Beach Yoga With Brad

Brad is awesome! Yoga has never been so enjoyable. You feel at bliss for days! Typically, I have a hard time with yoga because the floor hurts my hands but with this, the sand cushions you perfectly. Add to that, the view, sound, and sunset which creates an ambience that will make you truly appreciate the beach life! Highly recommend. Brad was very informative and welcoming!

We met with Yoga Brad for a bridal party session on the beach, the day before my wedding. He was so great! He met us exactly where we wanted to do the yoga. he catered to everyones styles and abilities. not only was it so relaxing and peaceful to wake up and do yoga on the Santa Monica Beach … he made it fun for all of us.
Thank you Brad for making my day so special and having fun with us!

I had the great opportunity to join a session with Brad last Saturday. The weather was beautiful. The beach was stunning. Brad was incredibly welcoming! I thought this would be my new Saturday morning yoga practice. Unfortunately, as beautiful as the atmosphere was, and as kind as Brad is, this particular beach yoga was not for me. Brad is VERY friendly and encourages you to stop thinking and breath. I am the type of person that is more principled with my yoga practice. My best practice comes out when I am focused and working hard. I could not focus for several reasons. First being that Brad instructs by either calling out poses by their incorrect name; or doesn’t call them anything at all and will simply demonstrate what he means. I can see this not being an issue for beginners or for those that are not as concerned with expanding their yoga practice. For me, it is hard to focus on my movements and my poses when I hear «Cobra» but see everyone doing «Updown Dog,» or hear «Runners Lunge» and see everyone doing «Low Lunge.» Brad also refers to «Chaturanga» as «Vinyasa.» I am sure these things are of little concern to certain people, but it was very distracting for me. Again, my style of practice is to remain focused, which differs from Brad’s style which is more relaxed. If you appear too focused, he will personally tell you to «relax». Eek. The only other issue I had was the sand. It is incredibly hard to maintain balance on sand, especially with the movement of waves in front of you.
With all of that being said, the weather and beach were absolutely stunning. If you enjoy a slower paced, less disciplined level of yoga, you should absolutely join Beach Yoga with Brad. There are many things beach yoga can offer that studio simply cannot.

I arrived to the meeting spot listed and because I was early, was very nervous about being in the wrong spot, but sure enough, I saw others walking up to the water with yoga mats in tow and knew I was in the right place.
I’m used to Hot Yoga and this was a new experience for me… first time working out on the beach and first time doing yoga outdoors. It is evident that Brad loves the beach and he encourages you not to forget where you are! Breathe in the sights and don’t take things too seriously.
The level of difficulty of the class is beginner level. While this was not a class that I found challenging, it was a class that made me remember what yoga is all about: your breath.
In the first 15 minutes, you are rooted back into the sand with deep breathing and calming, flowing movements. The vinyasa portion is more restorative and less about building heat.
Brad is very kind and encouraging. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to take their practice outdoors and to anyone who is afraid to try it for the first time. Don’t be intimidated to workout in front of others, this is a safe space!

Kind of magical yoga class, you can’t beat the location and ocean air. Brad was awesome.

This was awesome. Will definitely be back! Being a yoga novice I was quite intimidated, but Brad made sure I was comfortable. He taught the class at a pace everyone was comfortable with. And seriously, you can’t beat yoga poses on the beach.

Went to a Sunday morning class while on vacation – you cannot beat the scenery and sounds of the ocean. This was more than worth the 15 dollars ! Brad is super relaxed and the class moved through vinyasa and balance poses for about 90 min.

What a fantastic idea! Yoga outdoors, by the water at the beautiful Santa Monica beach. I mean really, wasn’t yoga intended for nature?! I’m SO glad I attended this class. I chose a sunset class in the summertime and it was incredibly gorgeous.
Further, Brad is probably the sweetest yoga instructor I’ve ever had (and I’ve done a ton of yoga!). I will tell others, particularly out of town friends who come to visit!
Love!

