Paddleboarding puts Torbay on the global map

The English Rivera is being put on the worldwide map - thanks to paddleboarding. And it could mean big business in the future.

The resort will take centre stage next summer as it plays host to the 2026 International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Cup, marking the first time an event of this magnitude has been held in the UK.

The event shows the true value of the so-called ‘Blue Economy’ and how the Bay has the potential to boost the local economy with what it has naturally - namely bright blue seas.

The world cup competition is set to welcome an expected 200 elite international athletes, over 1,000 participants and 5,000 spectators.

Here Brendon Prince, Torbay’s world record holding paddleboarder and the man who has done more than most to lure the world cup to our shores explains the potential pulling power of the Blue economy.

 ‘Torbay has always looked to the horizon. With over 20 miles of stunning coastline and a unique marine heritage our bay has long been a place of possibility. But today, the potential of our blue spaces, not just as places of beauty but as drivers of sustainable growth, education and global visibility, has never been greater.

That’s the heart of the Blue Economy. It’s not just about tourism or water sports, though these remain vital pillars. It’s about how our coastal resources can be harnessed in responsible, innovative ways to bring long-term benefits to people, planet and place. 

Torbay has the opportunity to lead.

Leading with Water Safety

As founder of the charity, Above Water, I’ve worked for years to champion drowning prevention, coastal safety and positive experiences in blue space. We’ve taught thousands of young people across the UK how to stay safe around water and it’s not just about swimming. It’s about understanding risk, decision-making and developing resilience. These are life skills with long-term impact.

The Blue Economy must begin with safety. If we can’t ensure our residents and visitors feel confident and supported around the water, we limit every other opportunity it could offer. 

Major International Events: A Watershed Moment

The ICF Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Cup will be the first time the UK has hosted this elite-level event and it places us alongside other key global destinations .

It offers opportunity, regeneration and  progress

The World Cup will  be televised, streamed and followed around the world. But more importantly, it will create a two-year window of opportunity for local businesses, schools, creatives and community partners to get involved, grow and benefit.

Smart Coastline, Global Innovation

Another exciting development is our potential involvement in a UK Space Agency-backed smart beacon trial with the innovative My Coast platform. If confirmed, Torbay will become one of only three UK locations and one of a handful globally, to pilot this groundbreaking coastal safety and visitor management system.

These beacons provide real-time information to the public on tides, weather, safety alerts and even local events, all through a simple app interface. 

It’s about blending tradition with technology. The fact that this could be trialled here, free of charge for two years, demonstrates how our Bay is gaining a reputation for leading in coastal innovation, not just participation.

The Board Room – A New Base for Blue Thinking

The Board Room is our new base for all things water. It’s a hybrid space, part community hub, part co-working space, part coffee and retail. It will be the HQ for the World Cup, the Above Water education programme and a space for events, talks, and creative collaborations.

The Call to Business

What’s most exciting is that all of this is collaborative. We’re already talking to local businesses about branding, hospitality, vehicles, catering and digital partnerships. Whether you run a hotel, a marine tech firm, a coffee shop, or a media agency, there are real, long-term ways to get involved.

We’re not just talking about sponsorship. We’re talking about a shared vision for what Torbay can be when we invest in our natural assets and work together.

Final Thoughts

Electric Bay is a brilliant theme not just because of what’s possible but because of the energy already being generated here. We have momentum. We have ambition. And, most importantly, we have the coastline that can power a better future, for business, for community and for the next generation.