SUP World Cup in action

About the 2026 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Cup – English Riviera

SUPER Festival 2026 – Paddle, Race, Celebrate

From 24–28 June 2026, the English Riviera will come alive with the Paddle UK SUPER Festival and the ICF SUP World Cup. Set against the turquoise waters and sheltered bays of Torquay and Paignton, this five-day celebration of stand-up paddle boarding brings together elite athletes, community paddlers, and newcomers ready to try something new.

This is a milestone moment. For the first time, the International Canoe Federation will host a SUP World Cup of this scale in the UK. It’s also the first since Paddle UK became the official governing body for stand-up paddling in 2023. The result is a unique opportunity for the UK to welcome the global SUP community, showcase world-class racing, and invite more people onto the water.

Across the festival, you’ll see around 200 of the world’s top athletes competing in thrilling races, but that’s only part of the story. The programme is designed to be inclusive, offering plenty of opportunities for paddlers of all levels to get involved. From challenging yourself in a race to joining a relaxed community paddle, there’s something for everyone on the water.

Off the water, the festival atmosphere continues. Expect taster sessions, workshops, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities for those keen to try SUP or broaden their skills. Pop-up retail, evening entertainment, and social gatherings will keep the energy flowing throughout the week, making the event as much about community and connection as it is about competition.

The Paddle UK SUPER Festival is built around inclusivity, accessibility, and the spirit of adventure that makes SUP so appealing. Whether you’re chasing a podium, dipping your paddle in for the first time, or simply soaking up the festival vibe, the English Riviera offers the perfect backdrop for this landmark event.

Paddle UK SUPER Festival – English Riviera

More than a single event! Across three key years, the festival will host national and international SUP activity — including the prestigious 2026 ICF SUP World Cup: English Riviera. Planned as a long-term initiative to grow the sport, the SUPER Festival will bring together paddlers of all levels, from grassroots participants to world-class athletes, in one of the UK’s most iconic coastal settings.

Key Dates:

  1. 2025 SUPER Festival: 5–6 September
  2. 2026 SUPER Festival: 24–28 June
  3. 2027 SUPER Festival: Details to be confirmed

Join us in building a lasting home for SUP in the UK — starting from the heart of Devon’s south coast.

Why Torbay?

Known for its natural beauty and vibrant coastal life, Torbay has become a go-to destination for paddlers in the UK. It has strong local support from Torbay Council and the English Riviera BID Company, so the region is a perfect host for a world-class event.

Not only does the area offer ideal conditions for SUP racing and recreation, but there’s also a deep commitment here to sustainability, safety, and coastal stewardship – making it a fitting home for a global event with community and environmental values at its core.