Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
One of the events that have been sparking some serious FOMO* for a while now, both for elite athletes and SUP enthusiasts is Planet Baltic SUP Race. I may be biased – it’s in my homeland, Poland – but with rave reviews and striking photography, Planet Baltic stands out as an experience any SUP fan should consider.
Marcin Koc, Founder and Race Director of Planet Baltic SUP Race, has achieved something remarkable on the Polish SUP scene, transcending borders to attract international talent and collaborators, including a third consecutive year partnering with the Czech Surf and SUP Federation – dedicated to supporting the next generation of athletes.
Kjell De Bruyn (Belgium) & Linus Karlsson (Sweden) | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Rider-owned and shaped by riders’ feedback, the event has evolved steadily, drawing paddlers who’ve heard the hype through fellow paddlers and club networks. Independently grown with the support of returning sponsors, partners, and Marcin’s trusted crew, the 8th edition of the Planet Baltic SUP Race – Poland’s longest-running ocean SUP race and one of Northern Europe’s few remaining major sea races – took place from 7-9 August in Kołobrzeg, now firmly established as a fully-fledged international event.
Martyna Drobny (Poland) / RTW Raciborz | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
The event took place in an unbeatable central location, right in the heart of Kołobrzeg, with the SUP village set in a fully public space easily accessible for spectators from both the café-lined promenade and the beach. Paddlers raced along the shoreline next to the marina and harbour, separated by a breakwater where historic ships glided past like a scene from ‘The Goonies’ (1985), creating a truly cinematic backdrop. Iconic landmarks framed the action, including the Kołobrzeg Lighthouse and the Kołobrzeg Eye.
The start of the Long Distance Race from the marina and along the harbour right into the open sea | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Lucie Raab, Česká Federace SURF a SUP | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
“This was the third year of our cooperation, and we are convinced that collaborating is the only way forward for our sport, which is still too fragmented. Bringing together communities, countries, sports clubs, and SUP organisations allows us to create an event that is stronger overall. Our common goal should also be to raise the profile of SUP in the wider sporting arena.
For our young Czech competitors, the Planet Baltic SUP Race is a unique opportunity to compete in the Czech series at sea in an environment where paddleboarding is at home. To ignite their passion for the sport and motivate them to achieve further sporting goals. At the same time, it’s great that they can get to know other young people from other countries.
The aim is to connect and get to know each other, share experiences, and inspire both the organisers and the competitors. To be true to the spirit of paddleboarding.”
Sprint to the finish line: Matyáš Soukoup (Czech Republic) & Mikołaj Majdan (Poland) | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
There’s a noticeable shift as junior divisions – from U15 to U18 – gain recognition across the board. Young SUP athletes are stepping up with confidence, racing in the Open category, and claiming podiums both there and in their own age groups. As we predicted in our previous article, the ‘young guns’ delivered at Planet Baltic and all eyes were on them.
This rising wave of talent from the Netherlands (SUP Kids Makkum), Germany, Czechia, Belgium (Kempen SUP) and Poland (RTW Racibórz) pushed the level higher, testing themselves against the Open Men and Women divisions and setting the stage for a true clash of generations.
Michel Keersmaekers | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
“What I have noticed in recent years, and again this year, is that the focus is shifting more towards young adults and youth, which we can only applaud. It is clear that the new generation delivering top performances is getting younger and younger, under 18 and even younger. They are the ambassadors of our sport, and it is up to the adults and the organizers of competitions to make it a total experience and not just racing alone.
If we keep young people interested with well-organised races and events such as training camps, etc., the next generation will also remain interested. Planet Baltic in Poland was perfectly organised with regular races, fun races, food, funky DJs, and it was very clear to see that there is a connection between the youth of the different countries, even though they have only seen each other a few times. It is a small SUP world and we must cherish it.”
Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Martin Teichmann with Lars Honscha | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
One of the most dominant takeaways from this year’s event was clear: These guys are pros. Across our interviews, athletes consistently highlighted the organisational excellence – from timing to food, everything just worked. Martin Teichmann, SUNOVA Rider, Coach & Triple Planet Baltic Winner (Sprint, Tech & LD), attending the event for the first time, couldn’t stress it enough, adding that he’s committed to bringing his team in 2026.
Linus Karlsson, 11x Swedish SUP Champ, Starboard Rider and Planet Baltic 2024 MVP, explained his return: “A really cool event where everything around the race is so professional.”
First-time competitor Selwyn Pritchard, Light Board Corp Rider hailing from SUP Kids Makkum Club, echoed the sentiment: seamless, smooth, and athlete-focused.
From the media perspective, the switched on approach, from judges and photography crew, proved invaluable, letting us report straight from the beach by providing us with on the spot results and razor-sharp images that captured both the action and the hype.
Since its inception, the organisers’ dedication to rider feedback has been the driving force behind Planet Baltic. Each edition stands as proof of their commitment, with a clear goal: make the event ever more athlete- and spectator-friendly, a theme resonating throughout this year’s race.
From left: Marcin Koc and his brother Maciej | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
“My impressions from the 8th edition are:
Planet Baltic SUP Race 2025 MVPs: Benyam Bossack and Marta Apansewicz | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Marta Apanasewicz, Polish SUP Champ and NSP Rider, once again proved her dominance, defending her title and claiming it for the third consecutive year – a true back-to-back-to-back Champion! Meanwhile, Germany’s rising sensation Benyam Bossack, Light Board Corp x Black Project SUP Rider, made his Planet Baltic debut in style, sweeping the MVP title and leaving a lasting mark on the event.
Tech Race Women Open | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Tech Race Women Open – Top 3
Tech Race Men Open | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Tech Race Men Open – Top 3
Tech Race Junior Women | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Tech Race Junior Women – Top 3
Tech Race Junior Men | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Tech Race Junior Men – Top 3
Tech Race Women Master | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Tech Race Women Master – Top 3
Tech Race Men Master | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Tech Race Men Master – Top 3
Tech Race Junior Women (U15) | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Tech Race Junior Women (U15) – Top 3
Tech Race Junior Men (U15) | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Tech Race Junior Men (U15) – Top 3
Tech Race Grand Master | Photo by: Piotr Roszak
Tech Race Grand Master – Top 3
Sprint Race Women Open – Top 3
Sprint Race Men Open – Top 3
Sprint Race Junior Women Open – Top 3
Sprint Race Junior Men | Photo by:
Sprint Race Junior Men – Top 3
Sprint Race Junior U15 Women – Top 3
Sprint Race Junior U15 Men – Top 3
Sprint Race Women Master – Top 3
Sprint Race Men Master – Top 3
Sprint Race Grand Master Men | Photo by:
Sprint Race Grand Master Men – Top 3
Long Distance Open Men | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Long Distance Open Women – Top 10
Long Distance Open Men | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Long Distance Open Men – Top 10
Women Mini LD 6KM | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Women Mini LD 6KM – Top 5
Men Mini LD 6KM | Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
Men Mini LD 6KM – Top 5
Photo by: Robert Hajduk x Szymon Sikora
The Planet Baltic afterparty has grown into a tradition in its own right – a gala-style celebration blending sport, community, and Sponsor recognition. Held at an elegant marina venue with nautical vibes setting the tone, it brought athletes and Partners together for a banquet-style dinner and big-screen highlights of the weekend’s racing.
The evening also saw the Polish SUP Tour awards presented, while the MVP titles were revealed in style, with Sponsor G.Gerlach Watches handing out the trophies personally. A perfect close to an unforgettable weekend.
From left: Benyam Bossack & Marta Apanasewicz – this year’s MVPs; Centre: RTW Raciborz Team – Maja Bauerek, Martyna Drobny, Hanna Kaminska and Emilia Daszewska; From right: Marcin Koc, Planet Baltic Founder, Marek Rowiński, Chief Judge, with their partners and event sponsors.
*Fear of Missing Out
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