Tucked into a side street in the heart of Downtown Cruz Bay is a gem-like yoga studio filling the spot where Now and Zen used to be.  Welcome to YagaFLO – an extension of Earl Bebeau’s and Elizabeth Joy’s (formerly Gowan) Yaga clothing and t-shirt business two doors down.  Earl and Elizabeth are expanding their space to broaden the Yaga message of One Love.  Blending world wisdoms and taking the message from word to practice, Earl and Elizabeth wish to share the transformative powers of yoga, meditation and art with all the people of St. John.  Earl says, “Change yourself, change the world.” and that’s what he’s on a mission to do.

I had the opportunity to attend the soft opening of YagaFLO on November 10^th.  Ronni Ford led a rousing Ashtanga-style practice in the tiny jewel box space. Comfortable for six students and a teacher, the YagaFLO experience is an intimate one. When class starts, the double doors are closed to the traffic outside. Cocooned in yoga, you emerge from over an hour of sweating and moving to the sizzle and pop of Cruz Bay street life. A vivid experience not to be missed.

Earl says, “In yoga, there’s no fear, no judgment, and no disadvantage to trying new things.” He is hoping that the little studio in the midst of the bars scene will offer a healthy alternative to grabbing a cocktail. “Try another kind of Happy Hour.”, Earl says.  Leading by example, Earl hopes to shine light into dark corners of the world.

I suggest arriving early to get a spot for future classes. It’s first come, first serve.  With the growing popularity of yoga on the island, I expect there will be a line to get in. Classes are $15 for drop-ins but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The grand opening of YagaFLO is planned in December – until then, I expect the schedule to shift a bit. So far, Earl and Elizabeth plan to offer silent meditation twice daily and yoga several times a day.

Meditation at 6:30AM and 5:30PM
Yoga at 7:15AM, 9:15AM, and 6:15PM
Call Earl at 340-344-7123 or Elizabeth at 340-244-1810 to confirm the schedule until it is nailed down.

A six week beginner’s series workshop is also planned. The beginner’s series is for first-time yoga practitioners who want to feel more comfortable with the yoga sequences taught at YagaFLO.  However, all classes at YagaFLO are beginner accessible, so if you can’t make the workshop, just come on by.

About Yaga

Yaga was founded in Galveston, TX, by Joe Flores in 1983. Joe was inspired by an island wanderer who always greeted people with the exclamation, “Yaga!” –  a Jamaican slang term used as a greeting or a way to attract attention. Yaga blends cultures and lifestyles into a relaxed, fun, and stylish clothing line. Yaga embraces the vast visual imagery of different people and cultures. The vibe is all about spirit, heart, and simplicity. Yaga spreads the message of peace and love and brings real island people closer together resulting in a cool mix of simple livin’ and island energy.

The Yaga clothing line was purchased by Earl’s close school friend Russ Riedmueller five years ago. Since then, Russ has entrusted Earl with the mission to expand the Yaga concept. Earl and Elizabeth have taken this to heart with their yoga and island arts offerings and plan to expand further. Expect to hear more news from this exciting couple.