  In my kayak, my body feels stronger and I have significantly less pain in my legs, lower back, and shoulders.  I also feel more loose and fluid with my strokes, and can achieve greater extension and rotation thanks to increased flexibility.  Doing yoga regularly has allowed me to maintain a schedule of kayaking 5-6 days a week and perpetually feel healthy, loose, and ready to go!  There’s no way I could kayak this much and feel this good without yoga!

Anna is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, having had a steady practice for over ten years and having completed over 300 hours of yoga teacher training.  With such knowledge and expertise in not only the field of kayaking, but yoga as well, this world class, specialized instruction cannot be beat!

Here are the details:

Dates: November 8th, 15th, 29th & December 6th, 13th, 20th (All Tuesdays)

Time: 6:30-8:00 pm

Where: Town and Mountain Training Center in Asheville, NC

Cost: $70 for entire series

Who: ANYONE! women, men, novice paddlers, advanced paddlers, non paddlers, etc.

Can’t make it to the series? Order a Yoga for Kayaking DVD  from the webstore so you can learn the best poses from Anna and Joe. If you’re interested in doing yoga in warm weather, check out our Costa Rica trips!

Thanks California Kayaker magazine for the great review!!

Check out the Yoga for Kayaking DVD at our webstore!  Or if you’d like to take yoga classes with Anna herself, check out our Yoga for Kayaking Clinics!

Interested in doing more yoga, or merging yoga with kayaking?  Check out our new Yoga for Kayaking DVD!  Also remember, all of our clinics and trips to Mexico and Idaho incorporate yoga into the daily schedule!

Check out another great blog post about yoga, kayaking, and THE BREATH!

Go with the Flow

“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.” – Bruce Lee

Anyone who has kayaked in currents whether they be strong or easy-going has witnessed what Bruce Lee is talking about.  When water comes up on a rock it flows around it, when water hits a fallen tree in the river it flows through the branches.  Eddies on the river are formed when water flows around an obstacle, such as a rock, and then flows back upstream behind the rock to fill the void that is created by the diversion.

Water accepts what is and continues on its path.  When we accept what is happening at this moment in our lives we are better able to go with the flow without creating suffering for ourselves and others.  This doesn’t mean that you just let life happen to you and become apathetic.  On the contrary, when we accept what is we are better able to take right action.  The water flowing down a river doesn’t resist when it hits the rock.  It doesn’t complain, feel victimized or react in fear.  The water simply changes shape and direction to flow around the obstacle.

We can refer to the same example as paddlers.  If we get stuck on a rock while we’re kayaking down a river we have some choices. We can resist and react in fear and tell ourselves a story about how we’re stuck and can’t get unstruck and about how scary it is.  Or, we can pause for a moment, accept that we are stuck and calmly lean into the rock and push ourselves off.  By staying calm we are better able to respond to the situation instead of reacting out of fear and creating unnecessary suffering for ourselves.  We wouldn’t just sit there apathetic saying oh well, I guess I’m stuck and I can’t do anything about it.  We always have a choice to respond out of a sense of acceptance or react out of a sense of resistance.  Acceptance allows us to go with the flow like water.

Effortless Doing

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it” – Lao Tzu

I have a funny story that I feel illustrates this quote.  One day I was using a toothbrush to scrub out the shower — very vigorously – so vigorously that I was getting frustrated that the bits of mold I was scrubbing weren’t coming off!  I looked and noticed that the bristles of the brush were almost flattened from the force of my scrubbing so they weren’t really doing much.  At that moment I remembered the teaching of effortless doing and started to scrub more gently and guess what!? The mold came right off without resistance.  I had a good laugh at myself – especially since such an inspiring reminder came to me in such a non-inspiring situation.

I always tell my students that the goal of good, strong kayak technique is to look and feel effortless on the water.  There should be no power struggle or fight against the water, but instead an effortless dance with the water.  When we feel effortless on the water we’re actually embodying the powerful gentleness of water that Lao Tzu is talking about.

When I first started to kayak I loved it so much that I wanted to be good immediately.   There were days when I would spend hours and hours on the river trying to get better.  I would push myself hard and when I wasn’t paddling well I’d get frustrated and sometimes end up breaking down.  Now that I think back on some of my most frustrating and emotional experiences on the water I realize that I was trying too hard to force things to come to me.

