There is just 50 days to go until the start of the ICF Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Cup competition. Torbay will host the UK’s first-ever SUP World Cup and Paddle UK SUPER Festival, as elite international athletes and thousands of paddlers and spectators arrive on the English Riviera from 24 to 28 June 2026.

The landmark event, delivered in partnership with Paddle UK and the English Riviera BID Company, will bring around 200 world‑class SUP athletes together with thousands of festival participants, transforming Torbay’s seafront into a vibrant celebration of international sport, community activity and coastal culture. While wider festival activity gets underway earlier in the week, the 50-day countdown specifically marks the start of official ICF SUP World Cup racing on Friday 26 June. The event is expected to deliver significant benefits for local tourism, hospitality and businesses, while positioning the English Riviera as a premier destination for international water sports events.

Racing and festival activity will be centred on Torre Abbey Sands, placing Torbay’s iconic coastline in the global spotlight and reinforcing its growing reputation. Across the three main competition days, spectators can enjoy a full programme of international racing and festival events, subject to final entries and weather conditions:

Friday 26 June:

12pm to 7:30pm – ICF sprint races

Saturday 27 June:

9:30am to 6:30pm – ICF technical races and festival technical and distance races

10am to 4:30pm – SUP Polo (Inner Harbour)

Sunday 28 June:

9am to 11am – SUP 1,000 world record attempt

1pm to 3:30pm – ICF and festival distance races

The distance races will travel to Paignton Pier and back, creating a striking spectacle across Torbay. Torquay Promenade will offer prime viewing for most races and festival activity, while Paignton Beach will provide excellent vantage points as paddlers pass to and from the pier. Accessible viewing areas will be available throughout the weekend.

Off the water, a weekend‑long festival village will offer food, drink, trade stands and live entertainment for all ages, with confirmed concessions so far including Paddle UK, Biomate, SUP Race Network, Rugga Coffee, Yak Shak, Shortees, Get on the Water UK, Blackfish, Torbay Council, ERBIDCo, Offshore Bar, and Bays Brewery, helping to create a vibrant and varied visitor experience throughout the event. Opening hours will be 9am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9am to 5pm on Sunday, with most trade and food stands operating in line with these times and the bar opening daily from 11am.

For those inspired to try paddleboarding themselves, popular “Have a Go” sessions will run in the Inner Harbour, offering a supportive introduction for beginners and families. Sessions will take place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

Councillor Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Events, Tourism, Culture and Corporate Services, said:

“With just 50 days to go, there’s a real sense of excitement building across Torbay, and it’s great to see residents already looking forward to welcoming this major event to our coastline. Hosting the ICF SUP World Cup and SUPER Festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Torbay at its very best – from our beautiful natural setting to the strong sense of community and hospitality that defines the Bay."

"This is an event designed for everyone to enjoy. Local people can watch world‑class racing from the promenade, explore the festival village, support local traders or even get involved through the ‘Have a Go’ sessions. Our residents, volunteers and businesses will play a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere, and we hope as many people as possible will come along, take part, and feel proud to be part of a special summer moment for Torbay.”

Ashley Metcalfe, CEO for Paddle UK, said:

“With the ICF SUP World Cup just 50 days away, this is a tremendous opportunity for the entire community to rally behind a world-class event."

“The Paddle UK SUPER Festival will provide an opportunity for both experienced SUP paddlers and broader recreational enthusiasts to be part of a true sporting celebration at the heart of the English Riviera."

“Torbay is a fantastic location, and this event will hopefully inspire more people to get out on the water in a safe and enjoyable environment. This really is a great opportunity for paddleboarders of ages to benefit both physically and mentally from being out on the water and part of one of the UK’s fastest growing recreational activities.”

All races will start from Torre Abbey Sands, subject to weather and sea conditions. Spectators and participants are encouraged to check the event website and official social media channels for the latest updates and confirmed timings.

With the countdown now underway, Torbay Council, Paddle UK, The English Riviera BID Company and event organisers are encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to save the date and be part of what promises to be one of the standout events of the summer on the English Riviera.

Further information, including how to enter, spectate, volunteer or partner, is available at www.superfestival.paddleuk.org.uk

Photo credit: Stephen Pearce