SUPER FESTIVAL 2025 - A Review

We’ve talked a lot about this event – and for good reason! 

The festival opened with the popular AquaPaddle, a 5km paddle in the harbour. The sheltered setting meant participants were safe while enjoying the stunning scenery. It was a brilliant turnout for this pop-up event. Be sure to check out the other locations and get involved. 

Next came the 100m sprints – fast and furious, and packed with heats leading into the finals. This was followed by the technical racing, also held in the inner harbour due to “spicy” sea conditions. Even so, it challenged paddlers with well-placed buoys and narrow channels to navigate. Competitors ranged from GB team members and seasoned paddlers to complete beginners, first-timers, and youngsters. 

The One Design races also featured here, with all paddlers competing on the same kit in both sprints and technical races. This exciting series is growing fast – find out more at the Pump n Paddle website. 

Spectators had plenty to watch and learn from, and just across the harbour another highlight unfolded: the all-day SUP Polo tournament. Teams battled it out on a floating pitch, with goals, plenty of skills on display, and lots of splashdowns!  

Day one was a huge success. Brand sponsors and Paddle UK were busy on site, but unfortunately day two was cancelled due to a forecast of lightning – a strict no-go in our sport. Disappointing, yes, but spirits weren’t dampened. The memories remain of an exciting and fun day’s racing. Huge credit to Brendon and his team for making the tough calls and running such a fantastic event and ensuring all winners had great medals and fantastic prizes. 

This year’s festival also served as the showcase for next year’s ICF SUP World Cup, which will take place in Torbay on 24–28 June 2026. 

This will be the most significant SUP racing event in Britain since paddleboards first arrived here in 2007/08. Over the years, the EuroTour and APP World Tour have visited, but the World Cup feels like something altogether different. 

World Ranking Events v. World Cup 

So, how do the World Ranking Events and the World Cup differ? And how do you get involved? 

• National series or clubs apply through their governing body, which then liaises with the ICF. 

• The ICF sets out its bidding process, including criteria and deadlines. 

• A formal bid is submitted, outlining venue details, facilities, infrastructure, community support, and financial plans. 

• The ICF reviews all bids before awarding hosting rights. 

Each year, there are usually four World Ranking Events, one of which is the World Cup. These feed into the SUP World Championships. It’s worth exploring more on the ICF website.  

That’s exactly the route Brendon Prince took, with Paddle UK’s support, to bring this major event to Torbay. 

Why it matters 

If you love SUP racing, this is unmissable. When I was racing and the APP World Tour came to London, I couldn’t wait to meet my heroes – all of whom were incredibly friendly, inspiring, and fiercely talented on the water. The same magic will be here and as this is an ICF event, you could even find yourself on the start line with some of the world’s best. 

With strong local and international sponsors already lined up for 2026, the aim is to encourage paddlers from across the UK and beyond to take part and support this milestone event. Don’t sit on the fence and miss out! 

Sign up for exclusive event updates here: SUPER Festival website 

You can also see all our photos from the 2025 event here SUPjunkie photo gallery 

Check out some of the live feed from the day here Facebook LIVE videos