I had my first experience doing Yoga in the OUTDOORS this morning taking Brad’s Yoga Class. I have to say I LOVED IT! The view is stunning and he is such a great instructor. He made us go to the edge of the water and do a «Downward dog» pose with our feet and hands in the water, so you would see the ocean upside down, I have to say, that was the BEST downward dog I’ve ever done! And at the end he said very beautiful and powerful phases when you put your hands together in your forehead, mouth and heart, with each one it was a phrase about thoughts, words and love. It was really a nice experience I really loved it.

What an amazing class! I have never been a huge fan of yoga, but Brad completely changed my mind! Brad is an amazing instructor … energizing, yet soothing. I left his class feeling so great and at peace. I cannot wait to take his class again!

Brad was amazing. Perfect for all levels, great atmospheres and the creative use of the beach and ocean makes this a class worth attending. See you there :)

I have enjoyed Beach Yoga with Bad for years. It’s one of my favorite things (right after surfing). Sadly, it might come to an end!
A new ‘tear & wear’ rule for parks requires a hefty permit. I can’t even express how dumb this new rule is. I understand the idea of tear & wear for larger groups not to take over parks with a lawn and limited space… but the logic fails me considering the sessions are on the beach — plus Brad even cleans the area before every class and moves if anybody is anywhere close by on their beach towel.
Sadly, if Brad can’t raise $ 6000 by the end of Dec… there will be no beach yoga in 2014 any more. Sniff sniff. Please spread the word on donate if you can:
Let’s save the most popular yoga «studio» on Unilocal

Great yoga class, very relaxing and Brad demands that you are not too serious! He insists that you take in the environment and enjoy the fact that (lucky) you are doing yoga on the beach.
At one point and time he has you do a downward dog on the wet sand, you are able to see the waves upside down with a group of people so you don’t feel so silly doing it yourself!
Great experience, for only $ 10. Will be back next week!

Wow! Wow! Wow! What an awesome experience!
I went for the first time last Saturday and loved this class! Its a donation only class and the minimum donation is $ 10. Well worth your money!
I happened to go on a day where the weather was stunning. I was able to be half in bathing suit and half in yoga pants and completely comfortable.
It was amazing to have that view of the ocean right in front of you… talk about Zen.
Brad is very kind, we showed up late as finding it for the first time was trickier then expected since I don’t know SM beach very well. There was no evil stink eye for being late and he was warm and welcoming. Its at life guard tower #29 every time and that’s probably very easy to find for someone who hits the beach regularly.
He has a little donation box near to where he stands to tech the class so just get your $ in there the first chance you get. After class is fine too.
Bring a towel or just do your yoga in the sand. If the weather is nice he will even have everyone run into the water or do some downward dogs to get your feet wet. It was truly amazing doing my practice out in God’s beauty.
The class is sort of a vinyasa flow style with some balancing poses but you can switch it up depending on your level because taking a vinyasa is always up to you in Brad’s class.
I really wish I could wake up and do this every morning. I felt so awesome the entire rest of the weekend and will definitely return!
I ended up parking in a beach parking lot and paid for parking so I haven’t quite figured out where free parking or less expensive parking is yet so if anyone has tips please let me know for next time!
100% Awesome experience! Do It and remember practice makes practice when it comes to yoga. Namaste!

How amazing! $ 10 donation yoga on the beach! It takes yoga to a whole new level. There is nothing like doing yoga, outdoors in nature. A studio just really doesn’t compare. I just wish he did sunset yoga on the weekends.

I have to admit I was a little hesitant to do this since I live east of Griffith Park, which is quite a drive to Santa Monica on a lazy Sunday morning. But then my friend said she’d drive! Huzzah! And off I went…
And let me tell you, it was groovy zen goodness! Quick Thought: Is Zen a yoga term? We set up our mats and Brad came over to say hello and his friendly demeanor coupled with the crashing waves totally put everyone at ease. Not to mention we saw dolphins. Lots and lots of them in the water. Maybe it’s that time of year?
Dooooolphins! So close, yet so far. But not really far at all because they were practically dancing on the beach.
The yoga practice itself was not necessarily strenuous. You can go as hard or as easy as you want. Ah, but that’s yoga, ain’t it? It made me feel accomplished to be out there on the sand on a Sunday.
Added bonus: On sunday the Farmer’s Market is right there, so you can definitely stop by after — and who doesn’t love farmer’s markets?
All in all, I would highly recommend Beach Yoga with Brad. It’s a calm, fun, peaceful experience. Connecting with nature? Check. Hanging out with positive, good people? Check. Sound of crashing waves? Check. Coffee and food and fresh fruit and vegs nearby? Check. DOLPHINS!!! Check.
(Dolphins not guaranteed every time. Cause they be free, yo.)

