Racing the River: The 2024 Odra SUP Race Experience

Set against the scenic backdrop of Racibórz, Poland, the 2024 Odra SUP Race drew competitors from across Europe for its fifth edition between 21-23 June, offering a unique blend of competitive spirit and community engagement. Organized by the RTW club, this event showcased a variety of SUP categories suitable for juniors through to masters. Offering more than just races, the event included the Upper Odra Festival, featuring dragon boat races and workshops, enriching the festive atmosphere. Mariusz Miczek, president and coach of RTW, shares insights from the event, emphasizing its appeal to a global audience and highlighting the communal spirit that makes it a must-attend for paddling enthusiasts. See the result below!

Mariusz, could you share some highlights from this year’s Odra SUP Race? What were some key moments that stood out during the event?

I think the key issue is the fact that we are attracting more and more interesting players from Europe to Racibórz. The UI level among Juniors is increasing. Organizing such a dynamic event must come with its unique set of challenges.

What were some of the difficulties you faced this year, and how did you and your team overcome them?

I don’t want to talk about difficulties, they are always there. I think it’s good and it will get even better. It’s just like with our club and our players. What surprises me more is the fact that the SUP scene in Poland is so divided and people are closed to their own actions, which is weak… We should all create these events, regardless of whether someone is from Kayaks Surf… or someone likes someone. This is weak. The most important thing is that we do our job and it’s GOOD. Each of us has made some mistakes, e.g. like me in the organization, but we draw conclusions and correct what is necessary.

The Odra SUP Race attracts a diverse group of athletes. Could you tell us about some of the most notable competitors this year? How many participants did you have, and from how many different countries?

5 countries with almost 100 competitors. For me, the most valuable thing is that Juniors want to race and gain experience. That’s why I’m very happy that Max came from the Netherlands and Marlon and Skadi from Germany, medalists of the last European Championships and World Championships in Thailand.

How did the conditions of the Odra River affect the races this year? Were there any unexpected environmental challenges, and how did the athletes adapt to these conditions?

The Oder can bring us many surprises. This year the water level increased, which meant difficulties… because we swam faster with the current, but it was also more difficult against the current.

Looking back at the event, what aspects of this year’s race are you most proud of as the organizer?

Every part of the event is important and beautiful. Like the very exhausting long distance… Or recreation in the form of a walk on a SUP board, the so-called SUPE into the unknown. I am really happy with every aspect and development of SUP and our club together with our players

The main sponsors and co-organizers included the City Hall of Racibórz and the District Administration Office. This year, the main patronage was be held by the Marshal of the Voivodeship. Our sponsors are RESTUBE, which has been with us for another year, and RAPID, with whom we have established cooperation and share a common mission.

This year’s event featured the integration of the Upper Odra Festival, which added dragon boat competitions and workshops to the lineup, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The historic and natural setting, alongside the Piast Castle, offered a unique paddling experience, blending the thrill of sport with the beauty of Racibórz’s waterways.

Overall, the event not only highlighted the athletic talents of the competitors but also showcased the growing community and popularity of stand-up paddleboarding in the region. The emphasis on junior participation and the inclusion of diverse age groups underscored the event’s commitment to nurturing the sport for future generations.

See you all next year in Poland!

Results of the ODRA SUP Race

Long Distance, Men

1. Maximus Sijrier (U18)
2. Marlon Daskiran (U18)
3. Anton Birkicht (U18)

Long Distance, Women

1. Katarzyna Zarembik (Pro)
2. Emilia Daszewska (U18)
3. Lena Nowak (U18)

Short, U18 Women

1. Langbein Skadi (2006) WPH e.V./ Havel Racers
2. Kamińska Hanna (2007) RTW SUP CLUB Racibórz
3. Bauerek Maja (2012) RTW SUP CLUB Racibórz

Short, U18 Men

1. Daskiran Marlon (2008) WPH e.V./ Havel Racers
2. Birkicht Anton (2007) Rundendreher e.V
3. Sijrier Maximus (2008) Team SEPA

Short, Elite Women

1. Langbein Skadi (2006) WPH e.V./ Havel Racers
2. Doma Julia (1983
3. Zarembik Katarzyna (2002) RTW SUP CLUB Racibórz

Short, Elite Men

1. Huseinov Ruslan (1997) Spójnia Warszawa
2. Daskiran Marlon (2008) WPH e.V./ Havel Racers
3. Szed Adam (1972)

Technical, U15 Men’s

1. Szymański Alan (2010) UKS Szpaki 55 Politechnika Poznańska
2. Miczek Mikołaj (2013) RTW SUP CLUB Racibórz
3. Jaroć Kacper (2010) UKS Szpaki 55 Politechnika Poznańska

Technical, Junior Womens

1. Langbein Skadi (2006) WPH e.V./ Havel Racers
2. Kamińska Hanna (2007) RTW SUP CLUB Racibórz
3. Drobny Martyna (2009) RTW SUP CLUB Racibórz

Technical, Junior Men’s

1. Sijrier Maximus (2008) Team SEPA
2. Daskiran Marlon (2008) WPH e.V./ Havel Racers
3. Birkicht Anton (2007) Rundendreher e.V

Technical, Senior Womens

1. Langbein Skadi (2006) WPH e.V./ Havel Racers
2. Zarembik Katarzyna (2002) RTW SUP CLUB Racibórz
3. Doma Julia (1983)

Technical, Senior Men’s

1. Huseinov Ruslan (1997) Spójnia Warszawa
2. Sijrier Maximus (2008) Team SEPA
3. Świerkowski Krystian (1999)

For more information:

TotalSUP event page

Event webiste

Facebook

Race results

Organiser: RTW Raciborskie Towarzystwo Wioślarskie

Photos by the courtesy of: RTW Raciborskie Towarzystwo Wioślarskie, Lukasz Franica