Up Close with “Yoga by the Bay with Erin”
Erin Hurter was teaching yoga in a Burns Court studio during Covid. Classes were small, people were scared—but she had an idea: She went out to the park near O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Marina Jack and offered free yoga classes. It began with a handful of friends and over the months snowballed to hundreds of people—twice a week. Four years later, Erin has the biggest yoga following in the region.
Why do you do it? It’s my way of giving back to the community that has given so much to me. I grew up here, graduated from Cardinal Mooney and worked for Visit Sarasota. Seeing so many people struggling financially during Covid made me want to offer free classes.
Why do you think it has become so popular? First of all, you can’t compete with that location. But also I share—what I call—‘yogi wisdom’ along the way. (“Let go of whatever it is that is holding you back.” “Forgiveness won’t change the past but it will change the future.”) One person said, “This is all very spiritual. The yoga is almost a sidelight!”
What’s your motto? “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Do you have a typical participant? It sounds cliché but they are all ages and abilities. Everyone just goes at their own pace. It’s a judgement free zone! People bring their parents, their kids, their pets. Two women have brought their birds! Some just come and sit on the bench and watch. It’s a beautiful setting.
What sort of comments do you get from people who attend your class? I could write a book on all the sweet and sad things I’ve heard. A number of people are struggling in their lives, and sometimes they just need to feel part of something or hear the words I’m passing along. It’s very satisfying to have people say our classes are the highlights of their week.
Do you do it year ‘round? Yes, we’ve been out there in 25 degree weather and 90 degree weather. I feel a number of people have come to rely on these classes and I want to be there for them, including on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day morning. Holidays can be the loneliest time of year for many people.
Any interesting stories? I’ve had people meet in class and fall in love. I know of one couple that is getting married and another who met in our class earlier this year. People bring their children and their pets. For people who are new to the area, a class like this can mean a lot to them.
What’s next for you? We’re are having our first overnight retreat. A few dozen of us are going down to the new Sunseeker Resort in Punta Gorda. My husband and I recently stayed there and loved it. They have an elevated yoga studio looking out on Charlotte Harbor. They’re giving us discounts on rooms, and there are 8 different restaurants. Any of your readers are welcome to join us.
When are your classes? Tuesdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 9am. Head toward the dolphins statue, you’ll see us. All you need is a mat or towel and maybe some water. It’s such a beautiful setting with water on each side of us. You can see pictures of our classes and get more information on Facebook and Instagram at Yoga by the Bay with Erin.
Ray Collins is a travel writer, Realtor, elected official, media consultant and avid yogi participant. (He attends both of Erin’s classes each week—and he says it’s not just because he’s married to the instructor.)