Polish Junior SUP scene gets a boost: Basssup supports Lena Nowak, 15, excelling in challenging racing formats

Fifteen-year-old Lena Nowak from Krzyżanowice, Poland, is an emerging talent from the super-strong girl squad at RTW Raciborskie Towarzystwo Wioślarskie (RTW Racibórz), proving that the next generation of Polish paddlers is ready to shake up the leaderboard.

She found her competitive spark not in training, but in the heat of actual competition, a moment she considers her greatest achievement so far, as it marked her transition into the realm of elite-level paddling. “I showed that I’m no longer just a young athlete paddling for fun – I discovered my true passion for long-distance racing,” she reflects.

Humble yet driven, Lena made a strong impression by taking charge in the open women’s long distance race at the 2024 Lake Ohrid SUP Crossing. She’s been excelling in both gruelling long-distance and high-skill technical races, amassing an impressive collection of titles – including 1st place in the Technical Race (U15) at the 2024 ICF World Championships in Sarasota, Florida, and 1st place in the Long Distance (Open Women) at the Krumlov Marathon 2024. With multiple national podiums also under her belt, Lena is firmly establishing herself as one of the most exciting young paddlers on the rise.

She’s now progressing through the season, riding the Basssup California 14′ x 20.5″ board. This support from Basssup (check out our latest article featuring Mikołaj Miczek, another rising SUP talent supported by Basssup), reflects their ongoing commitment to the Polish junior division, providing Lena and RTW Racibórz SUP Club with equipment and opportunities to help develop young paddlers and prepare them for the open category.

Photo by Andy Klotz

Hi Lena, welcome to TotalSUP! What drew you into the sport, and what was your path like leading up to your first competitions?

I first got interested in SUP around five years ago during the summer, when my dad and I rented a board for the first time. Some time later, he showed me the RTW Instagram and suggested I go to a training session. At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to, but in the end, my dad convinced me—and thanks to him, I am where I am today. As I mentioned, it was my dad who got me into the sport, and also the fact that I love everything to do with water.

My first competition took place almost a year after my first training session. It was the Racibórz Championships, where I won my first gold medal in the U12 category.

You’ve just officially moved into the junior category – what does that mean to you?

I definitely put more pressure on myself now than before. Last year, I already had the opportunity to compete in the juniors, so I now have a general idea of what it’s like. But I can clearly say it’s much tougher than the youth category. I consider this a new chapter because it means a lot more work than last season—and, of course, an official debut at the Junior World Championships.

Image source: The 2025 Spring Race

What do you see as the biggest challenges in this age group?

I think the biggest challenge will be competing against the top athletes from around the world. I also see more chances to be noticed by sponsors and others. As for motivation, it’s definitely stronger than it was last year.

Which matchup are you most looking forward to – is there someone you’re especially eager to compete against?

I’m really looking forward to the Polish Championships because I must admit, I feel a bit unsatisfied with how things went last year. And of course, I’m excited for the ICF World SUP Championships – to compete against the global elite and to challenge myself.

What’s your collaboration like at the Racibórz club with the other girls you train with daily? Would you say you form a tight-knit team? Readers are definitely curious about the vibe in your crew and how you support each other on the road to success.

I think we’re a very tight-knit group. The girls are very close to me because I’ve known them for a long time and spend a lot of time with them during training and beyond. They’re like sisters to me. But when we’re at a competition, we all fight hard—though at international events, we sometimes help each other out. Whether we win or lose, we support each other. Of course, there are people I get along with more, but I love them all.

Image source: RTW Raciborz

You’re now paddling on a board from Basssup – what sets it apart, and how does it influence your paddling style?

The BASS board is definitely something new for me because it’s very different from the one I used to paddle. The board definitely stands out with its distinctive color, and it’s fast and demanding. As expected, it does its job well. I think my technique may have shifted a bit, but that’s just a matter of getting more time on the board.

Image source: RTW Raciborz

What are your upcoming SUP goals and plans?

My biggest goal right now is to become the Polish Champion and qualify for the World Championships. In terms of plans, I want to keep paddling and developing in this discipline.

Thank you Lena – we’re wishing you an epic season and may all your pro SUP dreams come true!

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