Meet the Team

Owner and Founder

After graduating from Santa Clara University, Taylor had little direction with her accounting degree. Wanting to steer clear of a cube, Taylor started paddle boarding with her mom in Laguna Beach near Seal Rock. She had always loved the water growing up, but the real love affair began when she started paddle boarding. Immediately, she noticed physical changes as well as feelings of complete bliss and relaxation. You could paddle fast and get a killer workout or you could also float and chill, all the while getting a great tan and a round of water therapy.

“Paddling for me is all about the joy and adventure through connecting your mind and body with nature. It’s the ultimate bliss.” Now paddle surfing every chance she can get, she loves more than anything to see someone take their first glide on a paddle board or catch their first wave. What’s better than getting someone hooked on something you love too? She also loves to take her furry buddy Zoey along for each adventure.

San Diego Area Director & Paddle Yoga Instructor

“Hi, I’m Amelia- surfer, yogi, paddler, artist, writer, dreamer. The saying is true that when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I feel so blessed to be involved with Paddle Board Bliss- what I do never feels like work!

I’ve learned two things as a yogi: one is that yoga practice is a radical and powerful tool for healing and transforming mind, body, and spirit. The other is that after 10 years practicing, and 2 teaching, I know I’ll forever be a student. The ocean and yoga go together like peanut butter and jelly- something about yoga in the water is so blissfully right.

Maybe it’s like Isak Dension said: “The cure for anything is salt water; sweat, tears, or the sea.”

Yoga, surfing, and paddling have increased my awareness, mental clarity, confidence, and self-esteem. All three stretch not just your body, but also your mind, heart, and comfort zone. Thank you to everyone who lets me share my loves with them~ in doing so, we help each other find happiness and peace. See you on the water!”

Nickname: Talee girl
Where I call home: San Diego
Favorite place you’ve traveled? The Gorge in Washington
Best local surf/SUP spot: Three Arch Bay
What word do you totally overuse: You can never overuse Stoked.
Do you believe in mermaids?: Yes. I am one.
If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?: With the people that I love most doing what we love most. Being in the ocean, hanging around a fire, jamming, making good food, eating together, and sharing amazing stories.
What’s your fave post yoga/surf/sup nosh spot?: Taco Surf
Most blissful yoga pose: The Wheel
What quote or advice inspires you? Be you at all times.
What would be impossible for you to give up? My voice.
When I’m not on the water, you can find me:Playing my ukulele around San Clemente.

Orange County Paddle Board Instructor

Growing up a jock, Dakota was a tri sport athlete throughout high school and received a scholarship for baseball at University Concordia NE for baseball as a pitcher. While there, he began to study psychology which cultivated his softer side to better relate to he teaches.

His pitching coaches actually introduced Dakota to yoga to increase balance and velocity. Incorporating yoga into the mix allowed him to find his center in and a way to stay healthy despite prior sports injuries.

After renting from Taylor a few times, Dakota found a strong passion and love for Paddle boarding as it’s a great way to keep a sharp mental and physical balance. The no shock factor of being on the ocean helped his joints build steady strength in the muscles instead of tearing them. “Paddle boarding is something that makes you stay centered and breathing the whole time while forcing you to relax among the ocean’s therapy.”

His passion is to spread this love to his students while watching them make that same passion their own.

Nickname: Meatballs, I was a chubby little kid, who loved meatballs. My cheeks were so chubby it looked like I had meatballs in them.
Where I call home: I am originally from New Jersey so that will always be my home. I am loving California and reside in Kensington.
Favorite place I have traveled: Costa Rica... Love Love Loved it
Favorite surf / SUP spot: I am still trying to figure this one out. Termiline is a great spot to go. Anywhere around the bay is magical. I still need to check out Laguna our other location.
What word do you totally over use: Really? I say that way too much.
Do you believe in mermaids: Yes I do, I believe we all have a little mermaid in us. :)
If today was your last day on earth how would you spend it: Running barefoot on the beach chasing and tickling my nieces and nephew, just to hear their laughter.
Post yoga nosh spot: Hmmm any kind of burrito after a day in the water really satisfies me.
Most blissful yoga pose: Half pigeon, I just love how this posture feels. As I sink into the earth, my mind settles and I can really pay attention to my breath.
Most favorite quote: Right now its "Breathe in Breathe out move on" Before moving to California it was " Leap and the net shall appear"
The most impossible thing to give up: COFFEE
If I am not in the water you could find me: Riding my "Bianchi" around town.

