River Time Yoga

Beth Estock is our guest yoga instructor on our wonderful, relaxing Salmon River Yoga Retreat. This unique trip offers a blend of nature, mindfulness, and movement, merging the serenity of yoga by the river with the thrill of Whitewater Raftings. Thanks, Beth, for this lovely reflection on yoga, the self, and the river.

Beth’s Yoga Journey

I came to the practice of yoga 23 years ago when I was expecting my first child. The class was for pregnant women who wanted to do natural childbirth. What surprised me even then was how calm and centered I felt after the classes. Two healthy births, a stressful job and a move across the country brought me back to yoga on the river 17 years ago — at first once a week and then twice a week.  Now the practice of yoga has become a rich metaphor for my life.

From greater flexibility and stronger muscles to better posture, balance, and increased self-awareness, the benefits of yoga flow continue to unfold. But more importantly, I have grown in my capacities to take life as it comes to me, exactly as it unfolds, warts and all. It has helped me to grow in compassion for myself and others.  Simply put, yoga has helped me to open my heart.

The River as a Yoga Studio

Which leads me to the river and another metaphor…

River Time , as the guides remind us, is when we become so focused on the experience of the river and its natural beauty that we begin to let go of the frenzied narrative that overwhelms our 21 ^st century lives.  We are able to let go of our to do lists and electronic addictions, and instead are invited to rest in the present moment. The river gives us space in which to simply delight in our beingness. It is on a grand scale what happens in a yoga studio one hour at time.

Facing the Rapids—and the Self

Granted there is a little trepidation when preparing to run a rapid. We ask ourselves questions like, “Can I do this? Will I fall out of the boat? Will I get hurt?” Likewise when we think about taking up a yoga practice we wonder, “Can I do this? Will I look stupid? Will I get hurt?” These mirror the internal dialogue many have before attending their first yoga by the river class.

Running a rapid is like being in a yoga posture that takes your total concentration and brings you unwittingly to the present moment. As my daughter says, it is about being “woke”.  This is a rarity in our lives as our brains prefer rehashing the past or planning for the future. The river experience, like a yoga practice, reminds us of the gift of being alive right now in this moment. When we open to that, life becomes exhilarating and joyful.

The Gift of River Yoga

This is why I am excited to be offering this yoga retreat on the Salmon River, as it will be powerful medicine for being “woke”. This is an invitation for anyone who wants to learn more about yoga as well as for those who currently enjoy its benefits. We will begin our days with an opportunity to focus our minds and bodies in the present moment using yoga and then bringing that heightened awareness to the playful flow of the river. In the evenings we will have an opportunity to relax into our bodies and integrate the gifts of the day. It is my hope that we will be able to then take those gifts with us into our everyday lives.

Whether you’re checking your local river yoga schedule, pricing out private yoga lessons price, or browsing Sun Valley Idaho events, consider joining us for something unforgettable.



From guided meditation on the sand to camp yoga moments under the sun, it’s a retreat that fuses mindfulness and movement with Whitewater Raftings.

Beth Estock

We Invite You to Flow With Us

Each Winding Waters retreat is crafted for deeper connection—between body, mind, and river. From Whistler to yoga by the river, this is the invitation you’ve been waiting for.

Let’s practice. Let’s paddle. Let’s be fully alive.

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why whitewater rafting is also their favorite.