Frustration and unhappiness with our progress in any aspect of our lives is a sign for us to take a step back and remember that gentleness, effortlessness and patience can generate amazing results.  We don’t have to push and do all the time. What I’ve come to realize is that sometimes it’s not about making it happen as much as it’s about doing the work mindfully and then allowing it to all come together – effortlessly.

Compassion Towards  Ourselves and Others

“We are both the wave, individual and unique, and the ocean. Both.  At the same time.”

– Erich Schiffmann

Each drop of water, each river, stream, lake and ocean is part of all the water there ever will be on this planet.  They are all unique expressions of the collective that we call water.  Just like we are individual, unique human beings that are a part of the bigger collective called the human race.  And all of us at our core want the same thing – to feel happy and fulfilled. Being human connects every human to each other and yet we often, too often, forget this connection.  This is more apparent when we feel wronged by someone else.  It’s easy to judge and lay blame than to set our egos aside and feel compassion towards another.

A wise kayaking student of mine recently told me:  “Never assume that you know someone else’s story.”  Maybe the woman who was rude to you was having a bad day.  Is that an excuse for her to be rude, no, but perhaps receiving some compassion will soften her mood and brighten her day.  It may not happen instantaneously, but it will have an effect. One of my favorite quotes attributed to Gandhi is:  “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, and it takes more strength and faith to be kind.”

And remember that compassion is not only reserved for others, but also it’s important to practice compassion toward ourselves.  Even though each drop of water in the ocean is small, each drop is an important part of the whole.  Appreciate your unique contribution to the world!

Pay Attention

“In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

Paying attention to the present moment has been one of the most transformational practices in my life.  The present moment is all we have because the past no longer exists and the future has not yet happened.  When we focus our attention on the past and the future we are missing out on the awesomeness unfolding right now.

One of the reasons I love whitewater kayaking so much is that it forces you to focus on the moment.  If you don’t pay attention in a rapid you could end up somewhere you don’t want to be.  People are addicted to whitewater kayaking because they feel that intense joy that comes with being really present, in the moment.  You don’t have to be a whitewater kayaker to experience this.  Sea kayakers experience this and lake paddlers who are able to get really quiet and pay attention to the beauty around them are also able to experience the present moment.

A really simple way to tune into the present moment that anyone can do is pay attention to your breath.  You can do it right now as you’re reading this article.  Notice the path of the breath through the body and stay with it for a few breaths.  See what happens.  I bet you’ll feel calm, relaxed and energized!  This is the cheapest stress-relief available to you anytime.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a few of the lessons I’ve learned along my kayaking way.  There are many more…  These lessons are not meant to be practiced only once.  Just like we enjoy going back to the water to paddle over and over again, these teachings are meant to be referred to over and over until they become second nature. This could take years, just as developing good kayaking technique takes years.  Enjoying each part of the journey is important.  I remember some really awesome moments from when I was a beginner kayaker – there is joy in every part of the journey.

Article by Anna Levesque

Photos by Paul Villecourt www.outdoor-reporter.com

If you enjoyed this article, check out our latest instructional DVD, Yoga for Kayaking. You might also enjoy our awesome weekend clinics and trips that blend yoga and kayaking.

To keep our bodies healthy, remain comfortable in our boats and paddle well into our golden years, it’s important to learn about and take care of the major muscle groups used during paddling. Have you ever heard of the illiopsoas? If not that’s ok because you’ll know all about it by the end of Anna’s talk.  You’ll leave with knowledge and stretches that will help your body feel comfortable, strong and supple for many years to come in and out of your boat.  This talk is important for paddlers or all ages and abilities.

If you would like Anna to come talk to your paddling group, club or school please contact her at anna (@) watergirlsatplay.com

Today I find myself reading two books about breathing, and they are both surprisingly interesting. The Breathing Book, by Donna Farhi, is one of the books, which is an anatomical approach to breathing and the other is The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh, which is a guide in meditation. They are both informative and enlightening in their own way, and make me realize the importance and simplicity of reconnecting with my breath. Breathing, which is something that we all begin our lives with and only stop when we take our last, has become less important over time and deduced to a simple bodily exchange. When we are born and when we are children running, playing and jumping around carelessly, our breath flows effortlessly, with relaxed and open bellies. Then over time, we develop short, shallow breaths that don’t supply our bodies with the nourishment of the oxygen flowing to each and every part and cell, and can lead to other health problems.

