The waters of Dorchester Park in Whitney Point transformed into a yoga studio on Sunday as people gathered to try to an activity that’s new to the Southern Tier. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, Stand Up Paddling Yoga combines two different ways of exercising that instructors say can really burn some calories and be a lot of fun.

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WHITNEY POINT, N.Y. -- It looks like a cross between surfing and yoga.

“It’s a great way to get on the water, you experience things you would never on a boat or swimming and I think it’s a great activity for this area,” said Tina Fetton, Southern Tier Stand Up Paddle Corp.

People gathered at Dorchester Park on Sunday to try Stand Up Paddling Yoga. Instructors say the while stand up paddling offers an intense core workout on its own, the addition of yoga makes it more challenging and fun.

“I thought it was a great idea and I wanted to bring it to the studio because it’s so exciting and so much fun and something so different,” said Linda Sambursky, Yoga Body Shop. “Yoga on a board, how awesome is that?”

Fetton added, “You really have to ground down and focus on what you’re doing and taking those positions to the next level. It’s a challenge to everyone who is used to yoga in the studio.”

For 90 minutes, students are taught how to use the paddle board and then practice in yoga. Everyone uses a board, paddle, life vest and anchor. Some say falling in the water is the best part.

“It’s beautiful. I was looking forward to falling, that was one of the things I was looking forward too. Water’s just gorgeous here,” said John Syjas, Pennsylvania Resident.

Instructors hope the activity will help people burn calories and utilize the area’s waterways.

"If people are introduced to new ways to be physically active, while enjoying the beautiful summer weather and out on our local waterways, it's even better. It shows people that it's an easy way to be physically active and physically fit,” said Fetton.

A balance of fitness and fun. For more information on stand up paddling yoga, head to Southern Tier Stand Up Paddle and Yoga Body Shop.