California vs. Gen Z: Team Rider Krystian Świerkowski breaks down Basssup race boards

Hailing from a small town near Wrocław, Poland, with the Oder River as his training ground, 25-year-old Krystian Świerkowski is part of a new wave of homegrown talent that has burst onto the national scene, and is quickly developing a strong appetite for international competition.

From gruelling open-water formats to long distance flat water grinds, Krystian has proven his ability to adapt across a wide range of race conditions. His bronze medal at the 2025 Polish Long Distance Championships stands as a testament to that progress.

Now backed by the leading Polish SUP brand, Basssup, and racing on their elite hardboard models, Krystian is a standout example of where dedication, local roots and strong support can lead.

We caught up with Krystian to find out more about his entry into the competitive side of SUP – a path shared by many amateur paddlers making the transition into racing – and to spotlight the support Basssup provides to young athletes through high-performance gear. We also took a closer look at two of Krystian’s custom race boards shaped by the brand’s Co-Founder and shaper Jędrzej Klafkowski: the 14x 20.5 California, dugout race board and the 14×21.5 Gen Z characterised by a slightly recessed deck.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | wydryzprzylesia.pl

Hi Krystian, welcome to TotalSUP! How did your adventure with SUP begin, and how did you get into competitive side of the sport?

My SUP journey started with recreational paddling on an inflatable board. I quickly caught the bug—I loved the balance, rhythm, and connection with nature. Over time, I started paddling on a hard board from Basssup and joined RTW Racibórz, where I train under Mariusz Miczek. He introduced me to the world of competitions and showed me that passion can turn into a sporting goal. My first race? Lots of nerves, but also huge motivation to keep improving.

Photo credit: RTW Raciborz

You’re now riding a custom boards from BassSUP – what makes it stand out?

The board was handmade by Jędrzej Klafkowski – it’s light, stiff, responsive, and perfectly tailored to my physique. Because of that, I can paddle faster, more confidently, and with better technique, which makes a big difference in races. I alternate between the Bass California and Gen Z models depending on water conditions and discipline.

How did your collaboration with BassSUP start and what does it mean to you?

We met at a racing competition – after testing their board, I immediately felt it was equipment that gives an advantage. The partnership developed very naturally. Now I feel real support not only as an athlete but also as a person — it’s a partnership that gives me extra motivation.

Image source: Česká Federace SURF a SUP

What features are most important to you in race boards?

Stiffness, low weight, stability, and responsiveness to the paddle. My Basssup board meets these requirements 100% – it glides smoothly like on rails but also allows me to react dynamically, especially in turns and during pace changes.

How does a custom board differ from ready-made models?

A custom board is tailored to me in every detail. I don’t have to adjust to it, it just works with me. The difference is huge, especially in racing conditions where every detail matters.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | wydryzprzylesia.pl

How do you view the development of the SUP scene in Poland?

It’s getting better as the number of races and interest in the sport is growing. There’s still a lack of broader support for young athletes, but the potential is huge. If managed well, we have a chance to build a strong position in Europe.

What surprised you at competitions abroad?

In terms of organisation, everything runs perfectly. Plus, the great atmosphere and very high level of competition. Racing abroad is a huge lesson in humility but also motivation.

What differences do you see between Poland and the West?

The West has more professionalism: better equipment, more coaches, sponsors, and infrastructure. In Poland, we make up for it with passion and a good atmosphere – but we still need to work on support from federations and structure.

Image source: Sliesia SUP Cup 2025

What should be brought from abroad to Poland?

Youth programs, access to equipment, camps, technical training. We also need more support for athletes so they can compete regularly and develop.

Let’s take a closer look at the Basssup hard race boards you have in your quiver: The Gen Z and California. Under what conditions and types of races (Tech, Sprint, LD) do you choose the Basssup California, and when do you choose the Gen Z?

California: I choose it more often for long-distance (LD) races and moderately technical conditions. It performs very well in slightly choppy water, paddling in straight lines, and maintaining rhythm over longer distances.

I find it ideal for races with longer straights, for example, marathons, open ocean races, flat water with light chop. I recently raced it in King of the Bay on a 12km downwind course in the Bay of Puck, and the California 14×20.5 worked perfectly for catching bumps.

Gen Z: I pick it more often for technical races and sprints with beach starts. It has a more aggressive shape, better acceleration, and agility. I find it excellent for tech caces, around buoys, quick direction changes, and short, intense starts.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | wydryzprzylesia.pl

Which of these boards gives you a greater sense of stability at a high pace?

Basssup California: Provides more stability, especially when maintaining a high pace over a longer period. Its shape and volume distribution support balance during long and powerful strokes.

Gen Z: More twitchy and less predictable at high speed – stability requires better balance and technique. However, it responds better to rhythm changes than to sustained, steady pacing.

From left: Basssup California and two Gen Z models

How do these models differ in terms of acceleration and speed maintenance?

Gen Z: It provides better acceleration. Reacts dynamically to strong strokes and gets up to speed quickly. Perfect for starts, exits from turns, and sprint bursts – especially effective in sprints with beach starts and finishes.

Basssup California: Better at maintaining speed. It has a better glide and keeps rhythm without the need for constant acceleration. Less dynamic, but efficient over longer distances.

Krystian on the Basssup Gen Z race board | Image source: Česká Federace SURF a SUP

Do you feel a difference in manoeuvrability between the California and the Gen Z, especially around buoys or in technical sections?

Yes, definitely.

Gen Z: More agile, easier to manoeuvre, responds faster to weight shifts and turns – great around buoys, in turns, and in crowded situations. Especially enjoyable in beach starts where you have to run with the board and jump on quickly.

California: Less manoeuvreable, more linear. It needs more space to turn and greater leg engagement.

Which board fits your paddling style better and why?

For me and my local conditions, the California fits better because I mostly paddle on rivers, where I need a board that maintains speed well with a high cadence over long distances.

In races, I try to match the board to the current conditions and race requirements – fortunately, I have that flexibility because I regularly train on both the Basssup Gen Z and the California.

Krystian on the custom Basssup California race board

What are your SUP plans? 

Further development, intensive training, and more competitions – both in Poland and abroad. I want to improve my results on the international stage and promote SUP among young people.

Thank you for your time Krystian and hopefully we can catch up in Poland in the near future 🙂

To find out more about Basssup, visit basssup.com

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*Images courtesy of Basssup and Krystian Świerkowski