Guiding Statements

SOCIETY PURPOSE

The Yoga by the Sea Wellness Society (YBTSWS) was established to act as a non-profit organization with the purpose to:

• Create and hold sacred space for people to experience living yoga and wellness for personal transformation and healing; to empower people to manifest their highest vision for themselves, their community and the planet.
  
• To create a structure and organization that will support and safekeep YBTSWS into the future, to ensure its health and mission through shared responsibility.  

MISSION

To co-create a heart centered community dedicated to the practice of yoga, meditation, and healing arts, providing a sacred space where individuals can thrive through education, personal growth, transformation, and compassionate connection. 

VISION (forward looking)

To remain committed to evolving and growing alongside the community which includes expanding the range of classes and workshops, enhancing online offerings, and continuing to build partnerships with local organizations. The studio aims to remain a leader in the wellness community, inspiring positive change and supporting the health and well-being of all who walk through its doors. 

VALUES 

The following values act as a compass for our decisions:

Safe space, open heart and kindness, community oriented, teaming, connected and playful, easeful, aligned in purpose, integrity, encouraging of growth and awareness, collaboration, dynamic and evolving.

LIVE: In conscious relationship with all living beings.

EMBODY: Higher states of consciousness.

HONOUR: The wisdom of teachers who guide us on this path.

YOGA BY THE SEA WELLNESS SOCIETY

Yoga by the Sea History 

2006-2025 

Yoga by the Sea in Roberts Creek, BC, has been a cherished local wellness center and a cornerstone of the local wellness community in the heart of Roberts Creek. Its history is rooted in the vibrant and diverse culture of Roberts Creek, a small, picturesque town on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, known for its natural beauty, creativity, and strong sense of community.

Origins and Founding

Yoga by the Sea was founded by Marney Coulter and Lyne Lantaigne in 2006, inspired by a vision to create a serene and welcoming space where individuals could practice yoga and cultivate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The wellness center was established to create a dedicated yoga and wellness space in Roberts Creek, a community already known for its artistic spirit, connection to nature, and alternative lifestyle. The doors opened on the first weekend of April 2006 with a drum circle workshop, beginning a journey of connection, healing, learning, and community building.

In 2009, Marney became the sole owner/proprietor and expanded the wellness center to include additional space and a broader range of wellness offerings. In 2018, Yoga by the Sea became incorporated, formalizing its commitment to serving the community through yoga, wellness education, healing arts, and community connection.

Development and Growth

From its humble beginnings, Yoga by the Sea quickly became a destination for both local residents and visitors to the Sunshine Coast. Since 2006, our dedicated and experienced teachers,  with generous hearts, deep personal knowledge, and a commitment to authentic practice, have offered a diverse range of classes, services, and educational opportunities.

The wellness center has provided yoga, meditation, Pilates, Tai Chi, bodywork, therapeutic practices, kirtan chanting, karma yoga, and advanced learning based on Self-inquiry and the Classical Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Over the years, Yoga by the Sea has offered a wide variety of yoga and healing arts programs designed to support people of all experience levels, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, and therapeutic approaches to yoga practice.

The inclusive and welcoming atmosphere has attracted a diverse community of practitioners, from those beginning their journey to those with decades of experience, creating a space where people of all ages, bodies, backgrounds, and abilities feel supported and welcomed.

From the beginning, there has been a deep commitment to creating a respectful, inspiring, and inclusive community within a sacred and healing environment. Yoga by the Sea has always sought to be a place of loving acceptance, joy, peace, and safety, supporting individuals in finding greater ease in life, discovering clarity, experiencing more connection and love, and learning to live more fully in the present moment.

As the community grew, so did the wellness center’s offerings. Workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, and special events were introduced, featuring experienced teachers, wellness practitioners, and respected leaders in the fields of yoga, mindfulness, and holistic health. These offerings enriched not only the local wellness community but also welcomed participants from outside the region, establishing Yoga by the Sea as a recognized center for learning, transformation, and connection.

