Water Dog, a new yoga studio, opened in mid-June on Corpus Christi Bay. Headquartered in a houseboat at the Corpus Christi Marina, Water Dog offers classes in yoga, pilates and core strengthening on deck and in the water on paddleboards. Here, a class practices yoga during a full moon on the bay. Courtesy photo
Practice your downward facing dog on a paddleboard with a new and innovative business that just opened in downtown Corpus Christi. Water Dog, which recently opened at the Corpus Christi Marina, might be the world’s first floating yoga studio. Owners Stacie and Josh Richline offer a full schedule of floating yoga, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga, SUPilates and fitness classes for all ages and experience level.
Water Dog’s studio literally floats as it is actually a houseboat. Of course, there is also Corpus Christi Bay, where participants on paddleboards connect with the outdoors while getting in a good stretch or even a workout.
“Water Dog is about combining the elements of nature, wind, sun, waves and even the moon into your yoga or practice,” Stacie Richline said in a story on the Marina Arts District website.
One of the most popular events has been a full moon yoga ceremony on June 10. It was so popular, in fact, that the Richlines plan to make it a monthly event.
The couple has lived all over the United States, finally setting in Corpus Christi because of its year-round outdoor environment. Stacie is a school teacher as well as a yoga and fitness instructor. Josh has lived most of his life in Corpus Christi, where he started Richline Technical Services, a successful IT business. An active, longtime sailor, he is a member of the Corpus Christi Yacht Club and an expert on the water, wind and weather conditions in the area. Both are devoted dog lovers, thus the name of the business.
Special events held by Water Dog include SUP Yoga and Downtown Farmers Market. Classes are 5:45-7 p.m. on the water in front of the farmers market at the Art Center of Corpus Christi, just outside the Corpus Christi Yacht Club. An added bonus is watching the start of the Wednesday night sailboat races while holding a yoga pose.
Other classes include sunrise yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Vinayasa yoga and even express classes during lunch. Classes are modified for beginners to advanced yogis.
To find out more about Water Dog classes, check out the website at waterdog.cc or follow the Facebook or Instagram pages.
