Golden debut for Bianka Mičke on the Light Board Corp Woven X Platin inflatable race board

The launch of the all-new, lightweight Woven X Platin inflatable race board series marked the latest innovation from  Light Board Corp – the team behind the PARADOXA race board, organisers of the SUP Alps Trophy, and the creators of one of the most hyped events, the Lake Rocks Festival. Known as the “Light Riders”, the brand has built its reputation on pushing the limits of performance, whether on cutting-edge composite race boards or high-performance inflatables. Their results speak for themselves, with multiple world titles to their name, including Normen Weber’s ICF Vice World Championship finish in 2025 aboard a Light Board Corp inflatable.

The new board has already demonstrated its potential in demanding race conditions. Just a week ago, Czech Ice Sailing World Champion turned foiler and SUP racer Bianka Mičke put the Woven X Platin through its paces on her way to three Czech Championship titles in the inflatable division, claiming gold in the technical, long-distance and sprint disciplines despite challenging, ever-changing conditions.

Bianka’s journey into paddleboarding is a reminder of the sport’s unique ability to attract elite athletes from across different disciplines – and how simply reaching out to the right brand can open unexpected doors.

Fresh from her championship-winning performance, we caught up with Bianka to discuss her transition into SUP, her remarkable season, and how her background as a PhD Researcher and Scientist, has given her a unique perspective on board design and innovation.

Photo by Martin Hladík

Hi Bianka, welcome to TotalSUP! You’re an accomplished Ice Sailing Champion and now a keen foiler. How did your journey begin, and what drew you from the ice to the water?

Thank you so much, it’s a pleasure to be here! My sporting journey actually started with competitive rowing, which gave me an amazing endurance and core foundation. I’ve always loved wind and speed, so winning the WISSA World Championship titles on ice and snow was an incredible rush. But you can’t wait for winter all year round, so when I discovered winging and wingfoiling a few seasons ago, it was a total game-changer. The feeling of flying above the water is just as addictive as gliding over ice.

Photo by MG FOTO

How did you first discover stand-up paddleboarding, and what was it about the sport that made you want to compete?

I actually first tried SUP around 2016 or 2017 at a running event and a running party, where it was just a fun cross-training activity. Back then, I started on those big and heavy inflatable boards. But I loved the challenge.

Later, I found out that people actually race on these things! My very first proper race was in the summer of 2023. I realized that SUP racing requires the perfect mix of endurance and tactical thinking, and I was hooked instantly.

Photo by Martin Hladík

You’ve just made your debut as a Light Board Corp brand ambassador – and what a debut it was, with three gold medals at the Czech National Championships. Congrats! How did the partnership with Light Board Corp come about?

Thank you! Winning the gold medals in the inflatable category at the Czech National Championship was an amazing debut. The partnership with Light Board Corp actually came out of a logistical challenge. The racing rules here changed to the 14-foot length standard, and I simply didn’t have a competitive board.

I reached out directly to Gerd Weisner from Light Board Corp to see if there were any possibilities to collaborate. Gerd was incredibly supportive and open-minded right from the start. He believed in my potential, and we quickly found a way to get me on their top-tier gear.

Photo by Martin Hladík

You’re also a PhD researcher and scientist, and in your announcement you mentioned that you look at sport through the lens of precision and innovation. What was it about the Light Board Corp Woven X Platin iSUP that made you choose it as your race board?

In my PhD research, I focus on the gut microbiome, metabolome and opiates. While my laboratory work is highly specific, I passionately apply physiology to optimize my own athletic performance. Because of my background in rowing and wingfoiling, I know exactly how much material quality and engineering matter for speed and efficiency. It’s the same with paddleboards.

I wanted the absolute best equipment available. When I saw the precise craftsmanship, the woven technology, and how light yet stiff the Light Board Corp boards are, it was a clear choice. It’s a premium product where science meets real world water performance.

You raced the new Woven X Platin iSUP to triple gold. What were your first impressions of the board, and what stood out most about its performance in racing conditions? How would you describe the feel of the Woven X Platin on the water? What makes it stand out from other inflatable race boards you’ve paddled?

The board completely blew my mind during the races. The Czech Championship at Lipno delivered some truly hardcore racing conditions: we faced heavy storms, wild winds, and massive chop. What stood out most was how the board handled the rough water. Despite being so light, it didn’t bounce uncontrollably. The nose cut through the waves beautifully and it felt remarkably responsive.

Photo by Martin Hladík

For the first time on an inflatable board, I felt true micro-control. If you apply pressure with just one foot, the board responds instantly it either holds a perfectly straight line depending on your paddle stroke, or it carves exactly how you want it to just by utilizing the water flow around the fin. And the best part? During the downwind sections, I stepped to the back of the board, and it actually allowed me to catch and surf the lake waves! I have never experienced a downwind surf like that on an inflatable board before. The shape and craftsmanship are top-tier and it honestly feels as stiff as a hardboard.

Photo by Martin Hladík

As someone competing across multiple disciplines, what motivates you to keep pushing your limits and trying something new?

I am driven by curiosity and the thrill of learning. I don’t like staying in a comfort zone. Whether it’s discovering a new biological mechanism in the lab, mastering a foil transition, or managing a 14-foot race board in a heavy storm, the process of growth is what keeps me alive. Every discipline connects.

The balance from wingfoiling helps my SUP racing, and the raw endurance from paddling feeds back into everything else. I just want to see how far this combination of a scientific mindset and athletic grit can take me.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the rest of the season? Are there any events you’re particularly excited about?

To be honest, my plans can change from day to day because of my intense schedule in the PhD lab and everyday life, so I don’t want to make any rigid promises. But I would love to compete more if time allows. There is a SUP event in Crete this September and since I absolutely love Crete, that is definitely on my radar!

I am also really looking forward to visiting Gerd and the Light Board Corp crew at their home club later this summer to catch up, do some paddling together, and try their carbon hardboards. That would be an awesome next-level experience!

Thank you for your time Bianka – have an epic Summer!

To find out more about LIGHTBOARDCORP® designs, visit lightboardcorp.com 

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Check out the SUP Alps Trophy calendar here

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*Photos by Martin Hladík and courtesy of Bianka