Test time at the World SUP Festival: Polish talent Jakub Kubiak, 16, steps up on a custom BassSUP board

We caught a glimpse on social media inside the shaping process of a new custom board – where shaper Jędrzej Klafkowski spends most of his time when he’s not on the water, refining designs and pushing performance forward. This time, he had a sidekick: 16-year-old talent Jakub Kubiak from Racibórz, closely involved in the creation of his new BassSUP board.

As Poland’s SUP scene continues to grow, Basssup – premium SUP brand founded in 2016 by Jedrzej Klafkowski and Małgosia Majda  – has been one of the key supporters from the very beginning – touring events, providing equipment, donating gear and supporting international travel for young SUP athletes – playing an instrumental role in developing both the sport and the national scene.

A key moment at the start of the season for BassSUP will be the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca, the opening stop of the European SUP League, where the entire team is set to line up. The event will offer an early benchmark for both riders and equipment, as the brand looks to carry its momentum onto the international stage.

With the 2026 season taking shape and clubs planning their calendars, we caught up with Jakub and Mariusz Miczek, Coach and President of RTW Racibórz SUP Club – who has built one of the strongest junior race teams in Europe – to see which events will serve as key test grounds for both the club and Jakub, as he prepares to debut his new custom BassSUP board.

In chat with Jakub Kubiak:

Hi Jakub, welcome to TotalSUP! How did your journey with SUP and racing begin?

I saw people training on boards and it caught my interest. I signed up for my first training session, really enjoyed it, and stayed with it. After a month, I took part in my first competition – it was Odra SUP. In the long-distance race, I finished near the back, but it motivated me to work harder. A year later, in the same event, I won my first gold medal.

What do you enjoy most about training at RTW Racibórz?

I enjoy everything about the training. I have a great time, even though the sessions are exhausting.

You’ve just received a new board from BassSUP – how will it help you gain that extra edge and improve your race results?

The board is new and professional, made especially for me, so I hope it will help me achieve the best possible results.
For me, the biggest difference is in the turns – they’re faster and more dynamic. Over time, I’ll be able to say more.

Which athlete inspires you and why?

There are many great athletes and you can learn something from each of them.

What are your upcoming sporting challenges and how will you approach them?

The next one is the World SUP Festival in Costa Blanca. I plan to prepare as well as possible and give 100%.

How was it working with Jędrzej on the development of your board?

I’m happy I could be part of designing my own board – it’s a huge honour and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Jędrzej shared a lot of valuable knowledge with me. We worked very well together, and I’d love to collaborate again in the future.

From left: Jędrzej Klafkowski and Jakub Kubiak

In chat with Mariusz Miczek:

Hi Mariusz, how has BassSUP’s support influenced the development of your club and athletes?

I think it’s support that really helps us grow. Thanks to it, young athletes can spread their wings. They have access to very good equipment – custom-made boards and paddles, which unfortunately wear out quickly in our conditions.

Since last year, BassSUP has been our main sponsor, and thanks to this cooperation, three athletes were able to travel to El Salvador for the 2025 ISA World SUP Championships. It’s been very significant support.

Mariusz Miczek and Jakub Kubiak at the 2025 ISA Worlds in El Salvador

Who is an athlete to watch from your team in 2026, and how will BassSUP support contribute to their progress?

I try not to favour any athlete, regardless of titles. What matters most to me is commitment, friendship and respect. Of course, I have my thoughts, and I believe that continued support will strongly contribute to development. The season will show that it’s worth supporting the passion we nurture.

What key events will your club take part in during 2026?

We kick off in April with a trip to the European SUP League’s World SUP Festival Costa Blanca – the circuit’s first stop. I also hope a small group will make the trip to Taranto to visit our friends.

In May, we begin the Polish Cup (PZSurf). June includes the 2026 ICF SUP Junior International Cup in Romania and our own event, Odra SUP Cup held on June 26-28, as part of the European SUP League race circuit. We will also compete in the Czech Cup.

Thank you both for your time – We’re looking forward to catching up with you again at the World SUP Festival!

To find out more about Basssup, visit basssup.com

Follow Basssup on Facebook and Instagram 

Follow RTW Racibórz Team on Facebook and Instagram