The 2026 ICF SUP World Cup English Riviera is coming to Torquay from 24–28 June 2026, and it is a big moment for stand-up paddleboarding in the UK.
For anyone who loves SUP, whether you race, tour, paddle socially or are just getting into the sport, this is one to have on the calendar. The event brings world-class paddleboard racing to the sheltered waters of the English Riviera, with Torquay, Paignton and Brixham providing the backdrop for five days of racing, festival activity and on-water participation.
It is also a great opportunity for UK paddlers to see just how far the sport has come. SUP is no longer just a beach holiday activity. It now covers everything from relaxed family paddling and touring through to serious international racing.
Why the 2026 ICF SUP World Cup matters
Hosting an ICF SUP World Cup on UK waters is a real step forward for the sport.
The event is expected to bring together elite international racers, UK paddlers, recreational SUP users and families who want to experience paddleboarding in a proper festival setting.
For UK paddlers, that is exciting. You do not have to travel abroad to see top-level SUP racing up close. You can watch the best in the world, learn from the atmosphere around the event, and get a better feel for where the sport is heading.
It also gives new paddlers a chance to see the full range of stand-up paddleboarding, from sprint racing and technical racing through to distance paddling, touring boards, inflatable SUPs and everyday paddling kit.
Where and when is the 2026 ICF SUP World Cup English Riviera?
| Event | 2026 ICF SUP World Cup English Riviera |
| Dates | 24–28 June 2026 |
| Location | Torbay, English Riviera, Devon |
| Main areas | Torquay, Paignton and Brixham |
| Event focus | SUP sprint, technical and distance racing, plus festival activity |
The English Riviera is a strong choice for a major SUP event. Tor Bay offers sheltered water, scenic coastline, good viewing opportunities and a well-established watersports scene.
That combination makes it suitable for serious racing, but still accessible for families, spectators and recreational paddlers.
Provisional event schedule
The published schedule currently outlines the following structure:
- Wednesday 24 June: Athlete registration and course practice.
- Thursday 25 June: Opening ceremony, school activity, junior races and on-water sessions.
- Friday 26 June: ICF sprint racing and festival village opening.
- Saturday 27 June: ICF technical racing, festival races, activities and paddle events.
- Sunday 28 June: SUP1000 World Record attempt, distance racing and closing celebrations.
As with any major event, timings and specific details may be updated by the organisers, so it is worth checking the official event information before travelling or entering.
What can paddlers expect?
The 2026 ICF SUP World Cup English Riviera should offer a strong mix of elite racing and community paddling.
If you are a racer, the sprint, technical and distance formats will be the main attraction. Sprint racing is short, powerful and exciting to watch. Technical racing adds buoy turns, board handling and tactics. Distance racing is all about pacing, fitness, board efficiency and reading the conditions.
If you are a recreational paddler, the wider festival activity is likely to be just as interesting. Expect a more inclusive feel around the event, with activities for different ability levels and the chance to meet other paddlers from across the UK and beyond.
If you are new to SUP, this is a brilliant chance to see what the sport really looks like beyond a casual summer paddle. You will see race boards, touring boards, inflatable paddleboards, paddles, safety equipment and different paddling techniques all in one place.
What kit should you think about if you are going?
You do not need elite race kit to enjoy the event. The right setup depends on whether you are racing, joining festival paddles, travelling with family, or simply going along to watch and get inspired.
If you are racing
Racers will want to think carefully about board class, paddle choice, fin setup, hydration and clothing. A good paddle makes a big difference across sprint, technical and distance racing, especially when cadence, power transfer and efficiency matter.
If you are looking to improve your setup, take a look at our SUP paddle collection or speak to us about paddle length, blade size and shaft stiffness before you buy.
If you are joining festival paddles
For most paddlers, a stable all-round or touring inflatable SUP will be the most practical choice. It is easy to transport, simple to store and ideal if you are travelling down to Devon for the event.
You can browse our inflatable paddleboard collection if you are looking for a board that suits general paddling, family use or longer coastal days.
If you are getting inspired to paddle more
Events like this are brilliant because they show the whole pathway of SUP. You might arrive as a spectator and leave wanting to paddle more regularly, enter your first local race, or upgrade from a basic board to something that tracks better and covers distance more efficiently.