In The Breathing Book, Farhi points out that in ancient cultures breathing was “considered inseparable from our health, consciousness, and spirit, and it is only recently that we have reduced breathing to a mere respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. In greek, psyche pneuma meant breath/soul/air/spirit. In Latin, anima spiritus, breath/soul. In Japanese, ki, air/spirit; and in Sanskrit, prana connoted a resonant life force that is at no time more apparent to us than when that force is extinguished at the moment of death. In Chinese the character for “breath” (hsi) is made up of three characters that mean ‘of conscious self or heart.’ The breath was seen as a force that ran through mind, body, and spirit like a river running through a dry valley giving sustenance to everything in its course.”

Farhi also goes on to explain how Proper “breath therapy, sometimes combined with other healing practices such as biofeedback or yoga, has been found to alleviate (and sometimes cure) migraine headaches, chronic pain conditions, hyper tension (high blood pressure), epilepsy, asthma, panic attacks, and hyper ventilation syndrome, as well as coronary heart disease,” (p. 6) and reduce menopausal hot flashes.  So, just think of the doctor’s visits, discomfort and emotions one can avoid if breathing properly.

In the Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh, explains the importance of being completely mindful of what you are doing in that moment. We often find ourselves doing a task, like washing the dishes, and thinking about the future, “what do I need to do next”, rushing through things just to get them over with and out of the way. He teaches to focus on the task at hand, and give it your full focus, so that everything you do, you do your best, wether it is cleaning, talking to an old friend, writing a blog post or preparing and eating dinner. Focusing on ones breath, is one of the very first steps to being completely mindful of your tasks. He gives breathing exercises to help train your mind not to wonder. At first it may be difficult, but with time just a little practice and awareness each day can bring peace and joy to your mind.

Here are a few short and simple breathing exercises from The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh that can get you started on a routine to more mindful breathing.

Half Smile when you first wake up in the morning:
Hang a branch, any other sign, or even the word “smile” on the ceiling or wall so that you see it right away when you open your eyes. This sign will serve as your reminder. Use these seconds before you get out of bed to take hold of your breath. Inhale and exhale three breaths gently while maintaining the half smile. Follow your breaths.

Counting Your Breath
Sit in half or full lotus or take a walk. As you inhale, be mindful that “I am inhaling, one.” When you exhale, be mindful that “I am exhaling, one.” Remember to breathe from the stomach. When beginning the second inhalation, be mindful that “I am inhaling, two.” And slowly exhaling, be mindful that “I am exhaling, two.” Continue on up through 10. After you have reached 10, return to one. Whenever you lose count, return to one.

Washing the dishes
Wash the dishes relaxingly, as though each bowl is an object of contemplation. Consider each bowl as sacred. Follow your breath to prevent your mind from straying. Do not try and hurry to get the job over with. C0nsider washing the dishes the most important thing in life. Washing the dishes is meditation. If you cannot wash the dishes in mindfulness, neither can you meditate while sitting in silence.

Canoe and Kayak also features Anna in their article, “Six of Paddling’s Top Instructors Share Their Passion for The Water.” Highlighting Anna’s connecting yoga and kayaking, they playfully name the spotlight, “Former Pro Paddler Teaches Kayakers to Om.”

We are grateful to be a part of this Beginner’s Guide and to be recognized for what we are passionate about, “inspiring women to surpass what they believe is possible.”

Below is the article, written by Eugene Buchanon:

If you’re a gal and want to paddle with your peers, be they nervous beginners or Class V experts, the setting doesn’t get much better than the programs through Girls at Play. Run by world-class paddler Anna Levesque (See “Portraits,” p. 39), the school is dedicated to inspiring women and enhancing their lives through kayaking and yoga retreats—sometimes both at the same time. “Our workshops and classes provide an environment where kayaking feels accessible, fun, inspiring, adventurous and supportive,” says Levesque, who combines 15 years of experience as a kayak guide, instructor and competitor with more than 300 hours of training as a yoga instructor. For a sample of her technique, check out Girls at Play, an instructional video made specifically for women. Levesque found inspiration for the video thumbing through an instructional book on the shores of the Ottawa River. “I enjoyed the instruction, photos and layout, but was disappointed there were only two photos of female kayakers,” she says. The result: her own instructional video, as well as the Girls at Play Summer Tour to support it. More workshops, adventure trips to Mexico and DVDs followed, and the process continues today with a full line of instructional trips and workshops. Out this spring: a new DVD entitled Yoga for Kayaking with Anna Levesque and Joe Taft.

