Free Yoga
Reflections on Summer, Beach Yoga, and the Meaning of “Free” in Our Outdoor Yoga Community
What a summer we had in 2025! Tybee Island was nothing short of magical—with golden sunsets, moonrises over the waves, star-filled skies during new moons, and sunrises that took our breath away. These natural rhythms provided the perfect backdrop for community, healing, and yoga once again.
For me—and many of the teachers at Tybee Yoga & Healing Arts—the beach isn’t just a scenic setting. It’s our studio. Our place to share our craft with the community! And teaching yoga outdoors is both an art and a skill that requires training, adaptability, and a deep respect for nature. It takes training and care to take on this important responsibility!
The Real Meaning of “Free Yoga”
This next point might ruffle a few feathers, but I say it with sincerity and care:
Free yoga should never mean the teacher isn’t being compensated.
For example, Free Yoga Fridays 9:00 AM on Tybee are sponsored by The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen, who generously pay me to offer these sessions to the public. Similarly, Collins Quarter Forsyth sponsors free classes in Forsyth Park. These are perfect examples of local businesses recognizing the value of yoga and supporting community access—without devaluing the teacher’s time, training, or energy.
Offering classes for free as a way to “get started” may seem harmless, but it can unintentionally hurt the profession. I’ve heard a few scenarios lately of seasoned yoga teachers not being compensated properly for their time in our area and it makes me sad.
Studios and organizers should agree on a set rate that fairly compensates teachers. That’s the right thing to do. Anything less leads to burnout and underappreciation.
If a teacher chooses to teach for free as Seva (selfless service), that’s a beautiful thing—when it comes from a pure intention to serve without expectation of recognition or reward. But if someone is doing it because they don’t feel “worth” compensation yet, or because they think it’s the only way to build a following—it’s time to rethink that approach. If it is truly an act of service disclose this in the description to the public taking the class. If it’s a donation based then clearly state that. Let’s normalize making these classes and how practitioners are paid to teach them transparent!
The Beach is Mother Nature’s Studio
Practicing yoga on Tybee’s beaches is my absolute favorite way to connect with myself and my surroundings. Over the years, I’ve learned that teaching yoga outdoors is very different from teaching in a studio. Weather on the Southeastern coast changes rapidly, and you must stay alert, flexible, and ready to prioritize everyone’s safety.
With my background in Iyengar Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Pranayama, I’ve developed a beach-specific approach that has been fine-tuned over time—through trial, error, sweat, and yes, sometimes tears. Every detail—tides, wind, sun intensity, time of day, even restroom access—affects how we plan our beach classes. These are lessons you only learn through experience.
Teaching with Intention and Integrity
Let’s be honest—outdoor yoga isn't for everyone, and not all yoga styles work well on the beach. Power Yoga in 90-degree heat, on soft sand, under a blazing sun? Not ideal. That’s why it’s so important to work with trained teachers who understand the nuances and challenges of this unique environment.
Unfortunately, we sometimes see newer teachers or studios launching outdoor classes without fully understanding what goes into making them safe, welcoming, and effective. When a student has a bad experience—whether at the beach, park or in a studio—they may never come back. That’s a huge loss for them and the yoga community. If you teach a class on Tybee’s beaches and don’t know what you are doing it looks like you are bad at your profession and irresponsible.
A Word to New Teachers
I know I might sound like the wise and seasoned yoga elder here, but hear me out: I'm genuinely cheering you on! There are so many yoga teachers right now and I see it cycle around and become a vibrant profession again and again. Many of you will rise to the top as exceptional teachers in this community for various reasons. The ones that do are usually the best of the best or have other ways to supplement their incomes! But to be honest many of you will shift and change your pathway and that’s ok too.
I'm thrilled to see all the fresh energy and rising stars in the yoga world! There is a lot of talent to be shared! Let's also celebrate the dedication and hard work that's gone into building sustainable, ethical wellness businesses at the beach or parks before you. As you start your journey, consider the community and avoid setting up classes in areas commonly used by other yoga practitioners especially at the same time! Just as you'd respect a surf instructor's space, let's extend that same courtesy to fellow yoga teachers and foster a supportive community.
If you're new and truly want to contribute, consider apprenticing, collaborating with experienced teachers, or working through an established program. Real collaboration means combining strengths to create something better—not simply asking to tag along for exposure. I’ve given many new teachers opportunities over the years, and some of those collaborations have blossomed into beautiful connections. But you have to put in the work to succeed in this business.
Let’s not forget: Teaching yoga for most of us is a challenging way to make a living and it’s a hard one. People switch paths often. There’s love and light—but also overhead, logistics, lessons, and responsibility. Yoga Teachers are Human beings and the Yoga business can get very competitive and over saturated at times!
Moving Forward with Intention
I'm excited to share thoughts that have been percolating for a while, inspired by recent events. As newer yoga teachers and wellness practitioners find their footing, I'm reminded that words like collaboration are often used lightly or misunderstood. True collaboration is about co-creating something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s an absolutely magical thing when this happens! I am eager to explore meaningful partnerships and question requests that seem more exploitative than collaborative. How can we work together to create something truly special that doesn’t undervalue our professions?
If you truly want to offer free yoga as service to the community, wonderful. Why not collaborate with someone already offering these types of classes—someone licensed, insured, and experienced with the unique challenges outdoor yoga brings but figure out a way to get sponsored!
And if you still want to teach for free? Great—get paid and donate your fee to a cause you care about. I’ve done that over the years for amazing local organizations like:
Brightside Children’s Advocacy
The Humane Society of Greater Savannah
Little Pink Houses of Hope
There are many ways to give back to our community! Let’s keep supporting one another while honoring the craft, commitment, and care that this path demands.
With gratitude,
Laurie Kinkel
Founder, Tybee Yoga & Healing Arts