Torbay glistens in Paddleboard showpiece

The long-anticipated Paddleboard Superchamps 2024 in Torbay was a resounding success, despite the brutal weather conditions on Sunday curtailing some planned events.

The first two days of racing in our Naturally Inspiring Bay was simply awesome, with paddleboarding enthusiasts from all over the country enjoying a superb array of events, including sprints and long-distance trawls on Torbay waters.

While the planned racing for Sunday was cancelled due to high winds, there is no question the organisers, competitors and volunteers did a wonderful job in showcasing their sport and Torbay.

Following swiftly on from the Great Big Paddle, the SUPERCHAMPS was a groundbreaking festival and the first step in a five-year vision to establish the English Riviera, as an international destination to SUP. The event delivered a vibrant celebration of stand-up paddleboarding, catering to everyone from beginners to elite athletes. 

The SUPERCHAMPS featured a diverse range of races and activities designed to engage participants of all ages and skill levels. From the thrilling 150m sprint to the junior and first-time races, there was something for everyone.

Brendon Prince, a nine-time World Record Stand-Up Paddleboarding Champion and ambassador for the event, expressed his excitement: "Partnering with the SUP governing body PaddleUK to bring these championships to the English Riviera is a significant step toward elevating the sport. We focused on creating an exhilarating lineup of activities but also promoting water safety and drowning prevention, which are at the heart of our mission.

"Our goal is to position the English Riviera as a premier destination for international SUP. The next five years will be crucial in establishing a strong foundation with the support of our commercial partners, ensuring the region becomes synonymous with world-class paddleboarding."