Women wanting to benefit from her watergirl wanderlust can join her for special women’s clinic weeks at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, or for the more adventurous, eight-day instructional trips to Mexico. You’ll stay at a small hacienda-style hotel with private bath and learn everything from bracing to rolling—and how to slice perfect lime wedges into your Coronas—on crystal clear rivers such as the Veracruz, Antigua and Actopan. This summer, the school is also offering a Girls at Play Kayaking/Rafting/Yoga trip on Idaho’s Main Salmon Aug. 12-17. “I’m super grateful to be on a continually evolving path of teaching and inspiring women to surpass what they believe is possible,” Levesque says. And if you’re ever a little sore from one of her sessions, it’s nothing a little Downward Dog can’t help.

Since we spend many hours indoors during these shows we find fun ways to entertain ourselves. And, since the yoga for kayaking is popular,  Anna decided to take photos of some top industry folks doing their favorite yoga pose at Jersey Paddler.  We’ve got Brian Goode from Werner meditating, Danny Mongo from Werner doing side plank, Brian and Danny doing an interesting partner yoga pose, Ben Lawry from Werner doing ‘Dead Tree,’ Dave Fusilli from Pyranha doing the “Double Brown Claw Tree,” Lila Thomas from AT doing Tree, Tom Sherburne form Shred Ready doing supta padangusthasana and Jake Greenbaum from Dagger doing Warrior.  I hope you laugh as much as we did!!

If you’re like me you’ve heard that stretching is good for you. That it reduces stiffness and helps to prevent injury. But it wasn’t until recently, during my training as a yoga teacher, that someone actually explained to me why stretching prevents stiffness and injury. Now that I have some insight into our bodies and how they work I realize that stretching is even more important than I thought. If you want to feel more comfortable in your boat, develop more ease getting in and out of your boat and want to paddle for many years to come read on. Stretching can help and I’ll give you some reasons why.

Let’s start by exploring something called fascia. Fascia is a layer of connective tissue that covers our muscles. It acts like shrink-wrap to hold muscles and muscle groups together and it naturally gets tighter over time. That feeling of stiffness that you feel in the morning when you wake up – that has a lot to do with the shrinking of the fascia overnight while you slept. Imagine what happens when you sit at your desk,, in your car, in your kayak and then go to bed without stretching or moving your body in ways that counteract the position of sitting. Your fascia will ‘shrink’ overnight and bind your muscles into the position that they are used in most. If you wake up in the morning and do the same thing over again your fascia continues to bind and get more rigid. Over time this will reduce your range of motion, make you stiff and less able to do things like get in and out of your kayak or even sit up straight in your boat.

We naturally get stiffer and lose range of motion as we get older, but when we stretch and move our bodies we also stretch and move the fascia which allows us to maintain greater range of motion, flexibility and suppleness as we age. Although we can’t completely reverse the natural tightening of our muscles as we age, it is possible to increase flexibility at any age by stretching on a consistent basis. It can be as simple as doing 3 –4 stretches right after you get out of your boat or as involved as a regular yoga practice lasting from 30 to 90 minutes daily. Of course, the more dedicated you are to your stretching the more benefits you’ll receive. The important thing is to stretch and move your body in ways that lengthen the muscles that you overuse and strengthen the muscles that you under-use.

Our muscles are connected to our bones by tendons so when we have certain muscle groups that are stronger than others they can pull our bones out of alignment causing pain and injury. My husband, also a professional whitewater kayaker, has experienced this first-hand. The muscles on one side of his body were so much stronger and tighter than the muscles on the other side that they were pulling his spine to one side, a factor that lead to a herniated disc. To heal his injury he had to learn to lengthen those tight muscles so that they would allow his spine to come back into alignment. If he had paid more attention to his body and followed a regular stretching routine along with his paddling he could have avoided this injury. Now he practices yoga and stretches daily and his back is healing well. He has incorporated stretching into his daily routine.

Instead of waiting for an injury to make you stretch why not start stretching now to stay pain-free and healthy! For kayakers the most important muscle groups to stretch are the hip flexors and the shoulders. Essentially, we want to work on opening the front of the body to counteract the position of sitting in our kayaks and paddling forward.

