Riffs Studios

I feel so blessed to have found Riff studios. It is a tiny bit of heaven on earth. It is a magical place filled with amazing energy. No matter what class I take there, I learn something new and feel so much better during and after. I love the yin classes the most and all of the live music classes. You must experience this wonderful place!

I have yet to write a review only because I have had difficulty finding the words necessary to articulate how I feel about this place. The word that stands out is MAGICAL. This place is Peace, Love, Clarity, Healing.
Yoga is practiced outside on a redwood deck surrounded by lush greens, and often times to live music. There is shade for those hot days and heat lamps for those chilly nights.
There is no better way to practice yoga, clear your mind and connect with your higher self than to do so while listening to talented musicians play calming music, staring at the stars in the night’s sky and feeling the ocean breeze on your skin.
I have taken most of the classes and they are all great. There is something for everyone, whether you want to break a sweat in Karina’s Vinyasa class or de-​stress from the day and increase your flexibility in Steve’s Yin class (which I have coined Sleepy Time Yoga), this place has it all.
Riffs is a place so special to me; it really is difficult to describe. You must come check it out for yourself. I recommend one of their evening classes in order to experience everything this place has to offer.

The two reasons I’m giving them 4 stars is because I wish they offered more yoga classes for beginners/​intermediate level yogis. Most of the classes are for advanced yogis. The other reason is because they do not refund. I purchased a 10 class pass and won’t be able to use them before they expire.

Take advantage of their first student specials and take Lisa’s restorative aromatherapy class! It is absolutely wonderful. I feel so zen right now and the message of «open hearts» was so simple and lovely. (With open hearts, I am able to receive and give love. With open hearts, I am able to perceive things as they are.) Only took two classes so far tuesday’s live music class (equally as awesome but in active way) and this one, which left me oh-​so-​zen. I have to say I am a converted fan!

Such a cute spot and definitely a refreshing change from the numerous McDonald’s esque yoga places in town.
I can’t speak for the daytime classes but the evening classes on the deck are so relaxing and peaceful. The classes are small and intimate and while there are clearly advanced yogis in the class, they offer modifications for all levels.
I just wish they had more class times!

I love it here! You can’t beat the beautiful outdoor yoga space and great teachers, you can try, but you just won’t. Some classes have live music performing as the class takes place, which creates such a utopian environment for everyone. If a hot crowded studio is not your thing and you love to practice outdoors than you will love this place. They offer a variety of class styles everyday and the instructors are all really great. I would dress in layers for an evening class just incase, but they even have heat lamps to accommodate for colder temperatures.
Annnd The Music…
Steve and Russ are awesome and can answer any questions you have about the guitars or just music in general. Great place to come and check out some instruments and maybe even hang for a little jam session.
Very cool vibe. Awesome people.

Nothing quite like it! What a great atmosphere for yoga; embracing the live music culture is something they’ve done very well. If you haven’t tried this studio, make it a priority!!!

I have visited many yoga studios in many locations, but I believe this one really tops the charts. The instructors are excellent as they offer fun and challenging classes with lots of variation options to make it easier or harder, and the location cannot be beat! I love the outdoor patio and the ambiance it provides — especially in the evening under the lights and night sky. I would truly recommend this studio for anyone. Although it can be a bit pricey, I believe it is worth it for such a high-​quality yoga experience. (And if you buy larger packages, the price per class decreases. It is Bird Rock after all, one of the classiest areas in San Diego. And I’ve seen them run Groupon deals before!)
Enjoy!

You must stop in for a class! A perfect spot for calming down and sinking into the beauty in Bird Rock. My husband and I dropped in for a live music vinyasa with Colin. We’re from NY and not so used to the warm and friendly people, but the owner, teacher, musicians and classmates are so lovable and we got over our culture shock quickly. If we lived in SD, we would be daily members for sure. Our teacher gave us each a long welcoming hug and the owner talked with us at length before our class about where to go in the area. The class was challenging but not intimidating. The live music was beautiful — acoustic guitar, cajon drum and singers. The space is clean, organized and has a great vibe.

