Basssup backs young SUP talent: RTW Racibórz phenom Mikołaj Miczek hits the new season on custom gear

Photo by Andy Klotz

When we first interviewed Mikołaj Miczek he was a 9-year-old grom with big dreams – and already Poland’s youngest SUP racer. Hailing from RTW Raciborskie Towarzystwo Wioślarskie (RTW Racibórz), the club led by his coach and father, Mariusz, Mikołaj quickly stood out as a rising star in the sport.

Since then, he’s collected multiple national championship titles, and RTW SUP Club Racibórz has grown into one of the most dynamic and successful clubs developing junior talent in the SUP world.

Now 12 years old, Mikołaj has just returned from the Czech Open Cup, where he clinched gold in the U15 long distance category — adding yet another major win to his already impressive record.

We caught up with Mikołaj after his incredible season kickoff – launched on his brand-new Basssup custom California 14 x 20 board. The board is a result of Basssup’s evolving commitment to performance and innovation. Originally launched in 2016 as a premium Polish inflatable SUP brand, Basssup has since expanded under the direction of co-founder Jędrzej Klafkowski, who now dedicates significant time in the shaping studio crafting race, SUP surf, and foil boards, as well as developing high-performance paddles. This custom board is not just a piece of gear — it’s a testament to Jędrzej’s dedication to growing the Polish SUP scene.

We also asked Mikołaj’s coach (and dad), Mariusz, to share his thoughts on this exciting partnership.

Mariusz Miczek said: “As for me, I’m glad that we have people among us with heart, like Jędrek and Gośka (Małgorzata Majda, Co-Founder steering the brand’s ISUP divison). A Polish brand that supports young people gives us much greater opportunities – especially when it comes to organizing trips, like the one to the USA.

Equipment support is also hugely important – Basssup boards that perform 100%, and paddles which, unfortunately, often get damaged due to our conditions.

I believe that initiatives like this and this kind of collaboration bring a lot of positive results – and that’s exactly what we’re all aiming for. That’s why I’m happy to see us evolving in this area and that it’s starting to deliver more and more positive outcomes.”

Mikołaj & Mariusz Miczek | Photo by Bartosz Śrama

Hi Miki, do you remember your first interview with us when you were 9 years old? What has changed the most in you since then – as an athlete and as a person?

Yes, I remember — I definitely paddle better now. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had more training sessions, which allows me to grow and have fun.

Photo by Bartosz Śrama

Back then, you were just starting out. Today, you already have many podium finishes to your name. What motivates you most to keep paddling and striving for more?

I love competing — every race is an experience for me. I enjoy racing with friends, like Mylo Van Bakel – racing together is fun.

From left Espe Barreras, Csillag Kocsis and Mikołaj Miczek at the Lake Rocks Festival 2025 | Photo by Andy Klotz

Do you already have favourite distances or conditions? Or are you still experimenting with everything?

I feel best in technical races. For sprints, I’m still a bit too young compared to my peers. I usually race with older paddlers, so it’s hard to compete on equal terms – especially due to differences like height 😉

You’re now paddling on a custom board from Basssup. How does riding a board like that differ from the standard models you tested before?

I feel faster now, and I know it’s because the board was made for me by Jędrzej. I ride Basssup because it works for me – I don’t need a big-name brand to know I’ve got the right gear. Take my friend, Shuri “Shrimpy” Araki, for example – few outside North America had heard of the Flying Fish Board Co before he brought it into the spotlight. And now…

I know that it’s all about relationships, and it’s the rider who makes the gear great. I’ve still got many years and a lot of work ahead of me.

Photo by Andy Klotz

How did your collaboration with BassSUP come about, and what does it mean to you—both in terms of sport and personally?

Sport-wise, I don’t have a clear plan yet. But I know that Jędrzej and Gosia are amazing people, and I’m really happy that, even being this young, I get to ride a board made just for me. It’s the same gear most people in my club ride.

What are your thoughts on the Polish SUP scene, especially thanks to your dad’s involvement and the Racibórz club? How do you see the impact of young talent, shifts in mindset, and new initiatives? How do you personally view this new stage of the scene’s development?

Together with my team, we’re noticing more and more young paddlers showing up – and that’s exciting. It’s great to be able to race with kids our age at home. My dad has his vision and he’s making it happen.
And it’s clearly paying off — you can see the results. As a coach and a father, he puts his heart into it — and that’s amazing.

Photo by Bartosz Śrama

Do you have your eye on any particular races or goals you want to achieve in the upcoming season?

When I’m older, maybe 15, I want to be the best in Poland — and maybe aim even higher someday.
For now, I’m still very young, I love my board, love my bike and I want to work hard to be great at what I do – with my team.

Thank you so much Miki for your time – we can’t wait to see you in action at one of the SUP races in Poland!

To find out more about Basssup, visit basssup.com

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Follow Mikołaj Miczek on Instagram and check out his latest SUP endeavours via RTW Racibórz