Two simple stretches that are easy to do right after you get out of your boat are lunge and thigh stretch. Both help to open the front of the hips.

Low Lunge:

1. From standing step your left leg back to take a wide stance. Bent your right knee (the front knee) over the ankle. This is important! You don’t want your knee to be over your toes. If your knee is over your toes you’ll want to move your right foot forward so that when you bend your right knee it’s directly over your ankle.
2. Keep your left heel up. You can either do a high lunge which means keeping your left knee off the ground, or a low lunge placing your left knee on the ground and pointing your left toes.
3. You can keep our hands on the ground in low lunge, on your knee or you can lift your arms up over your head, lift the chest and stretch through your fingertips.
4. Hold for 10 –20 seconds and make sure to breathe deeply while you stretch. Swith to the other side.

Thigh Stretch:

1. From standing bend your right knee and take your right ankle or foot with your right hand.
2. Keep your knees as close together as possible. Don’t pull up or back on your ankle or foot. You can press your foot into your hand.
3. Tuck your tailbone. This means draw your sit bones down toward the floor and you’ll feel lengthening in your low back. You’ll feel a deeper stretch in your right hip flexor. Lift your chest.
4. Hold for 10-20 seconds and breathe. Switch sides.

It’s important to stretch on a regular basis over time. If you want to delve deeper into stretching I highly recommend finding a good yoga class near you. It’s important that you try out different classes to find the right one for you. There are many different kinds of yoga and the first class you go to may not be the one for you so don’t give up too easily. Experiment with different teachers and classes before you write it off. My new DVD Yoga for Kayaking is now available in the webstore so Click Here to get a copy and start feeling the benefits for your body and your paddling!

Happy Paddling and Happy Stretching!

GIRLS AT PLAY HOLIDAY SPECIAL** GAP Tee-Shirt + Whitewater Kayaking with Anna Levesque + Cottonmouth Nose Plugs= This package deal includes the oh so awesome DVD, the fancy fun GAP tee shirt and some much needed noseplugs. This package saves you nearly $20, that’s like getting the tee-shirt for free! What? Yes.

1. Lululemon Stride Jacket II, $108: This jacket is awesome! The jacket is long and so are the sleeves so will keep you stylin’ and warm right when you get off the water or in a yoga class. I also love the colors. You will see Anna wearing the purple one in the new “Yoga for Kayaking with Anna Levesque and Joe Taft”. Joe loved it too, he tried to convince us all that it looked good on men too.

2. Lululemon Groove Crop II, $86: These high quality yoga pants are breathable and flexible. With a super cute waistband to match any of your tops. Anna sports these as well in the DVD.

3. Cottonmouth Nose Plugs, $9: My favorite nose plugs! Made right here in Asheville! Comfy, bendy, grippy. Keep the water out!

4. Girls at Play Tee-Shirt, $24.95: We still have a few of these popular tee-shirts (designed by yours truly, Mary Frances!) They come in a brown scoop neck or an organic purple tee. These shirts remind you of the spirit of the water when you’re not kayaking.

5. Immersion Research J-Lo Spray Skirt, $100: This spray skirt is designed specifically for women! It has a shorter tapered tunnel (to fit a women’s torso), and super stretch hip panels (to make it easier to slip on). It also stretchy and fits most boats.  Perfect for your whitewater kayaking Diva!

6. Smith Neoprene Retainers, $6.95: For all you ladies who like to wear your shades on the water, you definitely need some of these. They are great for kayaking and super comfy!

7. Essential Journeys Soap by the Slice, $8.00: Made just down the street from the Girls at Play office here in Asheville, this soap cleans, softens, smells and looks divine in your bathroom. They also sell “Lube for Lips”, dog soap, lotion, soy candles, and bath salts. For online orders just use promocode FREESHIP2010 and have your stuff shipped free

8. Whitewater Kayaking with Anna Levesque, $29.95: This DVD covers technique from beginner to Class IV! It’s a great tool for the winter months if you aren’t super psyched about cold weather paddling. While watching it, you can memorize the tips and tricks to take with you on the water. So come springtime, you’ll be ready to go! This is also a great gift for anyone heading to Mexico with us in January or February.

9. Recreational Kayaking for Women, $25.95: This DVD is a great starting point for anyone looking for a fun outdoor activity that will help you stay active and enjoy time with family and friends. Maybe you are a whitewater paddler who wants to inspire some friends or family to get on the water, this is an excellent start!

