Elite surfski paddlers prepare for historic Freedom Paddle
CAPE TOWN – Entries have opened for the eighth annual Prescient Freedom Paddle, allowing ocean paddlers the opportunity to book their place on the start line of one of the world’s most iconic surfski races on April 27.
The popular event, which involves competitors paddling around the historic Robben Island, takes on extra significance in 2025 with the race being confirmed as the South African SS2 (double ski) Championships, while it is also a key event in the preparations for the World Championships due to be held in Durban in October.
The 27km event will once again take place on the Freedom Day public holiday, with over 300 paddlers expected to celebrate the anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections with an unforgettable journey around the historic island.
The ocean paddling and rowing event is open to all “human-powered paddle craft” that are seaworthy enough to complete the 27km course, while a shorter 10km event allows padders of all levels to be part of the historic event.
“As surfski paddlers we are incredibly privileged to be able to honour democracy in South Africa, with a journey around the iconic Robben Island on Freedom Day,” says Robin Tindall, one of the event organisers.
“Robben Island is such a prominent symbol of South Africa’s struggle for freedom, and we are fortunate to see the iconic landmark from such a unique perspective – on such a special day each year.”
For the Prescient Group, the long-term partnership with the Freedom Paddle is a metaphor for their company ethos.
“Partnerships that drive sustainable change are deeply engrained in the Prescient Group’s DNA, and the Prescient Freedom Paddle is a perfect example of this,” says Willie Venter, Chief Executive Officer at Prescient.
“As a global financial services business with a proud South African heritage, we are committed to building long-term relationships that create shared success—whether in business, sport, or the communities we support. Now in our sixth year as title sponsor, we are proud to continue our partnership with this event, which embodies resilience, excellence, and the spirit of teamwork.”
The 2025 Prescient Freedom Paddle looks likely to attract the strongest field ever with an extra incentive for the country’s elite racers this year. The South African SS1 Championships and the compulsory trial for the World Championships will be held in Cape Town in the days leading up to the historic race around the island. That makes it almost certain the top paddlers will make the trip to Cape Town for the long weekend and the Freedom Paddle will be a perfect way round off a weekend of top quality ocean racing.
Defending champions Hank McGregor and Josh Fenn enjoyed a spectacular year as a combination in 2024 and the potent crew are sure to be favourites as they aim for their fifth win.
In the women’s race, World Champion Kira Bester and Pippa McGregor are the defending champions, but if they paddle together this year, they will have to be at their best once again against an elite group of South Africans that are among the world’s top paddlers.