Basssup Custom California Race Board Review with ASI Instructor Natalia Bartosiewicz

Basssup, originally launched in 2016 as a premium inflatable SUP board company, has pivoted to become one of the leading names on the Polish SUP scene. This transformation is a direct result of the Founder’s, Jędrzej Klafkowski, passion and skills as a shaper and visionary. Leveraging this expertise, the Basssup has expanded its offerings to include custom high-performance race, SUP surf, and foil boards, along with precision-engineered paddles. Today, Basssup is recognized as the go-to destination for tailored, cutting-edge designs in the SUP community.

TotalSUP sat down with Natalia Bartosiewicz, an avid paddler and racer, ASI accredited SUP Instructor, and Founder of SUPernowa, to discuss her evolving relationship with the Basssup brand, which has grown from admiration into a lasting friendship. Natalia shares insights into her journey with the brand and her latest addition to the Basssup quiver – a custom California all-water race board, perfectly tailored to her needs.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

Hi Natalia, welcome to TotalSUP! Your SUP adventure coincided with the launch of SUPernowa – a travel log and coaching page.

First of all, I’d like to say how thrilled I am to talk about SUPernowa here with you. SUPernowa was born from a combination of my passion for travel and sports activities. I remember well, 7 years ago, when I first stood on a paddleboard and thought, “You can explore on this!” 🙂 That thought struck me in the middle of Lake Ślesińskie (Greater Poland).

From the start, I was fascinated by the versatility of the board, the fact that you can paddle for long distances, both standing and sitting when needed. A year later, I bought my own board. It took a while because I needed to save up enough to purchase a high-quality board—one that would ensure safety and give me maximum satisfaction and comfort while paddling.

Since then, I’ve regularly taken my inflatable SUP board on international trips, sometimes several times a year. I document these trips on social media, showcasing interesting spots for paddling, often in places inaccessible to the average tourist. I love discovering the world from the deck of a SUP board! At this point, I must mention my life partner, Tomek, without whom many of the exciting materials on SUPernowa wouldn’t have been possible.

We recently returned from a trip to Albania and brought back lots of interesting content that might inspire fellow SUP travellers. I’ll be posting them regularly, so feel free to check out my Facebook and Instagram profiles.

You’ve been paddling on Bassa boards almost since the beginning of your SUP journey. How did that connection start?

A paddleboard has been my “sports love at first sight” (laughs). Ever since I was a kid, I admired surfers on TV riding the waves. It was my dream to join them one day. However, I knew it was impossible due to where I lived and financial limitations.

When I first stood on a paddleboard, I was surprised at how naturally it came to me. I realized that owning such a board could be a perfect alternative to my unfulfilled dream. But I needed a lot of information to make an informed decision about choosing my first SUP board. Online shops were already competing with various equipment, and I had no idea what to look for when selecting a board for myself. A friend recommended I call Małgosia Majda from Basssup.

From left, Małgorzata Majda, Natalia Bartosiewicz and Jędrzej Klafkowski; Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

He told me that Małgosia and her partner Jędrzej Klafkowski manufacture SUP boards and are highly knowledgeable about the sport. So, I called her. Małgosia dedicated a lot of time and patience to me. After conducting a short interview, she suggested a race board as my first one! Can you believe it? I was terrified. But she confidently explained why that was the best choice. She said that, given my abilities, it was the ideal option. Of course, she was right, and I was glad I spent the money I had saved for a year wisely.

That’s how I met passionate people—Małgosia and Jędrek. By buying a board from Basssup, I also gained a lot of knowledge about equipment and paddling techniques. They supported me at every stage of my paddleboarding adventure. I saw how committed they were to helping their other customers by not just providing a product but also offering knowledge and support. That’s why, over time, our relationship turned into a friendship.

When and why did you decide to start competing?

It happened very quickly. Even before I bought my first board, a friend encouraged me to compete in a race on the Warta River in Poznań. I was scared to participate—I had no knowledge, no skills, and didn’t know anyone, but I took on the challenge. Of course, I finished last, but to me, it was a victory because that’s when the spark between me and the board truly ignited. I knew then that I wanted to learn the proper paddling technique to compete in future races.

