Steve Hubbard (aka NamaSteve), showcases oceanfront yoga in Pacific Beach’s Palisade Park cornering Ocean Boulevard and Law Street. Hundreds, yes hundreds, flock to his weekend classes nestled on a grassy knoll sidling the ocean cliffs. The all-level, donation-based classes juxtapose Pacific Beach’s sunshine, tempered winds and the roar of the waves. Hubbard combines his knowledge of all things yoga with the power and magnificence of the local scenery. “Oceanfront yoga encourages students to discover their personal greatness,” says the 40-year-old Pacific Beach resident. “Yoga helps us to remember that we’re powerful beyond belief. I lead physically powerful classes that are introspective and meditative. I encourage students to listen to their inner intelligence and to honor themselves.” Described as affordable and accessible to everyone, Hubbard admitted that while teaching at the oceanfront venue has its challenges, the positives outweigh the negatives. “There are unpredictable challenges – I can’t make the ocean any quieter – and there’s pure joy,” he says. “Students experience an environment that aligns with their natural state of being. People show up week after week after week – my biggest class was close to 300 – because they realize that they’re doing something that’s super healthy to help and heal themselves.” Hubbard noted that he works with the sounds of the wind and waves by projecting his voice from his diaphragm while “not screaming.” The park accommodates classes that grow “sideways” and even in light rains they still attract 60-100 participants. Even pouring rains garner a few who miss Hubbard’s cancellation notice sent by way of his social network. The self-taught yogi teaches with “no rules” and revels in building relationships with neighbors, residents and visitors.
“I’m not bound by studio rules,” he says. “I have the freedom to read the class and give students what they need. My oceanfront yoga classes have become a part of the neighborhood, even the town. “People contact me every week from everywhere to say, ‘I’m coming from here to practice oceanfront yoga with you in Pacific Beach.’ And it’s rare that I go anywhere in San Diego without running into someone from class.”
Hubbard’s love of volleyball is responsible for landing the Buffalo, N.Y. transplant in Southern California to discover the ancient practice. Yoga became an athletic technique to improve his jump serve. Hubbard soon discovered that it offered so much more. “My very first class was like nothing I had ever experienced,” he explains. “I knew that yoga could create balance in my life while enhancing physical vitality, emotional equanimity and mental clarity. Yoga is one of the greatest tools in my personal growth journey.” Although Hubbard’s nine-year odyssey stands strong and harbors no intention of slowing down, that wasn’t always the case. In 2013, after teaching oceanfront yoga for more than four years, Hubbard was ticketed twice by Parks and Recreation rangers, noting that a congregation of more than 49 people violated the city’s municipal code. Determined to keep his Vinyasa flowing in front of the ocean backdrop, Hubbard fought what he described as a ticket comparable to a parking fine. “Parks and Recreation refused to offer me a permit,” he said. “So I refused to move. No law states a right to remove people from a public park. Those tickets violated my right to freedom of speech and everyone else’s right to peacefully assemble. I went to court. The judge ruled that the municipal code was unconstitutional and I haven’t heard from the city since.” The oceanfront class takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A donation bin stands on Hubbard’s front porch. Proceeds are shared with charities including Penelope’s Purpose, The American Heart Association, The Susan G. Komen Foundation, Jeans for Justice and Yoga for the Homeless. “Yoga and meditation move me towards living at my full potential,” he concludes. “And I truly believe that yoga can do the same for everyone.” HEALTHFUL LIVING When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Where: Pacific Beach’s Palisade Park, above Law Street beach. Cost: Donations accepted. Info: www.namasteveyoga.com.