English Riviera to Host 2026 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Cup and Paddle UK SUPER Festival
Torbay, United Kingdom – June 24–28, 2026
The English Riviera in Devon will host the 2026 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Cup as part of the Paddle UK SUPER Festival, marking the first time an International Canoe Federation SUP World Cup of this scale takes place in the United Kingdom. The five-day event will be held across the sheltered waters of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham from 24 to 28 June 2026.
Organised by Paddle UK, the festival is expected to attract around 200 of the world’s top athletes alongside up to 1,000 additional paddlers participating in recreational and community activities, creating one of the largest stand-up paddling gatherings ever staged in the UK.
First Major ICF SUP World Cup in the UK
The event represents a milestone for British paddlesports. It will be the first ICF SUP World Cup hosted in the country since Paddle UK became the official governing body for stand-up paddling in 2023.
The competition will feature ICF medal events in sprint, technical, and distance racing, with categories for juniors, open, and masters divisions, all conducted under ICF competition rules.
Five-Day Festival Format
The programme combines elite racing with a broad participation festival:
- June 24: Athlete registration and official training
- June 25: Opening ceremony and junior activities
- June 26: ICF sprint races and festival village opening
- June 27: ICF technical races and additional festival competitions
- June 28: Distance races and a SUP1000 world-record attempt, followed by closing celebrations
Beyond competition, the SUPER Festival will include taster sessions, workshops, demonstrations, community paddles, retail areas, and evening entertainment, with a strong focus on accessibility and family participation.
Strategic Location and Local Support
Torbay was selected for its calm, sheltered bay, favourable microclimate, and established paddling infrastructure, making it suitable for both elite racing and grassroots participation.
The event is supported by Torbay Council and the English Riviera Business Improvement District, highlighting its expected impact on tourism and the regional economy.
Long-Term SUP Development Initiative
The SUPER Festival is part of a multi-year strategy to establish the English Riviera as a central hub for stand-up paddling in the UK, with annual festival editions planned before and after the 2026 World Cup.
Event organisers describe the initiative as an opportunity not only to showcase world-class racing but also to introduce new participants to the sport and strengthen the UK’s position within the international SUP calendar.
Event Details
Event: 2026 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Cup & Paddle UK SUPER Festival
Dates: 24–28 June 2026
Location: English Riviera – Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Devon, UK
Organiser: Paddle UK
Further information, registration options, and accommodation details are available via the official SUPER Festival website.
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