Torbay will become the epicentre of UK watersports, hosting the ICF Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Cup 2026 and Paddle UK SUP Festival on the English Riviera from 2428 June.The international event will bring elite SUP athletes together with many festival participants and spectators, transforming Torbays seafront into a lively showcase of world-class racing, family-friendly activity and coastal celebration.With racing and festival action centred on Torre Abbey Sands, the event will put Torbays iconic coastline firmly in the global spotlight.The distance races will travel to Paignton Pier and back, creating an impressive spectacle across the Bay.Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend and enjoy the vibrant atmospherecome watch the races and explore the festival from our accessible viewing areas.Best viewing:Torquay Promenade (most races/festival), Paignton Beach (distance races).Off the water, the festival village will be open throughout the weekend, offering food, drink, trade stands and entertainment for all ages.Festival open:FriSat 9am9pm, Sun 9am5pm. Trade and food stands match festival hours; the bar opens daily from 11am.Trade and food stands follow festival hours; the bar opens daily from 11am.The following concessions have been confirmed: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.For those inspired to get on the water themselves, popular Have a Go sessions will take place in the Inner Harbour, providing a fun and supportive introduction to standup paddleboarding for beginners and families.Have a Go sessions: Saturday 10am4pm, Sunday 11am4pm.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 all ages to benefit both physically and mentally from being out on the water and part of one of the UKs fastest growing recreational activities.Councillor Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Events, Tourism, Culture and Corporate Services, said,With just 50 days to go, theres a real sense of excitement building across Torbay, and its 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.The racesMain schedule (subject to change): Fri 26 JuneTechnical races, 9:30am7:30pm. Sat 27 JuneSprints/other races, 9:30am6:30pm; SUP Polo, 10am4:30pm. Sun 28 JuneSUP 1,000 World Record, 911am; distance races, 13:30pm. All races start at Torre Abbey Sands, weather permitting.Spectators and participants are encouraged to check the event website and official social media channels for the latest updates, confirmed timings and any revised advice before and during the event.Torbay Council, Paddle UK, the English Riviera BID Company and event organisers urge everyone to mark their calendars, plan their visit, and join what promises to be a highlight of the English Riviera summer. Visit the official event website today for more information, updates, and ways to get involved. Dont miss your chance to register for activities and be part of this exciting event.What are the athletes saying?Hannah Kaminska, Poland, said,I visited the UK for the first time after last years World Championships as a gift from my parents. We explored London and then travelled to Scotland. I really enjoyed the experience.I am looking forward to returning, especially with the sprints being featured at the SUP World Cup. It will be great to participate and be part of the event.Manuel Hoyuela Rojas, Spain, said,Its awesome to have a sprint event of 100 metres, that is incredible. It is my favourite discipline, as well as the tech race and long distance. Its everything in one weekend. So perfect.Sara Oddera, Italy, said,This is a new event for many European SUP athletes. I have not paddled in Great Britain before.And I think we have to test the new place and have a new challenge with other athletes because some people come here, some people come to other places, but I think a lot of people stay in their country. So I like to challenge and know new paddlers.Further information and registration details are available at:www.superfestival.paddleuk.org.ukPaddle the English Riviera: Meadfoot Beach to Torre Abbey Sands | Torbay, South Devon Water Polobut on paddleboards? Meet SUP PoloWhat is SUP Racing? Sprint, Technical & Distance Races Explained | Paddle UK