What an experience! We live in Texas and not near any water. We were in Anaheim for a wedding and so the kids and I took my husband for fathers day. The ten year old was a bit young for such a long session but the great surroundings and wonderful instruction allowed her some quiet reflection time and she joined in when she wanted. Really nothing like it. I am glad we made the trip and the spot was easy to find. Thank you Brad! I am off now to order the CD to bring some if it back to Texas with me.
From Angela, Dan’s wife :-)

Even 5 stars are not enough to rate beach yoga with Brad! I have been doing yoga on and off for a few years now mainly at gyms and yoga studios. Recently I got really sick and tired of those and decided to seek something more fun and outdoors. While googling and looking up on Unilocal any possibility of outdoor yoga close to my area I stumbled upon Brad’s beach yoga class and decided to give it a try with my girlfriend this morning. We got there fairly early to look for parking and figure out the directions to the lifeguard tower. We ended up being the first ones there and had a chance to meet and mingle with Brad for a bit who is such an amazing soul! His smile, personality and attitude is so infectious! Shortly after more people started to show up and by the time we started the class we had good 35 – 40 people. The setting and vista is amazing! Brad gives you 2 – 3 options for the poses depending on your level. Even as someone doing yoga for years I got a very good workout and am lying down now sore and relaxed as I am typing this review. The best part was when he took us to the water to do the downward dog… What an amazing view and experience!
I am VERY happy and excited I found Brad! This is going to be my weekend thing and I’m gonna spread the word around to everyone I know! The $ 10 minimum donation is NOTHING compared to your experience so don’t be greedy, sucky classes at studios charge $ 16-​$ 19 per class. I can’t wait until next Sunday!!! Come and you will fall in love with yoga over again just like I did.

This is one of the best things that’s happened to me since my move to the west side.
I find great joy in practicing yoga outdoors. There’s something about connecting with nature and hearing the world around me when I practice yoga. So when I found out about Brad’s, 1.5 hour yoga sessions on the beach, I was overjoyed.
I’ve been to about 4 Sunday morning sessions and loved every one of them. My favorite position is downward dog at the edge of the ocean and seeing the water wash up against my feet and hands, and then giggling at myself as I was wrist deep in the sand. The only thing I wish he would do differently is repeating his flows. Perhaps it’s too early to judge as I’ve only been to 4, but I was hoping that he’d change a bit about the session and the poses every so often — it was a bit predictable. But I’ve only been going to one per week (Sundays) so I’m still enjoying every moment of his sessions.
Brad is a wonderful instructor. He’s kind with his words, has extremely positive energy and always has a smile on his face. Just talking to him brightens up my day!
Brad’s yoga classes makes me appreciate where I live (my high rent is worth it!) I look forward to every Sunday. Thanks Brad!

Reason #192 874 to love Santa Monica: getting up on a Saturday (or Sunday) morning, not too early where it’s painful, and going down to the beach (by tower 29) to do an hour and a half of purely relaxing, calming, rejuvenating yoga by the crashing waves.
This is something I’ve wanted to try forever and I finally got a chance to this past weekend with my roommates. It seriously put me in a good mood for the whole weekend!
I think beach yoga with any instructor would probably be pretty great, but Brad makes it awesome. He’s seriously one of the happiest, sweetest, most positive instructors I’ve ever had the pleasure of practicing with, and I really admire him for making it out to that same spot at the beach every weekend all year round. You can tell he does this for the pleasure of providing people with this wonderful service, too — though he does accept donations at the end of the session, he never puts the pressure on and it really seems like it’s more for the experience.
The best part of the class is when he takes you onto the wet sand to do some balancing poses, then he has you do a downward dog while facing the waves. It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve done in a long, long time!
One visit, and I can say I’m officially hooked. Brad, you can plan to see me a lot more often!