Next ESL Stop – Poland: National SUP Champion Maja Bauerek ready for the Odra SUP Cup home-water challenge

Now in its seventh edition, the Odra SUP Cup has established itself as one of Poland’s leading SUP events. This year marks an important step forward, with the race officially joining the European SUP League calendar as Stop #4 of the 2026 season, while also counting towards both the European and Polish SUP Cup rankings.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | Wydry z Przylesia

Hi Maja, welcome to TotalSUP! Odra SUP Cup is now an official stop of the European SUP League. How do you feel about racing on your “home turf” during such a big event?

It’s a very exciting feeling. I’m happy that such a prestigious competition is taking place here in Rybnik. Racing in front of my family, friends, and visitors from many different countries gives me extra motivation and positive energy. I’m proud to be part of this event.

Maja Bauerek | Photo by BassSUP

What are your goals for this stop of the European SUP League? Who would you most like to compete against on the start line?

My main goal is to give 100% and show the best paddling I’m currently capable of. I want to use the experience I’ve gained through training and previous competitions and test myself against a strong international field. Of course, every athlete dreams of achieving the best possible result, but for me, gaining experience and continuing to develop is equally important.

When it comes to competition, I’m most excited about the opportunity to race against the top athletes of the European SUP League. Competing with the best is the greatest motivation and the best way to improve my level. I’m not focused on racing one specific person – I simply want to line up alongside the strongest competitors and take on the challenge.

Maja with the BassSUP and RTW Raciborz Team at the European SUP League x World SUP Festival | Photo by BassSUP

Which SUP discipline do you feel strongest in: sprint, technical, or long distance?

I enjoy sprint racing the most. It’s a discipline full of adrenaline, where you have to give 100% from start to finish and every second counts. I love the intensity of short, explosive efforts, powerful starts, and direct competition from the very first meters. Sprint racing allows me to make the most of my strength, which is why I achieve my best results in this discipline.

Maja Bauerek claimed double gold, winning both the U15 Sprint and U15 Technical titles at the 2025 ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

What could be the biggest challenge during these races?

The biggest challenges could be the weather conditions and the very high level of competition. In such a strong field, every detail matters – from the start, to race strategy, to maintaining focus all the way to the finish line.

Knowing the local conditions, can you use the “home advantage”?

Knowing the venue and local conditions can definitely be an advantage. I know what to expect and how the water behaves in different situations. However, with such strong competition, the final result depends primarily on fitness, form, and good preparation.

We’ve just seen your new BassSUP board – congrats! Beyond providing equipment, how does Basssup support your development as an athlete and help create a sense of team among its riders?

BassSUP gives us much more than just equipment. They also provide support and opportunities to exchange experiences with others.

Receiving a new board was a huge motivation for me and a sign that someone believes in my development and wants to be part of my sporting journey.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | Wydry z Przylesia

How do you rate your new Razor Fast Pro 14’x21” after your first sessions?

After my first training sessions, I’m very positively surprised. The board is fast and allows me to maintain a high pace and speed. At the same time, it gives me a sense of control and comfort, which is extremely important during races.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | Wydry z Przylesia

Did you immediately feel it was “your” board, or was it a process of adaptation? In which conditions does the Razor Fast Pro show its full potential?

As with every new board, I needed a few training sessions to fully understand how it behaves. However, the adaptation process was very quick.

The Razor Fast Pro performs best in fast racing on flat water and in conditions where maintaining high speed and maximizing the efficiency of every paddle stroke are key.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | Wydry z Przylesia

What gives you the most fun on race day, even beyond the actual start?

What I enjoy most is the atmosphere of the events and meeting people who share the same passion. I love the energy that comes with every trip – from the preparations before the race, to conversations with other athletes, to recovering together and analysing the race after crossing the finish line. It’s this sporting community that makes every competition trip special.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | Wydry z Przylesia

What would you say to younger athletes who are just starting in SUP?

First and foremost, enjoy being on the water and don’t focus only on results. Progress in sport takes time, patience, and consistency. It’s important to take advantage of every opportunity to learn, not be afraid of competing against more experienced athletes, and remember that every training session brings you closer to your goals. Most importantly, keep your passion alive and stay committed to the process.

Thank you Maja – we can’t wait to be on the start line in Rybnik with you and your team!

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki | Wydry z Przylesia

Find out more and register for the event here 

To find out more about European SUP League (ESL), visit europeansupleague.com

Follow ESL on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

European SUP Tour Calendar 2026:

• Poland – Rybnik  | June 26–28
• Spain – Huelva | September 5–6
• Portugal – Sesimbra | September 11–13

Follow Maja Bauerek on Instagram

*Images by Bartek Ciechacki / Wydry z Przylesia