Planet Baltic SUP Race 2025: Young talent from across Europe set to bring the heat

Image source: Planet Baltic SUP Race

We’re only two days away! The 8th edition of the Planet Baltic SUP Race, Poland’s longest-running ocean SUP event and one of Northern Europe’s last major sea races, kicks off this Thursday, 7 – 9 August, in Kołobrzeg. We’re sure a lot of eyes will be on the fast-rising young talent from the Netherlands, Germany, Czechia, and Poland – many of whom are ready to test themselves against the Open Men’s division.

With strong representation from clubs known for elite youth development, including the Dutch SUP Kids Makkum and Poland’s RTW Racibórz, the beach is set for a clash of generations. With a growing international field, this edition promises a great mix of fresh energy and competitive racing.

Benyam Bossack at the Lake SUP Festival | Photo by Andy Klotz

Among the confirmed athletes is 16-year-old Benyam Bossack, Light Board Corp Rider and standout talent from SUP Kids Makkum, fresh off a major win in the Long Distance Open Division at the German SUP Championships. His sensational 3rd place in the Tech Race at the Lake Rocks Festival in Austria, where he held pace with SUP legend Michael Booth and powerhouse Donato Freens turned heads, proving that the next generation isn’t just coming…it’s already here. His performances, along with others like him, confirm what many have seen coming: young paddlers are no longer content to wait their turn – they’re ready to compete with the world’s best right now.

Benyam said: “I am really looking forward to racing at Planet Baltic because I’ve heard great reviews from friends and others. I heard it’s a really well-organised weekend full of exciting races. I just competed in the German Championship, which also took place on the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea can be pretty unpredictable but can deliver some good waves as well. I’m hoping for nice waves, that’s what I like best about racing on open water. I’m aiming for a podium finish, at least in the Technical Race, which is my favourite discipline. But above all, I’m happy to have a good weekend with my family and some SUP Kids Makkum Team members who are also racing this weekend.”

Benyam will be joined by his younger brother, Dylan, as well as Marrit Miedema, the Dutch U18 Champion in Sprint and Tech, and Selwyn Pritchard, the U17 British National Champion and Light Board Corp Rider. Selwyn recently made a strong debut at the GBSUP National Championships, claiming the U17 title in a tough, stacked field. All these junior athletes train together at SUP Kids Makkum, making for a powerful young squad ready to compete.

Selwyn Pritchard | Image courtesy of Selwyn Pritchard

Selwyn said: “I think the event will be good there is some great competition for me and can’t wait to race at planet Baltic.”

Marrit Miedema at Planet Baltic SUP Race 2024 | Image source: Planet Baltic SUP Race

Marrit said: “Based on the great experience of last year, I immediately said I wanted to come back next year! PBSR24 was 3 days full of racing and great fun! Also, there are a lot of junior female competitors, which is not always the case. That, and the great organisation, is why I’m back again this year.

Last year I couldn’t make it to the podium, so this year my expectation is to reach the podium in my age category. I’m also very interested to see where I currently stand among all the strong ladies.”

Mariusz Miczek (from right) with Emilia Daszewska, Lena Nowak (middle), Maja Bauerek and Mirek Nowak | Image source: RTW Racibórz

We also caught up with Mariusz Miczek, Founder and Head Coach of RTW Raciborz SUP Club , for insight into his squad and what to expect this weekend.

Mariusz said: “Planet Baltic SUP Race is a fantastic event because it’s created with passion and love for the sport. It’s not something done out of obligation. I’m fully aware of how much work, effort, and heart it takes to organize an event like this. It’s a huge undertaking and it’s the kind of work I respect most. I want to thank the entire Team from Kołobrzeg, without exception, for making this event happen.

As for our team, RTW Racibórz is arriving with a very strong squad including:

Hania Kamińska, Martyna Drobny and Emilia Daszewska, all three are World Championship medallists from the ICF World Champs in Florida, Sarasota;

Hanna Kaminska and Maja Bauerek | Image source: Planet Baltic SUP Race

Mikołaj Miczek (ed. note: Basssup Rider) is our youngest rider. He’s still gaining experience and is coming to connect with friends from the Netherlands and Czechia. These relationships between young athletes are incredibly valuable and important; Krystian Świerkowski (ed. note: Basssup Rider), our senior rider, has been making great progress, growing stronger with every race; Miłosz Sytnik, one of the top junior sprinters in Poland; Jakub Kubiak, an athlete with a huge future in racing. A great young man with incredible power, fighting spirit, and determination to perform at his best.

Also joining is Maja Bauerek, a hugely promising athlete. Her attitude and determination cut through the water like few others, especially impressive for her age.”

Photo source: Planet Baltic SUP Race

To find out more about the event and register, visit planetbaltic.pl

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