River Race in Poland: Insights from Three Odra SUP Ahtletes

The Odra SUP Race, nestled against the historic and scenic backdrop of Racibórz, Poland, transcends being merely a sporting event, evolving into a vibrant celebration of paddleboarding culture and community spirit. Set by the majestic Piast Castle, this event has grown into a cherished tradition for both local enthusiasts and international competitors. This year’s race, scheduled for June 21-23, promises an exciting blend of competitive spirit and festive enjoyment, welcoming participants of all ages, including juniors and masters in the 40+ and 50+ categories. We spoke with three athletes who are gearing up to compete for the medals on the river this year.

Young Talent on the Rise: Maximus Sijrier’s Anticipation

Maximus, a 15-year-old from The Netherlands and a seasoned SUP racer, shares his excitement about participating in the Odra SUP race for the first time. “I’m looking forward to meeting the boys and girls from the RTW Sup Club again,” he says. “It’s thrilling to join them at their home spot after regularly meeting in Europe. I’ve seen their videos and pictures of training on the river and I am excited to race there. It looked like so much fun and I hope this year will be great too!”

When asked about adapting his training for a river race like the Odra SUP, Maximus explains, “We don’t have such rivers close to where I live, so it’s challenging to train under similar conditions regularly.” He adds, “I’ve practiced on rivers when possible, enjoying the dynamics of moving water and planning to enhance my resistance training to better handle the upstream challenges.”

Marlon Daskiran: Setting Goals and Embracing Challenges

Marlon, a 16-year-old competitor from Berlin, shares his journey into river racing. ” I have been racing 3 years and love flat water racing. I discovered the Odra Cup on social media and was immediately captivated,” Marlon recounts. His goal for the race is ambitious: “I aim to finish on the podium in the junior category, especially since there’s prize money at stake for juniors this year.”

Looking ahead, Marlon is focused on continuous improvement. ” I anticipate that the water conditions and the tactical aspects of riding will present significant challenges during the race. Each race invariably introduces new experiences, and I consistently derive valuable insights from every competition. Moving forward, my focus will be on intensifying my mental training and honing my skills in maneuvering and tactical riding, which are crucial for enhancing my overall performance. I’m genuinely excited about participating in the race and am looking forward to both the competitive aspect and the sheer enjoyment it brings.”

Mario Tagarelli, president of the SUP Academy Taranto: Passion for Coaching

Mario is enthusiastically preparing his team for this year’s Odra SUP Cup. Under his guidance, SUP Academy Taranto has become a prominent force in the world of stand-up paddleboarding. Claudia Postiglione, a celebrated athlete from SUP Academy Taranto, has won numerous medals and titles, dominating nearly all Italian competitions and excelling internationally, including at the Odra SUP Race and the ICF World Championships in Gdynia. In 2023, she represented Italy at major events like the ISA World Championships in France and the EuroSUP European Championships in Portugal, winning gold in both the Junior Technical and Long Distance races at the ICF World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand. These achievements underscore the high level of training and competition at SUP Academy Taranto, a testament to the expertise of coach Mario Tagarelli.

SUP Academy Taranto was founded in 2021 by Mario, a licensed instructor with credentials from FISW, FICK, CSEN, IKO, and MIP. His passion has fostered numerous international collaborations and led to a variety of enjoyable sports activities. The academy, located at Gandoli Beach in Taranto, offers courses at different levels and boasts of fast internationally-ackowledged athletes.

Enhancing the Race Experience

Mariusz Miczek, president and coach of the RTW club which organizes the Odra SUP Race, reflects on the evolution of the event. “This year marks the 5th edition, and it’s heartwarming to see how our community has grown,” he says. Mariusz is also enthusiastic about the introduction of the Upper Odra Festival, which promises dragon boat races and workshops, enriching the weekend for everyone involved. The race conditions are a significant aspect of the Odra SUP Race. “Participants should be ready for the unpredictability of the river, which adds excitement and a unique challenge compared to still water races,” Mariusz advises.

Final Thoughts

As the Odra SUP Race continues to grow, it remains a focal point for the community, offering a platform for young talents to shine and seasoned athletes to test their prowess against the challenging currents of the Odra River. With comprehensive preparations and community support, the event is set to be a memorable experience for all. We want to acknowledge the patronage and financial support of the City Hall of Raciborz – with their commitment to this important local race, we are able to organize a unique and memorable week-end for all participants.

For more information on the 2024 Odra SUP Cup on June 21-23:

• event page on TotalSUP

• event website

• Facebook event page

Photos by courtesy of: RTW Raciborskie Towarzystwo Wioślarskie