SUPHub Culture and Community

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Our mission is clear: to make Torbay and the English Riviera the Paddleboarding Capital of the UK. This goal is supported by a dynamic network of local businesses across five key pillars: Accommodation, Food & Drink, Safety & Governance, Sustainability, and Accessibility.

Born out of community passion, our group has united local hotels, cafés, adventure providers, and sustainability advocates to create a SUP-friendly destination. Through collaboration, we’ve tackled the challenges of growing the sport while preserving the region’s unique environment.

SUPHub plays a pivotal role in supporting the "On the Water" theme of the English Riviera Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2022-2030, which focuses on creating world-class water-based activities. By developing on-water experiences for visitors and enhancing the facilities for self-equipped enthusiasts, SUPHub is helping to attract the "Young Actives"—groups of friends and couples in their 20s and 30s—who seek thrilling, year-round adventure.

Through events like the UK National Championships and initiatives such as the SUP Piste Map, we’re increasing awareness and participation in paddleboarding, fostering a culture of excitement and activity that keeps this target market engaged.

1.  Accommodation: Hotels and guesthouses are adapting to needs of paddleboarders, providing board storage, drying rooms, and paddleboard-friendly amenities.
2. Food & Drink: Local venues like Cantina and Anstey's Cove Café are embracing the SUP culture, offering inflation stations for those heading onto the water and Après-SUP dining experiences that cater to paddleboarders looking to refuel.
3. Safety & Governance: Contributors like Above Water, the NCI and Reach Outdoors have worked with us to ensure SUP safety standards, including assistance with maps, webcams, and safety protocols for major events.
4. Sustainability: Organisations such as The Seal Project and the English Riviera Global Geopark are integral to preserving the area's natural beauty, educating visitors on eco-friendly practices and promoting wildlife protection.
5. Accessibility: With support from groups like The Wave Project, we strive to make      paddleboarding available to all, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the water through initiatives like beach wheelchairs, accessible facilities, and programmes for everyone young and old, regardless of ability.

Our success comes from the involvement of dedicated volunteers and local businesses who share our vision. Through regular meetings and working groups, we’ve developed tools like the SUPHub Piste Map, coordinated community events, and events gathering national press attention. These efforts have set the foundation for Torbay and The English Riviera to be recognised as the home of paddleboarding in the UK.

Whether you're a local business looking to adapt your services or a paddleboarding enthusiast eager to volunteer, there are many ways to contribute. Join one of our working groups, from accommodation to sustainability, and help us shape the future of paddleboarding in Torbay.

Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.