I’m so not into gimmicky yoga trends, but I absolutely adored my outdoor live music yoga practice at Riff’s Acoustic Music.
On my last night of a visit to San Diego, I met up with a friend who regularly attends Riff’s for yoga and she invited me to join her at her usual class. I had no idea what to expect, but I’m so glad I came.
Being that I’m from the East Coast, I could sense the difference between the «HAVE TO WIN AT YOGA» style I’m used to and this, much more laid-​back Cali vibe. The yogi leading the practice (who’s name I can’t remember, but who was wearing super cool hubble-​telescope-​esque imagery printed leggings) was friendly, approachable and super positive– I really liked her style and flow.
It’s a beautiful cedar patio, with a mesh canopy to provide protection from the sun, bordered by trees for privacy. And the weather was perfect, but I’m sure that’s not even something I need to point out in La Jolla :)
The live music, which I thought would be distracting or hokey, was actually really lovely. I particularly appreciated the acoustic cover of «No Diggity» during savasana.
Bonus points: our class was at 7, which means we also got to enjoy the gorgeous sunset during our practice.
My class at Riff’s was the highlight of my trip to the West Coast.

LOVED being back to this beautiful studio during Bliss SUP Yoga weekend retreat (May 2 – 4, 2014). It was a lovely evening to practice outside; the deck was almost full of various yogis: retreaters, SUP Yoga teacher trainees and other locals. I enjoyed every moment of Hana’s vinyasa flow, along with mesmerizing acoustic music by Wildcardpropaganda.

This is one of my favorite places to do yoga! I just wished I lived closer :) I took Helen Cloot’s class on Thursday at 7:00 pm she is an amazing instructor with perfect cues, pace, and adjustments. What’s so awesome about the Yoga Yard is that you’re practicing outside on a beautiful deck surrounded by plants and trees with live music! How cool is that? I’m so thankful we have places like this, it totally takes the yoga experience to a whole new level :)

Looking to practice yoga outdoors and feel like you’re on vacation? Then this is the spot for you!
Part of me wants to give this a horrible review so classes don’t get over-​populated, but I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. I’m big into heated vinyasa/​hatha yoga — there’s just a more cleansing effect to hot yoga that I never get from unheated yoga. However, I will be returning to Riff’s and here’s why:
Ambiance: They’ve got the cedar planked patio set up perfectly. The whole patio is lined by trees so you have no visual distraction of the street outside your practice walls (though the Mexican spot next door smells fantastic — consider it an added challenge to your practice to not let your stomach growl for yummy-​ness). The spice is lined with lights overhead which also balance a cloth tarp for protection from whatever the weather brings and makes the place feel enclosed and cozy. A band plays mellow tunes to add another layer of relaxation to your practice.
Service: Everybody I encountered was super friendly, accommodating, positive, supportive and left me feeling welcomed & cared for, which is exactly how I want to leave a yoga practice.
Instruction: Collin was our teacher for Vinyasa (1,2) and he was great — flexible with his teaching to what we needed, informative with improving our technique in the poses, very aware of his words in his instruction, had a calming way of speaking through the poses, and kept a light-​hearted sense of humor.
Band: This is live music yoga, which is truly an awesome way to enhance your practice. I didn’t get the band’s name but they played the 7pm class on 4÷8÷14 and claimed the title «Mumford & Sons» wittily. They played really well together, and their voices were incredible as they covered a myriad of light genres.
The Take-​Away: I love leaving hot yoga feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, so I was skeptical of how much I would love this but wanted to try something new. It was a GREAT supplement to my usual practice — I could focus more on my technique, got to go through a different routine of poses (and try a few new ones) and I truly left feeling like I’d just practiced at an island retreat. The meditative value in terms of relaxation was heightened in this experience and I definitely plan to drop in here at least once a month to supplement my hot yoga practice.
Thank you Riff’s yoga crew for providing an awesome experience! We’re so lucky in San Diego to have options like this.

I’ve been fully practicing yoga for about 6 months now. Still considering relatively new to this world. I have just recently moved to California and i have found my perfect place for some «Me time»!!! As a professional athlete a Pilates instructor, I tell people what to do and how to do it all day. So this is a great place for me to balance my life!
Erica Brown was my first instructor. Her words were so clear and detailed. Not only did she give us a good workout but she really finds a great approach to connect your mind to your body and think about only yourself and what your intention is on the mat that day.
You can’t beat the $ 14 walk-​in. especially for what you’re getting back! And the e $ 20 all you can bend 7-​consecutive day new client special is a great way to see the beauty, uniqueness and benefit that you will get in this studio!!!
The owner Steve is a really laid back awesome guy and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the staff. I LOVE THE YOGA YARD!!!

