CAPE TOWN – The Prescient Freedom Paddle on April 27 each year is more than an elite surfski race around Robben Island, it serves a far greater purpose of bringing life-changing surgeries to children while also supporting ocean conservation.
Every stroke paddlers take on the iconic journey around the world-famous landmark of South African democracy shows how sport can drive real-world change.
The event raises funds for cleft lip and palate surgeries through Operation Smile South Africa, and, via the partnership with SANParks Honorary Rangers, also supports conservation – specifically the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit.
300 plus paddlers
While the goal of plus 300 paddlers – including surfski paddlers, SUP boarders and ocean rowers – is to tackle the daunting 27km race around Robben Island on Freedom Day, one of the core purposes of the event is to raise funds and spread awareness for its two beneficiaries.
The Prescient Freedom Paddle has supported Operation Smile South Africa since 2024 and, following this year’s race, will have funded over 27 life-changing surgeries for children. Each “new smile” costs from as little as R5 500 each and allows children to smile confidently, speak clearly and thrive.
“Operation Smile South Africa is honoured to partner with the Prescient Freedom Paddle, which over the past three years has raised over R120,000 to fund life-changing surgeries that liberate children from the stigma of cleft conditions and empower them to live with confidence,” says Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa.
“Since opening our doors in South Africa in 2006, thanks to the support of our volunteers, partners and donors, Operation Smile has carried out more than 6 000 cleft lip and palate surgeries in communities across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, where specialised surgical care is often difficult to access,” she says.
Visible impact
Support for the SANParks Honorary Rangers has a direct and visible impact on the ocean racing community. The work of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit includes penguin colony protection, ocean clean-ups, ghost gear removal, and environmental education initiatives that, all of which directly benefit the marine environment where paddlers enjoy their chosen sport.
The cause is also important to Prescient Fund Services, title sponsor of the Freedom Paddle, which has supported ocean-related initiatives for the past three years in honour of the nature of the event. These include turtle conservation with the Two Oceans Aquarium, the donation of a kayak and paddles to the TMNP Marine Unite last year, and this year, the donation of two Mares dive computers to the TMNP Marine Unit.
Kenneth Carden of the SANParks Honorary Rangers explains that the Marine Unit of Table Mountain National Park is essential for protecting the rich biodiversity of marine life and habitats within the Table Mountain Marine Protected Area. “Effective equipment enables the team to perform efficiently and to achieve tangible results, whether they are tackling poaching and crime or protecting rare and endangered species.”
Ongoing support
Craig Mockford, the CEO of Prescient Fund Services, understands the need for ongoing support for conservation.
“At Prescient Fund Services, one of the principles that anchors everything we do is constancy. This mindset is why we’re proud to once again support the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit,” said Mockford. “We recognise that protecting our oceans requires ongoing commitment, not once-off gestures. Whether on the water or within our business, constancy builds trust. And trust, over time, is what builds strong, sustainable futures. That’s who we are at Prescient Fund Services – strategic partners for the long run, demonstrating constancy in every current.”
Richard Kohler, co-founder of the Prescient Freedom Paddle, is understandably proud of the impact the event has made beyond the ocean racing community.
“We have always wanted the Prescient Freedom Paddle to have a greater purpose and were determined to go beyond being a simple paddling event. Because surfski paddling is deeply rooted in the environment, it was a natural connection to partner with the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit and support the incredible work they do for ocean conservation.
Widening Support
“As the event has grown, it has been important for us to continue widening our support. We are also proud to give children and adults the incredible gift of a new smile through our involvement with Operation Smile South Africa for the past three years, a role built on my personal ambassadorship for this incredible cause.”
The Prescient Freedom Paddle gives paddlers the option of two different distances on April 27. The elite paddlers will tackle the full 27km route, which takes all competitors from the Oceana Power Boat Club, around Robben Island and back to the start. A shorter 10km route closer to the shore, introduced in 2023, caters for those paddlers who are not confident enough for the long, open-water route around Robben Island.
The event is open to all human paddle-powered craft that are seaworthy enough to complete the course. This includes surfskis, lifesaving paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, ocean skulls and ocean kayaks.
