Rochelle Ballard‘s connection to nature formed at an early age. Growing up on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, she spent most of her time in the ocean and it’s no secret what happened from there. For those out of the loop, Rochelle’s passion carried her through [rss-cut]17 stellar years on the ASP pro tour, with accolades galore reflecting her talent as one of the most influential surfers of our time, both in and out of the water.

Since stepping away from competition in 2007, Ballard has been enjoying life at a more relaxed pace with yoga playing a central part in her daily life, a practice she says has only improved her surfing “I feel more in tune with the rhythm of the waves, more mellow in the line and use my energy when necessary. I surf with more fluidity and grace. My barrel riding has improved and I feel more calm in bigger surf.”

Ballard also believes yoga has deepened her appreciation for the natural world “I’m more in tune with my body with what I put in it as well as my foot print on the earth. Everyday we make choices, what we eat, what we express, and how we live.  The expression ‘less is more’ is truly a profound statement. We have become a generation of consuming and wanting more. I am a part of that and am doing my best to buy less, recycle, use less energy, buy locally and grow my garden.”

Rochelle’s love of yoga and surfing have culminated in the release of her first instructional yoga DVD, aptly titled Surf into Yoga. Beautifully shot in the tranquil tropical surrounds of Hawaii, it features gorgeous acoustic sounds of Jack Johnson, John Swift, and Donavon Frankenreiter. The sequences are led by either Ballard, her brother Hoku Gordines or snowboarder Chanelle Sladics, and include a sun salutation, shoulder opener and a power Vinyasa flow.

You don’t have to surf to benefit from the sequences, you’ll love it even if you haven’t tried yoga before – just clapping eyes on the tropical scenery is enough to send you to a state of absolute bliss.

Read Part II: Rochelle shares some breathing techniques + pre-surf yoga postures.

Watch the Surf into Yoga trailer:

Rochelle talks about Surf into Yoga:

About Ingrid Schroder

A Sydney-side freelance graphic designer, photographer & yoga teacher - I find myself turning to nature for guaranteed revival from the crazy pace of city life - be it digging in my garden, capturing natural beauty through a lens, floating in the ocean, practicing yoga or out exploring this incredible planet we all call home. Follow me on twitter @Cohabitaire