10. American Whitewater Year Membership, $35: Everyone who loves the water should be a member of the non-profit, American Whitewater. AW’s mission is “to conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.” So, if you love the water, join and help them to help us! They also offer Gift Memberships!

11. Girls at Play Gift Certificate, $25, $50, $100: If you can’t decide what to give your paddling girlfriends, give this is an excellent option. It is valid for anything Girls at Play; gear, instruction, tee-shirts, DVDs!

12. Teavana MateVana® Tea, $5.80 : Stay warm and cozy with a cup of Anna’s favorite yerba matte blend! It has chocolate in it, what more can you ask for!!

GIRLS AT PLAY HOLIDAY SPECIAL** GAP Helmet+ Whitewater Kayaking with Anna Levesque + Cottonmouth Nose Plugs= Delicious deal number two! The head turning helmet, divine DVD and noseplugs, saving you about $30. I know! What an awesome deal!!

1. Kokatat Rogue Dry Top, $410: This dry top is all we ever wear! It is comfortable, non-restrictive and keeps us dry, the best one out there! It  lasts for a long time too, so is well worth the expense. We love the berry color!

2. Kokatat Helix Dry Top, about $200: If you are looking for a dry top that is easier on the purse strings this is an excellent option. Keeps you dry with Tropos Technology!

3. Private Instruction with Anna Levesque, $300: Spend a day with Girls at Play founder, Anna Levesque, for a day of custom kayak and yoga instruction. Fine tune your paddling skills and boost your confidence on the water. And if your interested in yoga, she can show you the perfect poses for your body and lifestyle. Awesome gift for any level of paddler! And this is open to men and groups as well. Price decreases with more folks.

4. Girls at Play Limited Edition Kokatat Ronin PFD, $175: This PFD allows for lots of movement and flexibility on the water. It wraps around to fit a woman’s body nicely. The beautiful  embroidery keeps you looking unique and feminine on the river.

5. Adventure Technology Eddy Paddle, $335: AT Paddles rock! The bent shaft keeps our wrists in alignment and we love the way  the blades powerfully catch the water without putting too much strain on our shoulders.  And it’s reasonably priced too

6. Girls at Play Shred Ready Vixen Helmet, $159.95: This limited edition helmet, is designed especially for Girls at Play. Equipped with the “hand of God” system, it outfits perfectly to your head, with cranks to tighten on the back just like a bike helmet. Protects your head and looks great, our fave! Perfect gift!

This group of gifts we call the “Holy Grail” because these are the gifts that will transform your paddling and your life!  They may seem expensive, but their true value is priceless.

1. Paddle Mexico with Girls at Play, $1550: Whether you are a novice or intermediate, this trip is amazing. Adventure, culture, whitewater and yoga. The food is out of this world and the company is super!   It’s about more than paddling. It is a getaway that helps you out in all aspects of your life. You return refreshed and invigorated, so you can be a better mom, friend, paddler, worker- you fill in the blank   Happy happy happy!

2. Kokatat Gore Tex Meridian Dry Suit, $1,045: This dry suit keeps you warm and dry, and it’s easy to get on and off. It will seriously transform your cold weather paddling from unpleasant to AWESOME!  And you can choose between a front or back relief zipper.

3. Adventure Technology Superlight Paddle, $460: This paddle is our favorite because it’s so light and so smooth.  It’s easy on the shoulders and very powerful. The bent shaft keeps our wrists in alignment and the foam core blades allow us to feel effortless even when we’re paddling hard.   Love it!

4. Main Salmon Kayaking/Rafting/Yoga Retreat, $1700: This 6-day adventure is packed with breathtaking views, big-water kayaking, rejuvenating yoga, relaxation, fun and a lot more…! If you’re a whitewater kayaker, and you have non-paddling friends who would like to join you, they can ride in the raft and still have a blast. This could be an awesome mother/daughter adventure too!

5. Dagger Axiom Boat, $999.00:  The Axiom is our favorite kayak because it’s fast, carves beautiful/fun eddy turns, makes front surfing a piece of cake and boofs effortlessly.  You can do it all in this river running/play kayak!  It is a truly versatile boat that comes in four sizes so you’ll get the right fit. It’s a fantastic gift for the kayaker in your life who loves to play their way down the river!