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| Location: | United Kingdom |
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| Type: | Festival |
| Date: | 24 - 28 Jun 2026 |
| Organiser: | Paddle UK & Brendon Prince |
| Website: | https://superfestival.paddleuk.org.uk/ |
| Social Media: |
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ICF SUP World Cup and SUPER Festival 2026 – Paddle, Race, Celebrate – Registrations are open!
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, Paignton, and Brixham, 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.
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.
Prizes
As well as medals being up for grabs in each age category, winners of the open men’s and women’ categories will also be competing for prize money of at least:
ICF Sprint Races Course
Prizes: As well as medals being up for grabs in each age category, winners of the open men’s and women’ categories will also be competing for prize money of at least:
Prizes
As well as medals being up for grabs in each age category, winners of the open men’s and women’ categories will also be competing for prize money of at least:
As part of the festival on Saturday 27th, there will be a series of sprint races for anyone not wanting to enter the ICF Races. You can choose to enter these races with a 14ft hardboard, any hardboard under 14ft, any size inflatable board. No leash required; buoyancy aid is compulsory. Any competitor without an inflatable will be given one to borrow.
These races will include categories for gender and age (Juniors, 18-39, 40-49, 50 -59, 60+).
As part of the festival on Saturday 27th, there will be a series of technical races for anyone not wanting to enter the ICF Races.
These races will include categories for gender and age (Juniors, 18-39, 40-49, 50 -59, 60+).
As part of the festival on Sunday 28th , there will be a distance race for anyone not wanting to enter the ICF Races, utilising a similar but shorter course (around 4km).
You can choose to enter these races with a 14ft hardboard, any hardboard under 14ft, any size inflatable board. No leash is required but an inflatable buoyancy aid is compulsory. Any competitor without an inflatable will be given one to borrow.
These races will include categories for gender and age (Juniors, 18-39, 40-49, 50 -59, 60+).
On Sunday afternoon, 28th June, alongside the epic SUPER Festival distance races, dedicated prone races will give athletes the chance to test themselves on the same iconic waters of Tor Bay.
Whether experienced or new to prone paddling, this is a chance to be part of the action, soak up the festival atmosphere, and race against fellow enthusiasts in a spectacular setting.
On Sunday 28th June, the SUPER Festival is hosting SUP1000 at Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay- an unforgettable attempt to set a NEW World Record with 1,000 stand-up paddlers on the water at the same time.
This is more than just a record attempt. It’s a celebration of our SUP community and a powerful statement about water safety and drowning prevention. Every single paddler will become an ambassador for safe practice on the water, showcasing the right kit, a leash, and a buoyancy aid. Together, we’ll create a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
And it’s not just about the record, there will be fun activities on the water for everyone to enjoy, making this a day to remember for paddlers of all ages and abilities.
There are a range of entry options for those taking part with our ticketing system helping to navigate a series of options:
Membership – Members of Paddle UK, Paddle Cymru, Paddle Scotland and Paddle Northern Ireland will secure a 25% discount on entries so be sure to add your details if you’re already a member or join now.
Junior/Adult – Anyone under the age of 18 at the start of the event can purchase a junior event ticket at a discounted rate
ICF Race Entry/Festival Event Entry – Anyone can enter either event but there are some key differences and things to be aware of:
ICF Entries
The ICF races will be run in line with the ICF SUP Competition rules with competitions taking place for juniors, open, over 40s and over 50s age categories.
Key things to be aware of from the rules include:
As per Chapter 3 of the rules, paddlers must compete using a hard board up to 14ft (these may be available to hire for the event.
As per 1.4 of the rules, age categories are determined by the age you are in the 2026 calendar year so:
