Not even the brisk Sarasota winter mornings can deter the dedicated yogis who roll out their mats at Erin Hurter’s “Yoga by the Bay with Erin.” Last Saturday, despite a biting breeze sharp enough to make even the sturdiest of Floridians consider staying under the covers, over 50 yogis gathered to stretch, breathe, and find their inner calm. Erin’s events are a shining example of how yoga benefits everyone, regardless of age, flexibility, or experience, and they have become one of the most beloved open-air traditions in Sarasota.
As I stood there with my camera in hand, documenting the event for Bohemian Sarasota, I couldn’t help but feel the infectious energy radiating from Erin. Always smiling and grounded, she brought warmth to the chilly day, leading the class with a combination of lightheartedness and wisdom that makes her sessions unique. Naturally, I had to catch up with her after the class to learn more about the incredible story behind these events.
Erin shared how her journey into yoga instruction began during the early days of the pandemic. As a staff member at Visit Sarasota County, she witnessed firsthand how deeply the community was affected, particularly small business owners and their employees. “I saw so much hurt and struggle,” she explained, “and I thought, why not invite people to heal together?” And so, armed with her yoga practice and a desire to bring positivity, Erin started hosting free yoga classes (donation-based) at Bayfront Park, downtown Sarasota.
What began as a simple offering quickly grew into a phenomenon. “It was never about creating something big,” she said, “but people kept showing up. They needed connection, movement, and a space to release their worries.” By the peak of its popularity, her Saturday classes were attracting up to 300 people—one of Sarasota's most significant open-air yoga events.
Erin’s approach to yoga is deeply inclusive. Her classes are designed for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or trying downward dog for the first time. She emphasizes that yoga is about more than poses; it’s a way to cultivate kindness and mindfulness. Admission to her classes requires a random act of kindness. This simple yet profound requirement reminds participants to carry yoga lessons beyond the mat.
Her Tuesday evening and Saturday morning gatherings have become a cornerstone of Sarasota’s wellness culture. Regulars know they can rely on Erin’s consistency—she’s only missed a handful of sessions in four years. Even on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, Erin offers special classes to unite the community.
Erin’s yoga journey began decades ago as a self-taught practitioner following online videos. But everything changed when she gave herself a teacher training program at Pineapple Yoga Studio for her 50th birthday. “That’s when I discovered the spiritual side of yoga,” she explained. Her training inspired her to share the transformative power of yoga with others, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Recently, the powerful yoga classes led by Erin expanded to include retreats, with the first held at the Sunseeker Resort in Port Charlotte. “It was magical,” she said of the event, which drew 30 participants for a weekend of connection and more profound practice. Encouraged by its success, she plans to host more zen retreats, including multi-day experiences and out-of-state events. The next one is set to take place at the Sunseeker Resort on March 1 and 2, 2025, giving you the perfect opportunity to join Erin for this unique wellness escape.
Walking away from Bayfront Park, I felt genuinely inspired by Erin’s energy and dedication. Rain or shine, summer heat or winter chill, she is always there, grounding her growing circle of yogis with her presence. If you haven’t joined “Yoga by the Bay with Erin” yet, don’t wait. It’s more than a class—it’s a piece of Sarasota’s heart.
Photos:gergelyzakany.com
Grateful to Erin Hurter and her husband, Ray Collins, for providing photos and support for the article.
Erin's classes are simply the best, if you feel any pull to attend one of these events, that is your intuition telling you to show up and give yourself the gift of movement and grounding. You won't regret it!