UK's biggest water sports event gets underway - the SUP world cup!
Torbay is vying to become the UK's home of stand up paddleboarding, in the same way Newquay is the home of UK surfing
Last updated 25th Jun 2026
The UK's biggest water sports event since the Olympics officially gets underway later in Torbay, with the opening ceremony for the paddleboarding world cup.
It's part of a long-term ambition by Torbay to become the 'home of SUP' much like Newquay in Cornwall is the spiritual home of UK surfing.
The ICF SUP World Cup 2026 and Paddle UK SUPER Festival will run all weekend, with shore-based activities alongside world-class racing and have-a-go sessions.
The event, organised by Torquay-based multiple paddleboard world record holder Brendon Prince - who's the first person to circumnavigate mainland Britain on a paddleboard - also aims to promote water safety alongside his 'Above Water' charity.
Mr Prince said: "Obviously being someone who has seen all of the beaches in the UK. I live here for a reason, that 99 days our of 100 it's kind of like it is (this week) and even on the bad days, the stormy days, you can find somewhere because we're a bay and you can go and paddle and be safe in the water."
Carolyn Custerson, the chief exec of the English Riviera Bid company added: "The long-term legacy will be securing the English Riviera as the UK's SUP capital - we're already starting to become that.
"We've got a growing SUP community and we hope to have 1,000 paddleboaders in a community paddleboarding event this weekend as well as the world class competition."
What are the sporting events taking place?
The event will feature the ICF SUP World Cup, which will see about 500 elite SUP athletes compete in sprint, technical, and distance races from Torre Abbey Sands. Experienced paddlers can enter the ICF World Cup races to challenge top global competitors, with €9,000 prize money available in the ICF open categories.
What can I see and where?
Familiar places like Torquay’s waterfront and Paignton’s iconic pier will become the backdrop to thrilling races, live entertainment, and community events. Beaches, harbours, and promenade areas will host everything from festival races and SUP Polo to food, entertainment, and trade stands.
How can I get involved?
A major highlight of the festival will be an attempt to break the World Record on Sunday for the most SUP paddlers on the water at once, with about 1,000 people expected to join the challenge. The spectacle can be watched by residents from many well-loved points around the bay. The event caters to all confidence levels, encouraging beginners to try paddleboarding for the first time through Have a Go sessions or relaxed festival races. The activities make it an ideal weekend for families or anyone curious to try something new.
Is paddleboarding safe?
Paddleboarding is the UK's fastest growing sport and a new national Governing Body - called PADDLE UK - has been created to oversee both the competive side of the sport and also encourage people to join in and be safe on the water.
The latest figures, for 2025, show the number of RNLI related call outs to rescue paddleboarders was 133 in 2024 and 160 in 2025.
Inflatables are a significant factor in coastal incidents. Torbay’s own incident data shows that inflatables were involved in 16.2% of all incidents last year, highlighting the scale of the risk locally. Nationally, RNLI figures have also shown a rise in callouts involving inflatables during warmer periods when more people take to the water. These incidents often occur when offshore winds appear light or conditions seem calm from the shore, catching people off guard and carrying them out to sea before they realise the danger.
The ICF SUP World Cup 2026 and Paddle UK SUPER Festival aims to ensure both participants and spectators are aware of sea safety advice, particularly around changing conditions and offshore winds.
The most up to date information about the sport and advice for taking part can be found here
Tor Bay Harbour authority has also issued its own safety advice here
Where can I find all the information and updated timings for the SUP World Cup events?
The official website is www.superfestival.paddleuk.org.uk