Hidden within the hustle and bustle of Magazine Street, City Surf Fitness, a modern, white building sandwiched in the hub of New Orleans, could easily be overlooked.
Since it opened in late 2015, the yoga-surf studio has become a favorite of LSU Health New Orleans students who call the Crescent City home.
Becky Hardin, who owns the New Orleans location, said she has the exclusive right of running the only City Surf that can operate in the state. With regimens including push-ups, crunches and cycling, the fitness studio distinguishes itself through its personalized approach to workouts.
“Anything you can do on a mat, you can do on a board,” Hardin said.
A couple years ago, Hardin’s friend explored the concept of a fitness studio with routines based entirely on the utilization of a surfboard. Thus, City Surf was born.
After originally opening in Dallas, Texas, the small startup business has since stretched to five locations in just three years.
While walking down Magazine Street, psychology sophomore Kyla Granger said she stumbled through City Surf’s doors. From that moment forward, she was hooked.
“Every time I am in NOLA, I always schedule me a class,” Granger said.
Though she was surprised by the strength required for certain surfboard movements, Granger said her workouts are worthwhile.
The studio offers six classes with an array of options to fit individual needs, including cardio, strength, yoga and barre lessons.
Though challenging, Hardin, who teaches exercise classes, said the classes become progressively easier with practice.
“[It’s] everything you’ve seen before, just taken up to the next level,” Hardin said. “You’re working out muscles you normally wouldn’t work out.”
Changes in core, arms, flexibility, agility and balance are just a few of the benefits of surfboard-inspired exercise.
While the studio serves many college students and young professionals, Hardin said “all walks of life” come through the door.
For those looking for a change of scenery from the traditional gym, Hardin said City Surf offers an ideal atmosphere. With only 14 boards available for class, she recommends pre-registration.
“It’s just kind of fun. It makes it feel like you’re not really working out,” Hardin said. “You’re bouncing on the board doing kind of crazy stuff.”

Gallery • 24 Photos

Emily Brauner

Native Texas business, City Surf, opens doors in New Orleans as an alternative excerise that promotes surfing. City Surf instructor Noelle Saracino teaches a Beach Body Bootcamp on Saturday, August, 27, 2016 in New Orleans.