Why Anchoring Matters for SUP Yoga
Even on the calmest water, your board will drift. And if you’re constantly adjusting your position or chasing your paddle mid-flow, it’s hard to relax and stay present.
Anchoring keeps you in place so you can focus on your breath, your balance, and your practice, not where the wind is taking you. It’s also a simple safety step, especially if you’re near other paddlers or in moving water.
I’ve been teaching paddleboard yoga for over 10 years and have anchored hundreds of paddlers in lakes, rivers, and pools. Trust me, once you drop that anchor, everything gets easier.
Choosing the Right Anchor for Paddleboard Yoga
The best anchor for you depends on where you paddle and how you like to practice. Here’s a breakdown of common anchor types, plus when and where each one works best.
Grapnel Anchor
This is one of the most popular anchors for SUP yoga, and for good reason. It folds up compactly, is easy to carry, and holds well in a wide variety of water conditions. Grapnel anchors have folding prongs that open up and catch on the lake or river bottom, giving you a secure grip in rocky, sandy, or weedy areas.
They’re a solid choice for most lakes and slow-moving rivers, and they pack down small enough to stash in a dry bag or gear kit.
Mushroom Anchor
Shaped like a dome, mushroom anchors are designed to sink and settle into soft, muddy bottoms. They don’t snag like grapnels and offer a simple, steady hold in calm conditions. If you paddle mostly on soft-bottom lakes, this is a quiet, low-maintenance option.
DIY Anchors
For a lightweight, budget-friendly anchor, DIY can work surprisingly well. A dry bag filled with sand or rocks makes a great portable anchor, especially if you’re traveling, hiking in or don’t want to carry extra weight.
DIY anchors are also ideal for pool setups, because they won’t damage the liner or bottom like a metal anchor might. You can also use small hand weights or dumbbells, just make sure they’re secure and easy to retrieve.
Anchor Setup Essentials
Anchor Line Length
Most people don’t know the exact depth, so start with 15–20 feet of line. That works for most flatwater SUP yoga spots.
Anchor Weight
- 3 lbs for calm, flat water
- 5+ lbs for current or light wind
Anchor Line & Buoy
Use marine-grade rope, it holds up better over time. Add a buoy where the line meets the anchor to keep it visible and afloat.
How to Attach the Anchor to Your Paddleboard
Clip your anchor line to the leash plug or any D-ring on your board. Avoid bungees, they aren’t made to handle the tension.
Using a carabiner makes it easy to clip on and off without retying. No need for a locking version, just one that’s secure and simple.
Will your board spin?
Yes, a little. It happens regardless of attachment point. The only way to prevent it entirely is by using two anchors, one on the front and one on the back. I do this when filming yoga videos, but it’s not necessary for everyday practice.
How to Tie and Secure Your Anchor Line
The right knot can save your anchor. I recommend two options:
🪢 Bowline Knot
Creates a secure loop that won’t slip under tension and is easy to untie.
🪢 Overhand Loop
Simple, strong, and more permanent. Great for setups that stay consistent.
Check out this video about Setting Up your Anchor for SUP Yoga
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t anchor to fixed objects like docks or pool ladders.
- Stay clear of docks, walls, rocks, or shallow hard surfaces
- Use the appropriate size anchor weight and line length
- Add a small buoy to the end of your anchor line (the end that attaches to your paddleboard) so you don’t lose your anchor!
My Recommended Anchor Setup
- 3–5 lb folding grapnel anchor
- 15–20 ft marine-grade rope with a buoy
- Carabiner clipped to leash plug or D-ring
- I’ll add product links so you can grab the gear I use and trust
Want to Go Deeper in Your SUP Yoga Practice?
If you’re looking for support, inspiration, or just a way to stay consistent on the water, check out my online Paddleboard Yoga Membership.
You’ll get:
- Guided SUP yoga flows for all levels
- Calming water-centered meditations
- Breathwork and mindset support
- Classes you can do at your own pace, from any calm body of water
👉 Explore the Paddleboard Yoga Membership
New to paddleboarding? Start with the Intro to Paddleboarding Course.