When I started going to SoulCycle, I knew I immediately was going to be part of a community. Little did I know, I was getting myself involved with one of the coolest communities out there.
When I started taking Mantas‘ classes, it didn’t take long before we connected. I’m pretty sure it was when we took tequila shots after my 23rd birthday ride. Since then, Mantas and I have developed a solid friendship…and yes, the tequila shots are still an annual tradition.
In 2014, Mantas started SurfYogaBeer, which I always heard him talking about. He always told me to come on a trip, but I never bit the bullet. Mostly because I was afraid I didn’t know anyone going on these trips (which I’ll talk more about). So, four years later, and I’ve yet to go on a trip….until November. One of my coworkers and I decided to take the plunge and go on our first SYB mini-adventure to Miami.
Mantas and I thought it would be fun to share more about the SYB experience, the community, and why YOU need to be part of it all.
What are some fun facts about yourself?
MZ: I’m from LA, but traffic sucks…everything else is cool (Editor’s Note: This is obviously why he moved to New York City). I also sweat nonstop, and I do like 300 pounds of laundry every three weeks (Editor’s Note: He’s not kidding). I lived in Greece once. I like to nap a lot. (Editor’s Note I told Mantas I wanted him to give me more fun facts about himself, but he was HANGRY AF…so I told him I was going to tell everyone he dances like a dad –which he totally does).
How did you get into SoulCycle?
MZ: I taught 8 spin/yoga classes a week, and one day my friends and I decided to try out at SoulCycle. My playlist included an Olympics theme song remix (Editor’s Note: Mantas, you need to bring this back and play the remix in class). I taught in LA for a bit, and then moved to New York to teach here. Now I teach 18 classes a week. For the New Yorkers, I mostly teach at 19th Street, NoMad, and Union Square.
When did you start SurfYogaBeer and why?
MZ: I started SYB in 2014 because why not? (Editor’s Note: No, he literally said “why not”? Ugh. Boys.). At first, it was cool to get a free vacation.
Surfing, yoga, and drinking beer? How’s that work?
MZ: You don’t have to like all three of those things to come on our trips. You don’t have to be “fit” enough or like to drink a lot. For me, it’s being part of a community that helps people overcome the challenges in their lives by bringing like-minded people together. I want to help people create habits (i.e. like waking up after a night of partying). Our motto is Detox2Retox…and that’s exactly what we do.
What’s different about SurfYogaBeer now as opposed to 2014?
MZ: Trips aren’t just about surfing, doing yoga, or beer. We take people all over the world, we have different themes (like a running trip in Iceland), there are WAY more people who are all completely different. It’s grown a lot in 4 years.
Why Miami?
MZ: It’s good for people who are just starting out (Editor’s Note: *raises hand*), or for people who are afraid to leave the United States. It’s a shortened, 4 day trip that includes SoulCycle, beach runs, bootcamps, salsa lessons, a boat day, and a trip to the art district.
Take it from me: You’re going to want to be part of the SurfYogaBeer community. I met some of the most amazing people in the bathroom at SoulCycle because we were all getting ready for a SurfYogaBeer party. Now we go to classes together, hang out on the weekends, and are already planning our next SYB adventure together. It’s seriously really cool to see what Mantas has created, and I’m excited to be part of it!
Stay tuned for alllllllllllll the Miami content and a recap of my first SYB adventure! Also, if you have any questions, feel free to ask away or shoot me an email!
follow @mantas & @surfyogabeer
