By: Stacie Richline Photos by: Lillian Reitz
I believe it’s important to find balance in your life along with finding a fun way to stay active and healthy. I am the owner of Water Dog Floating Yoga, a unique houseboat studio in the marina in Downtown Corpus Christi. A major part of my health and wellness routine involves being active outdoors. I walk my two Sheltie pups every day, and I regularly practice outdoor yoga and go SUPing (Stand-Up Paddle boarding). I love that Corpus Christi provides a year-round outdoor environment where the warm sunshine and abundant waters are the perfect place to stay active and enjoy nature.
I’ve found walking or SUPing with my pups to be just as good a stress reliever as doing yoga. My Sheltie pups, Habibi and Pearl, bring me great joy and were the inspiration for my business name. In 2017, I decided to open Water Dog to share my love of this city, the water, wellness, and nature with the community and visitors.
At my studio, we have outdoor land-based classes on the deck as well as Stand-up Paddleboard classes. My aim has always been to make our classes accessible to anyone who wants to enjoy and experience fitness and relaxation on the water, even if they are not a yogi or a paddler. I believe experiences are more important than things, but I still have several go-to products to keep me safe, healthy, and smiling when I am outside or on the water.
Waxhead Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick
From March to November, I can be out on the water for 5-6 hours a day for Stand-Up Paddle boarding classes. Having a good sun protection product is very important. When I teach SUP classes, I use Waxhead sunscreen because it’s very water-resistant and it’s also skin nourishing. I love that it is Reef Safe and that it only has 4 clean and simple ingredients: It is made of 25 percent non-nano zinc oxide, certified organic coconut oil, beeswax, and vanilla extract. The combination of coconut and vanilla also make it smell amazing!
Available at gowaxhead.com $25.98
CliniqueFIT Workout Makeup SPF 40
When I am on the water all day, I need a heavy sunscreen like Waxhead, but for days walking the dog or teaching a deck class, I prefer something lighter. I often work out with very little- to-no makeup, but when I do wear makeup, I find that CliniqueFit is a great option. Along with being lightweight, it is sweat- and humidity-proof, and it includes sunscreen. It wears for 12 hours and has a very natural-matte finish. It is also oil-free and 100 percent fragrance-free.
Available at Clinique.com $22.13
Bomber Eyewear Floating Sunglasses
I don’t want to worry about losing my sunglasses to the bottom of the bay when I am enjoying the water. Having good eye protection is necessary in Corpus Christi’s sunny environment. I like Bomber Eyewear because they use a foam lining technology that makes them float. They come in a variety of styles and colors and they are designed with water sports enthusiasts in mind, so they are comfortable, durable, and inexpensive. I was first introduced to them at a local surf/yoga festival in Corpus Christi, and I have been wearing them ever since.
Available at Bombereyewear.com $9.95-69.95
Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil
Corpus Christi is known for high humidity and strong winds – which does not work well for most hairstyles! For outdoor exercise, I’ll usually put my hair in a ponytail or wear a hat. When I want to wear my hair down, this Argon oil hair product is a life saver! Along with protecting my hair from UV damage, the light spray adds shine and it helps tame the frizziness and flyaways. I also like that it contains cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
Available online at H-E-B $5.74
Stay Hydrated
We all know that staying hydrated is super important for our overall health and well-being. It becomes even more important when working out or spending time in the heat. Reusable water bottles are a must for the environment. My favorite water bottle is my Water Dog branded H2GO Force 17oz stainless steel bottle in aquamarine. I drink water constantly, and I carry this with me wherever I go. It has a double wall that helps keep things cold up to 24 hours.
Available at Water Dog Floating Yoga $25
Tula Blue White Rice Pearl Choker
When working out, practicing yoga, or swimming in the sea, all of us ladies want to look and feel like mermaids. Tula Blue is island-inspired jewelry that’s waterproof and made from knotted handspun rope. Not only is this pearly jewelry pretty and petite, it is made by Corpus Christi local and Islander Heather Stringer. She started making it while living in Hawaii. At a yoga class she learned that “Tula” meant balance in Sanskrit, and this is what drove her business name and lifestyle concept.
Available online at etsy.com $60
Get Moving
Move, get outside, and enjoy the fresh air in whatever way makes you feel happy and invigorated. If you have a pup, be sure to bring it along sometimes; they need the fresh air and activity too! I believe spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to improve your overall health and happiness. In fact, studies have shown it helps to lower stress, blood pressure, and heart rate, while improving your mood and mental health.
