Stacie Richline

Founder of Water Dog Floating Yoga

Stacie Richline moved to Corpus Christi in 2014, leaving behind her inland Pennsylvania roots to embrace the coastal lifestyle. Captivated by the proximity to water, she sought a unique way to integrate her love for fitness and the outdoors into her new environment.  

"I've always loved fitness and being outside,” she recalls. “And finding a way to be on the water that was accessible to most people seemed like a perfect fit." 

With her background in teaching, running, and various other sports, Stacie looked around for the right athletic water venture to suit her needs and instead discovered the opportunity to bring something new to the area. 

"Corpus Christi is a place where you can have an affordable business on the water and offer something unique that hasn’t been done here before," she explains.  

Stacie recalled trying out yoga on the water and how much she enjoyed it, but there wasn’t anything like that here. Recognizing the untapped potential of the city, she decided that Corpus Christi was a great place to start her business, Water Dog Floating Yoga.   

Stacie launched Water Dog Floating Yoga in 2017, starting with Paddleboard Yoga, Paddleboard Pilates, group paddling, and land classes on a deck in front of their houseboat marina, offering picturesque sunrise, sunset, and yogalates sessions. For inclement weather, Stacie has access to an indoor space through her husband's business, Richline Technical, ensuring that classes can proceed regardless of conditions. 

Over the years, the offerings have expanded to include monthly special events, often held at various community locations. Notable additions are the pool SUP yoga at Santa Fe pool, utilizing inflatable boards specially kept at the pool for summer sessions, and beach barre classes featuring portable PVC bars crafted by Stacie’s husband, Josh. 

In addition to these innovative classes, Water Dog Floating Yoga has become a fixture in the community, with recurring events like the third Thursday sessions at the art museum, incorporating yoga into the museum’s monthly activities. For the past five years, Stacie has also hosted a unique beer yoga class at Nueces Brewing Co., creatively integrating beer into the yoga poses. 

Stacie takes care to welcome yogis of all levels, even those with no prior experience. She reassures that Water Dog Floating Yoga is designed for everyone, regardless of skill level. 

"Everyone is a beginner at one point," she emphasizes. "We always include a refresher in the first 15 minutes of paddleboard classes, covering the basics—how to paddle, how to anchor, what to do if you fall, and how to get back up." 

Her passion for yoga, fitness, and the community shows through her approach to ensure that beginners feel supported and comfortable, starting with simple, seated movements before progressing to more challenging poses. The boards used are bigger, wider, and fitness-specific, providing stability and confidence for participants. "You can move at your own pace," she assures. "Not everyone stands up completely on the board during their first class." 

Now in its eighth season, Water Dog Floating Yoga continues to evolve. The team has grown to include members from various teacher training programs. Together, Stacie and her team make paddleboard yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone.  

"A lot of people think they could never do it, that it’s only for experienced yogis," she says. "But you don’t have to be flexible or experienced. It’s a great experience, and people walk away feeling good and accomplished. They realize, 'Oh, I didn’t know I could do that!'" 

Through Water Dog Floating Yoga, Stacie Richline has not only introduced a unique fitness offering to Corpus Christi but has also fostered a supportive and inclusive community, bringing people together on the water to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of their coastal home. 

For more on Stacie and Water Dog Floating Yoga, visit: 

Instagram: @waterdogcc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterDog.CC

Online: https://waterdog.cc/