Paddle Yoga Director

Amy is a passionate yogi with an enthusiastic and playful approach to teaching. She is 200 hr RYT certified by CorePower Yoga. However, she views herself as an eternal student. She hopes to learn from her students as much as they learn from her. Her goal as a teacher is to allow her students to be inspired by their yoga practice and enable them to experience the union of their body, mind and spirit. Reminding them constantly that yoga is a never-ending journey; it is called a yoga ‘practice’ not a yoga ‘perfect’. Her style of teaching is eclectic, organic, and balanced—uniting various forms of yoga wisdom from power to restorative. With an eager yearning for more knowledge, she humbly accepts the lessons in each day and invites the blossoming promise of tomorrow’s present. She loves to exercise her mind-body connection on the mat but finds that it happens effortlessly in nature. Especially being in the ocean, life simplifies and makes sense in the water. Paddle boarding and yoga became a natural marriage for her upon first try. “Breathing and balancing in a pose while connecting yourself with the environment around you is one of the most present things you can possibly do. I find that in paddleboard yoga.” She looks forward to the journey of sharing her passion for yoga and health, connecting body, mind, spirit and environment. Honoring the teacher in all things, Namaste.

Shannon Purves

Nickname: Sha Nae Nae

Where I call home: Pacific Beach, CA. Although I am adaptable, I just need sunshine.

Favorite place you’ve traveled? BALI BABY. The friendliest people, the best food, great yoga, fun waves and a whole lot of new experiences.

Best local surf/SUP spot: Sunset Cliffs

What word do you totally overuse: "Serenity Now"

Do you believe in mermaids? Yes! They protect us when we are out in the open ocean. They are my friends too, so please stop using plastic bags.

If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?  I would spend it on an adventure. Climbing a mountain, doing some yoga, hanging out with all of my friends and family. Music in the air and the sun on my face. I would spend my last day how I spend everyday, with gratitude and humility for where I am at.

REAL ANSWER: I would spend it preparing to launch my rocket ship to Mars, my home planet. If            you would like a ride, let me know.

What’s your fave post yoga/surf/sup nosh spot? OB People's. That magical upstairs deli where they make the most delicious veggie dishes this side of the Mississippi.

Most blissful yoga pose: This changes for me daily. This week I find it in paschimottanasana (seated forward fold). Connecting with myself, calming my thoughts and finding that nice spinal stretch.

What quote or advice inspires you? "Buy the ticket, take the ride" Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, "So it goes" Kurt Vonnegut

What would be impossible for you to give up? Laughing. It is my soul shakedown party! It is my medicine.

When I’m not on the water, you can find me: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.purves88, http://artofseinfeld.tumblr.com/

 

Nickname: Sam
Where I call home: San Diego, City Heights Area
Favorite place you’ve traveled? Costa Rica (the whole country but loved Pavones)
Best local surf/SUP spot: Mission Bay
What word do you totally overuse: Sweet
Do you believe in mermaids?: Yes because I am one
If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?: With my pups doing something fun on the beach.
What’s your fave post yoga/surf/sup nosh spot?: Sushi
Most blissful yoga pose: Supta Badha Konasana
What quote or advice inspires you? “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I ended up where I needed to be” Douglas Adams
What would be impossible for you to give up? Yoga and wine
When I’m not on the water, you can find me: in my research and development lab at Illumina

Nickname: My friends jokingly call me Mariellen because they think it makes me sound like a grandma, but I don’t really have a one
Where I call home: Pittsburgh, Pa
Favorite place you’ve traveled? Isla Navarino, Chile
Best local surf/SUP spot: La Jolla Shores
What word do you totally overuse: I probably laugh too much! In real life and via texts/emails… hah
Do you believe in mermaids?: Absolutely!
If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?: Being totally present… and with my family and best friends
What’s your fave post yoga/surf/sup nosh spot?: The Juice Kaboose in La Jolla
Most blissful yoga pose: Headstand
What quote or advice inspires you? “Nothing is worth more than this day”
What would be impossible for you to give up? My passport
When I’m not on the water, you can find me: Studying or at school learning all about Traditional Chinese Medicine. Or enjoying a wine watching the sunset

Paddle Yoga Teacher

Caitlin fell in love with Yoga from the beginning, as it always helped ease the pain after a long week of work. She worked as a Dental Hygienist in Massachusetts for less than a year before she tried Yoga. With back pain, neck pain, and generalized fatigue, her first Yoga class left her rejuvenated, and yearning for more. Just about seven years of practice later, she went on to become a Yoga Alliance 200-hour certified RYT in 2011 at Yoga Vermont in Burlington, VT.

