Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Shimabukuro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

When I was younger, my mom asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up? I said I wanted to be a dance teacher. I was already taking lots of dance lessons so she asked my dance teachers if I could assist them. I started assisting combo classes and eventually when I was older became a substitute at my local dance studio. I had great mentors who inspired me to pursue a career in education. I graduated high school a year early and obtained an associate’s degree in dance technology from a local community college. I ended up with a bachelor’s degree in dance and finally a masters degree in physical education. I have taught PE, Yoga, and dance over the last twelve years in the public-school system.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I have always loved water sports and my dad is an avid sailor and dive master. I learned how to scuba dive while in high school. While in college in the Midwest, I had a kayak that I would use on the lakes. Way back in 2008, I watched a documentary on stand-up paddle boarding. I would go for long distance paddles every weekend with the intention of paddling all the lakes in my home state of Arizona. To break up the long paddles, I would do yoga on my board. While on the lakes, I would get people asking me questions about doing yoga on paddle boards. I started offering donation-based SUP Yoga classes and created NamasteSUP a social media global sup yoga community.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Water safety is really important with water sports. This can include CPR training and First Aid certification. Knowing how to read a weather forecast and tides before offering a SUP Yoga class is essential. Any classes being offered should be enjoyable for all levels by offering variations and progressions so the participants can be successful.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Unfortunately, I am at a personal detour right now in my life. I sustained a bump to my head in May, 2022 which gave me whiplash and post-concussion syndrome. I was forced on a medical leave from my professional teaching role. My life has changed drastically during the last months. My yoga and meditation practice has proved to be an essential strategy for my healing. In addition, having an ability to balance on boards from all my SUP yoga experience has also helped with the chronic vertigo.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.namastesup.com/?fbclid=PAAaYvu8QxWQ05Zk96e1ZPYGwLNwII3O-Hbj-IqhTH8TfHXrcm3-DEgHFbzrQ
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/supyogatraveler?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supyogatraveler?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.supyogatraveler.com/