SUPERFestival 2025 review

SUPERFestival 2025: A Paddleboarding Celebration on the English Riviera

This past weekend, Torbay transformed into a vibrant hub of activity as the SUPERFestival 2025 brought stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to centre stage on the English Riviera. Held across the 6th and 7th of September in Torquay’s Inner Harbour, the festival, formerly known as SUPerchamps, was a spectacular showcase of SUP in all its forms. More than a competition, it was a celebration of community, sport, safety, and the natural beauty of the South Devon coastline.

A Weekend of Paddle-Powered Excitement

The festival welcomed over 200 paddlers from across the UK and Europe, all converging on the calm, sheltered waters of the Inner Harbour. The weather played its part, with blue skies and ideal conditions creating a perfect stage for both competitors and spectators.

Throughout the weekend, more than 50 races took place, ranging from high-intensity sprints and technical courses to playful events like SUP Polo and family-friendly paddles. The AquaPaddle 5K proved to be a huge hit, offering an inclusive, non-competitive experience that encouraged new paddlers and families to take part.

Events like the One Design races (where all competitors use the same board model) and youth-focused categories made sure the festival was accessible and fair, while also highlighting raw skill and enthusiasm. Meanwhile, the crowd-pleasing SUP Polo matches offered a fast-paced and humorous interlude that had everyone cheering.

Although the long-distance races were cancelled due to a lightning forecast, a wise move prioritising safety, it didn’t take away from the success of the weekend. In fact, it underscored the professionalism and care taken by the organisers to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and secure event.

More Than Just a Festival

SUPERFestival wasn’t just about competition. It had a clear focus on water safety, supporting organisations like Above Water, which raises awareness about drowning prevention. The visibility of rescue buoys, safety teams, and clear messaging around responsible paddling sent a strong signal: fun on the water should always go hand in hand with care and caution.

This thoughtful approach helped to attract a broad audience, new paddlers, children, seasoned pros, and curious onlookers alike. It was an inclusive event that celebrated everything great about paddleboarding.

Putting Torbay on the Global SUP Map

The English Riviera shone brightly this weekend. With stunning views, excellent facilities, and welcoming local support, Torbay proved it’s ready for the world stage. That’s especially exciting because Torbay will host the 2026 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Stand-Up Paddle World Cup from 24–28 June next year.

The 2025 SUPERFestival was intentionally structured to reflect the layout and format of the upcoming World Cup, acting as a “test run” for organisers and a taste of what’s to come for visitors. And by all accounts, it passed with flying colours.

It’s clear that this event was more than a sporting showcase, it was a tourism triumph. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefited from increased footfall, while spectators left with a new appreciation for the beauty and versatility of the English Riviera. For the paddleboarding community, it also marked a significant step forward in growing awareness and participation across the UK.

Final Thoughts

SUPERFestival 2025 was a resounding success. It brought together top-tier competition, community participation, safety awareness, and destination promotion in a perfectly executed weekend. Torbay demonstrated it has the passion, resources, and natural setting to not only support paddleboarding at the grassroots level but to welcome international audiences with open arms.

With the ICF World Cup just months away, the ripple effect of this weekend’s festival will be felt long after the final paddle stroke. The future of SUP in the UK is bright—and it’s being powered from the heart of the English Riviera.