Community Engagement

Yoga by the Sea has always been more than a place to attend classes; it has been a community wellness center and gathering place. Throughout its history, the wellness center has hosted community events, celebrations, social gatherings, and opportunities for connection, fostering a strong sense of belonging among its members. Its involvement in local festivals, community initiatives, and partnerships with other organizations reflects its ongoing commitment to the well-being of the broader Roberts Creek community.

The heart of Yoga by the Sea has always been its people, the teachers, practitioners, volunteers, practitioners of the healing arts, and community members who have contributed their energy, presence, and care over nearly two decades.

Adapting to Change

Like many organizations, Yoga by the Sea faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The wellness center adapted by offering online classes and virtual community gatherings, ensuring that people could continue their practices and remain connected during a time of uncertainty and isolation. This adaptability not only supported the wellness center through a challenging period but also expanded its ability to connect with people beyond the local community.

Present and Future

Today, Yoga by the Sea continues to thrive as a beacon of wellness, connection, and community in Roberts Creek. Yoga by the Sea’s journey from a small yoga space into a beloved community wellness center is a testament to the power of yoga, mindfulness, and collective care to bring people together and support well-being. It stands as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of Roberts Creek.

The wellness center remains dedicated to providing high-quality yoga instruction, wellness education, healing practices, and opportunities for community connection. Its commitment to holistic health and community wellness has fostered an environment where individuals can grow, heal, learn, and connect. With a focus on holistic health, sustainability, inclusivity, and community care, Yoga by the Sea looks forward to continuing its positive impact for future generations.

Teacher Training and Education

Recognizing the importance of ongoing education and the development of skilled and compassionate teachers, Yoga by the Sea began offering teacher training programs in 2012.These programs have trained numerous yoga teachers who have gone on to share their knowledge and passion for yoga locally and globally.

The teacher training programs emphasize a comprehensive and foundational understanding of yoga philosophy, energy systems, anatomy, therapeutic principles, and teaching methodologies, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to share the teachings of yoga in diverse settings.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

In alignment with the values of the Roberts Creek community, Yoga by the Sea has embraced environmentally conscious practices and a commitment to sustainability. The wellness center has encouraged mindful choices, reduced waste, supported local initiatives, and incorporated environmentally friendly practices into its operations. This commitment reflects the deeper values of Yoga by the Sea: respect for nature, connection to community, and conscious living.

Testimonials and Community Stories

Over the years, countless individuals have shared stories of transformation, healing, and connection through their experiences at Yoga by the Sea. These stories reflect the wellness center’s role in helping people manage stress, recover from injuries, develop greater self-awareness, deepen their spiritual practice, and discover a stronger sense of purpose and belonging. For many, Yoga by the Sea has been a source of support, friendship, and community, especially during challenging times.

The Creation of the Wellness Collective and Yoga by the Sea Wellness Society

In September 2022, in response to the changes within the community following the pandemic and the evolving needs of those it served, Yoga by the Sea began a new chapter by subletting the smaller Sun Studio space to a group of wellness practitioners. This group came together with a shared vision of offering complementary wellness services and became known as the Wellness Collective.

As the next lease cycle approached, conversations began about creating a more collaborative structure that would support the future sustainability and growth of Yoga by the Sea. A dedicated group came together with the intention of establishing a society that could carry forward the values, vision, and community spirit that had guided Yoga by the Sea since its founding.

The Yoga by the Sea Wellness Society (YBTSWS) was officially incorporated on May 11, 2024.

The first collective lease agreement was signed on January 24, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Yoga by the Sea,  transitioning from an individually owned wellness center into a community-supported organization dedicated to the ongoing well-being of Roberts Creek and the surrounding communities.

The creation of Yoga by the Sea Wellness Society represents the continuation of nearly two decades of dedication, service, friendship, learning, and shared vision. It honors the foundation built since 2006 while creating a pathway for future generations to experience the benefits of yoga, wellness, community, and conscious living.

Board Members

Conclusion

Yoga by the Sea stands as a testament to the power of yoga to create positive change in individuals and communities. Its history is a story of vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to well-being. As it continues to thrive, Yoga by the Sea remains a beloved sanctuary for those seeking peace, health, and connection in the heart of Roberts Creek, BC.