That is where proper advice really helps. The wrong board can hold you back, especially if you want to paddle further, carry kit, paddle in coastal conditions or progress into faster touring and race-inspired paddling.
SUP kit recommendations by paddler type
| Paddler type | Best setup | Why it works |
| New paddler | Stable all-round inflatable SUP | Easy to use, forgiving, practical for family paddling and general use. |
| Improving paddler | Touring inflatable SUP | Better glide, straighter tracking and more efficient over distance. |
| Regular coastal paddler | Quality touring board with a good paddle | More confidence, better speed and improved control in changing conditions. |
| Race-focused paddler | Race board or race-inspired touring setup | Designed for speed, efficiency and higher cadence paddling. |
Try before you buy at The SUP Company
If the ICF SUP World Cup gets you thinking about your own setup, the best thing you can do is try boards and paddles before buying.
At The SUP Company, our Woodmill SUP Test Centre gives you the chance to test paddleboards and paddles on sheltered water in Southampton. It is a practical way to compare stability, glide, paddle feel and board size before making a decision.
That matters because a board can look right online and still feel wrong on the water. Testing helps you choose correctly first time, whether you are buying your first proper inflatable SUP or moving towards a faster touring or race-inspired setup.
Why Torquay is a strong venue for SUP
The English Riviera has a lot going for it as a SUP destination. Sheltered bays, scenic coastline and established seaside infrastructure make it easier for paddlers and spectators to enjoy the event.
Torquay, Paignton and Brixham also give visitors options away from the racing, which is useful if you are travelling with family. You can watch the racing, explore the coast, enjoy the festival atmosphere and make a proper long weekend of it.
Our take
This is exactly the sort of event UK paddleboarding needs.
It gives experienced paddlers something to aim for, gives recreational paddlers a way into the wider SUP community, and shows newcomers that paddleboarding is much more than a beach holiday activity.
For The SUP Company, it is also great to see a major international event recognising the quality of UK paddling locations. We have always believed that the UK has brilliant water for SUP when you choose the right place, the right conditions and the right kit.
If you are heading to Torquay for the 2026 ICF SUP World Cup English Riviera and want help choosing a board, paddle or travel-friendly setup, speak to the team. We can help you narrow down the right options based on your size, ability, budget and the sort of paddling you want to do next.
Useful links
- Official Paddle UK SUPER Festival website
- ICF SUP World Cup Torbay 2026 event listing
- English Riviera SUP World Cup 2026 guide
- Inflatable paddleboards at The SUP Company
- SUP paddles at The SUP Company
- Woodmill SUP Test Centre
FAQs
When is the 2026 ICF SUP World Cup English Riviera?
The event is scheduled to take place from 24–28 June 2026 in Torbay on the English Riviera.
Where is the SUP World Cup being held?
The event is being held around the English Riviera in Devon, with Torquay, Paignton and Brixham forming the main coastal setting.
Can recreational paddlers take part?
Yes. Alongside the ICF World Cup racing, the wider festival activity is designed to include paddlers of different levels, with festival races and on-water activities planned across the event.
Do I need a race board to attend?
No. You only need a race-specific board if you are entering race categories where board class rules apply. If you are attending as a spectator or joining recreational activities, a stable all-round or touring SUP may be more suitable.
What type of paddleboard is best for longer coastal paddles?
For longer coastal paddles, a touring SUP is usually the better choice. Touring boards tend to track straighter, glide more efficiently and feel better over distance than wider all-round boards.
Can I try paddleboards before buying one for the event?
Yes. At The SUP Company’s Woodmill SUP Test Centre in Southampton, you can try different boards and paddles on sheltered water before choosing the right setup.
Are finance options available on SUP boards and paddles?
Finance options are available on qualifying orders, which can be useful when investing in a complete SUP setup. Availability depends on order value and finance provider criteria.
Need help choosing SUP kit for 2026?
If the 2026 ICF SUP World Cup English Riviera has got you thinking about upgrading your board, paddle or full setup, speak to The SUP Company.
We will help you choose the right kit for the way you actually paddle, not just what looks good on paper.
Contact The SUP Company for SUP advice or visit us at Woodmill to test before you buy.