I also realized that training in technique would help me gain the skills needed to safely explore interesting places during trips with the board. Last year, I completed an international instructor course organized by ASI. My instructor was Paul Byrne, whom I warmly greet through this article and thank for the wealth of knowledge and new SUP skills.

From left, Basssup Team Rider Katarzyna Zarembik and Natalia Bartosiewicz; Photo source: Odra SUP Cup

What made you switch to the Basssup performance board, and why did you choose the California 14×22.5 model?

After a few years of paddling on inflatable boards, I decided to invest in a rigid board. I wanted to improve and paddle faster. When I started looking around the market for used boards, it just so happened that Adam Szed, a top Polish competitor, was selling his board from Basssup. He had earned top places on it, so I thought maybe I could too!

I bought the board and gave it a new look. I came up with a design and handed it over to a talented graffiti artist Cruze. That’s how “Folka” was born, with a traditional Łowicz design, representing our country and my love for colours, my optimism. The roosters on the nose of the board symbolize my fighting spirit.

It was a flat-water board, which wasn’t always the most comfortable for me, but we’re still together. However, I feel more comfortable on low-rail all-water boards, which led to the idea of creating a board specifically tailored to my needs and parameters.

This year, Jędrek moved forward with his “California Line” project. I asked him to make a board with low rails, light-weight, narrow and fast, but still stable—an all-water board. Thus, the “Fiery California” was born. That’s what I call it. Every board of mine has a name and its own story.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

We’d like to take a closer look at the California board. What was your first impression?

After unboxing: The first thing that caught my eye was the attention to detail. Every part of the board was crafted with care, the finish is top-notch, and the surface is perfectly smooth with an ideal line.

After launching: As soon as I launched it, I yelled to Jędrek on the beach, “Look, I’m still standing on it, I haven’t fallen yet, and I’m off to do a pivot turn!” The pivot was successful, and I didn’t fall—though it was close. That’s when I really became impressed with the board’s design. Just when you think you’re going to fall, it bounces off the water, and if you brace with your paddle, you stay upright.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

Could you add a few words about:

First visual impression and quality: The craftsmanship is impeccable, with meticulous attention to every detail, aesthetic execution, and a smooth surface and perfect line.

Weight of the board: 8.5 kg

Width of the board: Why did you choose 22.5? My first carbon board was 24.5. As I mentioned earlier, I want to continue progressing, and the narrower width will push me to improve. It’s time for a little temporary discomfort, which will pay off in the long run.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

Stability: I’m pleasantly surprised by its stability. I was initially worried about the narrower width since I had been paddling on wider boards. But when you want to grow, you need to step outside your comfort zone. The board still wobbles slightly under my feet, but it’s within acceptable limits. I can focus on increasing speed rather than worrying about maintaining a stable position.

Tracking: The board holds its course very well. And when I need to turn, it responds instantly to paddle movements or shifting my weight to the back when I step closer to the tail.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

Performance on flat water vs. choppier conditions: The board picks up speed easily on flat water and maintains it very well. On choppier water, it remains stable, even in side waves, which seem less noticeable on this board. It responds to every movement of the water, catching even the smallest of waves.

We’ve also noticed many custom elements. Could you tell us more about them?

I love handmade items. To me, they are objects with soul, with their own story, and they carry the emotions of their creator. Naturally, with this mindset, I had to take the opportunity to ensure the new board reflected my character and my love for Polish tradition and culture.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

This time, the board features a fiery accent with a Łowicz pattern. Flowers transitioning into flames, spreading across the entire front of the board, all in the colours of fire. It gives me strength. If something can give me that during a tough race, then why not?

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

Can the California be a board for aspiring riders just entering the competitive SUP scene?

Absolutely, the California can be a board for those starting their competitive SUP journey. It’s all about designing and adjusting the board to the rider’s specifications. Tell Jędrzej what you’re looking for, and he’ll shape you a board like a Łowicz paper cut-out. He’s got the skill!

Your final verdict:

Its lightness and shape make a huge impression on me. Thanks to the flat deck I feel completely unrestricted on it. I can’t wait to take it out on the water again.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki

Thank you for your time and insight Natalia!

To find out more about Basssup, visit basssup.com

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*Images by Bartek Ciechacki, courtesy of Basssup