She has an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New England. As a true New Englander, Caitlin’s love for the outdoors and the water has drawn her to begin teaching SUP yoga. Caitlin also teaches Restorative, Vinyasa, and Gentle Yoga to keep her feeling balanced.
Caitlin is passionate about health, happiness, and the many benefits Yoga has for every body. As Yoga has been an integral part of her own healing journey, she only hopes she can share her knowledge, compassion, and energy with you in her classes.

Paddle Yoga Instructor

A born lover of the sun, water and beach, Kristina grew up in Southern California and has called San Diego home for over 12 years. Having practiced yoga for the past 10 years, Kristina is a yoga enthusiast to the core. Always excited to share her practice with others and enjoys learning from each student she works with.

Last summer Kristina discovered paddle board yoga and can’t get enough. She finds that taking her yoga practice to the water is one of the most peaceful way to spend her day.

Combing her love of San Diego’s beautiful beaches with her passion for paddle board yoga, you can find Kristina on many evenings enjoying a sunset practice with Paddle Board Bliss

Nickname: Tori, but that doesn't count, does it? Tori Girl, T, T-Rex...
Where I call home: Pacific Beach, San Diego, California
Favorite place you’ve traveled? Tough question. Anywhere in Italy, French Polynesia, Croatia, and the Bliss Retreat Costa Rica!
Best local surf/SUP spot: Mission Bay: go away waves, I just wanna glide.
What word do you totally overuse: literally amazing. What does that even mean?
Do you believe in mermaids?: I am a mermaid.
If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?: eating/cooking, snuggling, riding, drinking, paddling, and doing yoga all with friends and family.
What’s your fave post yoga/surf/sup nosh spot?: mmmm OB Noodle House for beers and noodles if it's warm, Cafe 976 for coffee and tea if it's cold!
Most blissful yoga pose: ragdoll with some side body stretchin'
What quote or advice inspires you? There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. CS Lewis and Your mission: be so busy loving your life you have no time for hate, regret, or fear. Karen Salmansohn
What would be impossible for you to give up? Reading with a beverage and my cat on my lap. And yoga/riding.
When I’m not on the water, you can find me: cooking veggie food while shooing my cat out of the kitchen, riding horses, doing yoga, going out with friends, and reading!

Growing up on the lakes in the Midwest Amanda was introduced to various watersports, but it was the time she spent with her breath and the waves that truly inspired her. It wasn't until she found Paddle board yoga that she felt that same peace again. Amanda was first introduced to Yoga as a way to recover from a gymnastics injury. After her first class she never looked back. She has practiced yoga for the past 10 years and finished her 200hr training with Yoga Works in October 2011.

Whether in the studio, on the water or in her home yoga has become an important part of her daily routine. Amanda describes her practice like coming home after a long day. Amanda's goal is to empower her students through a safe and energetic practice and teaching them to find inspiration within themselves.

Nickname: Amanda
Where I call home: Antioch, IL
Favorite place you’ve traveled? Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Best local surf/SUP spot: San Diego Bay launching off the Marine Recruit Depot or Liberty Station.
What word do you totally overuse: Awesome!!
Do you believe in mermaids?: Absolutely! Believing in mythic creatures keeps the magic alive.
If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?: Taking a long day to spend with my husband and daughter probably doing something like collecting sea shells and building sand castles.
What’s your fave post yoga/surf/sup nosh spot?: Tender Greens
Most blissful yoga pose: Half Pigeon
What quote or advice inspires you? “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
What would be impossible for you to give up? Chocolate! Or sweets in general they are my weakness.
When I’m not on the water, you can find me: Knitting and spinning my latest fiber project or sewing!

I found yoga when I moved to San Diego, leaving the rat race of the NYC fashion business behind and embracing my passion for health and wellness...and never looked back! Since then, I earned my 200 hour yoga teacher certification in 2012 at Namaste in Ocean Beach,CA (where I first got hooked on SUP yoga!)  and am currently earning my 500 hour certification at Soul of Yoga in Encinitas, CA. I am also trained to teach yoga to Veterans and those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as yoga for emotional balance, addiction recovery, and therapeutic yoga. Additionally, off the mat/paddle board,I am a licensed massage therapist in California, as well as a Reiki level 2 practitioner. I am passionate about sharing my life-changing yoga experiences with everyone I meet, and am so excited to be on the team at Bliss!!

SUP Instructor – Laguna Beach

John is a certified instructor through the World Paddle Assosciation. As a complete board sports enthusiast, he enjoys balance through fitness, yoga, slacklining, paddleboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding. He loves wildlife, and can always be found outdoors.