The Paddleboard Effect

The psychology of side by side conversations, and why paddleboarding is the perfect setting.

There's something quietly powerful about drifting alongside someone on a paddleboard. The rhythm of the water, the open skies, the shared direction, it sets the stage for something more than just exercise or adventure. It opens up space for real connection.

Paddleboarding side by side on The River Thames

Psychologists have long noted that conversations held side by side, rather than face to face often feel safer, less confrontational and more natural. You'll see this dynamic play out in all kinds of places: in the car on a long drive, walking side by sider sitting on a bench watching the world go by.

When we're not locked into eye contact, we tend to drop our guard. We don't feel scrutinised, we're not performing, instead we are simply present. Facing the same way, literally and metaphorically let's us talk without pressure and often with greater honesty.

That's why paddleboarding can become a surprising catalyst for meaningful conversation. On the water you are together, but with space. You're focussed on balance, breath and the gentle rhythm of paddling. The pressure to talk fades and conversation, when it comes, feels easier.

Whether it's two friends catching up, colleagues reconnecting, or even a guest opening up to an instructor during a quiet moment on a tour, these side by side moments often invite deeper connection than a formal face to face chat ever could.

The water adds something extra

Water has a naturally calming effect. The gentle movement, the sense of freedom and connection with nature all combine to lower stress and increase mindfulness. In this relaxed state, we feel more emotionally open and receptive..

Why this matters to The SUP Life

At The SUP Life, we see this dynamic all the time. Whether it's during a guided paddle, a lesson or even a SUP Yoga session, the board becomes a kind of floating safe space.

People open up, they reflect, they laugh more freely, they listen more deeply.

Our corporate teams in particular find that paddleboarding on the river is a great leveller, the side by side chats outside of the conference room can be where some of the deeper conversations take place, problems solved or new ideas are hatched.

So, next time you're out on the water, notice how it feels to paddle side by side, you might be surprised at the conversations that surface.

Colleagues enjoying a post work paddleboarding session

Further references:

The Financial Times June 2025 ran a piece discussing scheduling intentional walking meetings instead of traditional sit down ones to foster more open and less confrontational conversations. It sites a 2020 University of Hong Kong study showing that 'conversations held side by side are naturally less adversarial' and that even brief shared walks can help unlock deeper dialogue.

The Guardian December 2024: in a profile on 'daycations' psychologist Dr Elena Touroni explains that walking together in nature 'reduces stress and fosters emotional wellbeing' making it easier for people to tackle tricky topics.

Dr Sherry Turkle, Clinical Psychologist and Author of Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age highlights how the lack of direct eye contact in side by side settings lowers social pressure, particularly in vulnerable conversations.