There are definitely a lot of yoga studios in San Diego. Yoga classes tend to be more of a conduit to helping you find peace and strength within your practice. Some places work you out harder while other places have more of a soft touch. For that reason I belong to more than one studio. A lot depends upon what I’m looking for from my work out on that particular day.
Yoga Yard stands out a for me because it’s a bit more unique. The studio itself sits behind Riffs Guitar on La Jolla Blvd. There is a private outdoor practice area surrounded by bamboo and banana trees. Class takes place on a large redwood deck. Bulbs are strung above the deck area lending too it’s ambience.
There is a smaller indoor practice area also available if it’s too cold out.
There is something so peaceful about listening to a live acoustic guitar playing during a yoga practice. Some of the artists who perform there are truly talented.
Depending upon when the sun sets you can do a practice and then walk to Calumet Park a block and a half away and watch the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean. If that doesn’t put you in the zone nothing will. If you practice after sunset you can look up and enjoy the glow of the bulbs or the stars as you do your yoga thing. Maybe TMI but the redwood deck smells much better than most yoga studio floors.
The evening practices that I take are a bit less strenuous. I prefer my beatings more in the morning.
The studio happily supplies mats, blankets and props at no charge.
Water bottles are available at the front desk.
The classes offered include Vinyasa, Chakra, Hatha, Yin and Yinki.
Like most yoga studios they offer a one-​week all you can bend initial membership for $ 20.
The people there are very nice and always supportive. Whether it’s your first time or you are a veteran Yogi this place I think Yoga Yard has a little bit of something for everyone.
One other thing. Not all classes have live music so it’s a good idea to check before you go.

Friday Lunch power hour class with Colleen is perfection.
she is fun and challenges you physically while still engaging you spiritually and mentally. This class has been my sanity. it literally takes the weight of the world off my shoulders. so grateful for Colleen and Riffs!

I tried out Riff’s for a yoga class two weeks ago and went back the following Friday again. I have a feeling this is going to become by Friday stress relief and unwind from the week happy hour! I have only taken the Vinyasa class with James at 4pm, but if it is any representation of the classes at Riff’s then I would recommend all of them. James is very friendly, knowledgeable, and leads a solid practice with lots of variations for a variety of levels. Some of my practice is more advanced and I rarely get the opportunity to practice advanced postures or get corrected in a professional studio, but the classes I attended at Riff’s gave way for that extra push.
Riff’s is right by the ocean in beautiful Bird Rock, conveniently located near the shops and water. Yoga classes are on a beautiful deck behind the store. It is peaceful and serene. I have no attended a live music class, but look forward to it. I was also excited to see dubstep yoga on the list of classes! They mentioned that they do retreats to Mexico for yoga and surfing, which sounds amazing and hopefully I will be able to try one out next time they offer it!

Review about yoga classes.
OMG I love that place so much ! i came here because of a groupon, but definitively plan to keep going after.
I was very excited when I saw that beautiful outside place. The bamboo deck with all the exotic trees is just amazing. just so cool to have yoga outside !
The classes I took so far are pretty gentle but very nice, and Shawna is a great teacher. She just has awesome classes like happy hour yoga with coconut water shots, on Friday night. Or yoga with glowing lights on Sunday, that’s just too cool !!

The yoga is pretty fun here!
The teachers are very welcoming, positive and friendly.
There’s special event yoga for extra excitement and festivities! Went to Full Moon Glow Dance Yoga last night where we did yoga in a black light room. We all got to wear glow stick jewelry! There was a live DJ too, who was playing trance music. After the yoga we danced around freely, waved our glow sticks all around, and the energy was so good. It was so great to have so much laughter. The class was also filled with positive intentions and messages that we shared with each other.
For calmer yoga, the classes here are just as fun. A live guitarist strummed along during class and played some relaxing music that really worked with yoga. Parking is pretty easy to find in front of Riffs (I go in the evenings so parking is plentiful), and there are plenty of residential streets nearby if you need to find parking there.

Friendly but very overpriced. $ 14 strings are $ 20 in this store. Brands like Martin and Gibson are not carried because, «they are not quality brands» as the sales rep said. Most of the guitars I was interested in trying had a sign telling me I could not play them.
Final thoughts; nice staff and a nice store. It would be better if they focused quality brands and knowledge.