CAPE TOWN – Two family crews are set to grab plenty of attention at Monday’s Prescient Freedom Paddle as Durban’s McGregor pairing and Cape Town’s Mocke duo headline a fascinating showdown in the race around Robben Island.
Ocean Racing legends Hank McGregor and Dawid Mocke may both be deep into their 40s, but neither shows any signs of slowing down, continuing to compete at the highest level rather than relying on reputations built over decades of success.
Mocke, winner of four unofficial World Ocean Racing titles between 2009 and 2012, produced an impressive ninth-place finish at the 2025 World Championships. At the same event, pre-race favourite McGregor finished 15th in what was widely regarded as an off day for the most decorated Marathon World Champion kayak paddler in history.
On Monday, McGregor will team up with his wife Pippa in what shapes as a formidable mixed doubles combination and one that will be difficult to beat. Mocke joins forces with his 16-year-old son Sam, creating a father-and-son partnership capable of challenging for overall honours.
Supporting Partners
Both “supporting partners” are elite competitors in their own right and in no ways can be considered weak.
Pippa McGregor claimed victory in the 2024 Freedom Paddle alongside Kira Bester and has represented South Africa at multiple World Marathon Championships, highlighted by an age-group world title in 2024. Together, the McGregors have already secured several major mixed doubles victories, including wins at both the Dusi Canoe Marathon and the Pete Marlin Surfski Race.
Despite his youth, Sam Mocke is already a double world champion, having won the U18 titles at the 2024 and 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships. Many believe he is destined to become one of South Africa’s next major sporting stars.
For now, however, Sam’s focus will be helping his father secure a first Freedom Paddle title – a task made difficult by a fiercely competitive field.
Defending Champions
Defending champions and former world champions Nick Notten and Kenny Rice start as favourites, while former SA champion Uli Hart teams up with Gauteng powerhouse Clint Cook in a potent inter-provincial combination. Former race winner Josh Fenn joins multiple marathon world champion Andy Birkett in another crew capable of taking overall honours.
The women’s race promises equal intensity. Two-time world champion Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk return as defending champions, while mixed doubles world champion Saskia Hockly partners U23 world champion Rosie Edwards of Great Britain. Age-group world title holders Jade Wilson and Holly Smith will also be strong contenders.
The Prescient Freedom Paddle takes place on April 27 and offers two race options. Elite paddlers will contest a demanding 27km course from the Oceana Power Boat Club, around Robben Island and back to the start, while a shorter 10km coastal route caters for paddlers seeking a less demanding challenge.
The event is open to all seaworthy, human paddle-powered craft, including surfskis, lifesaving paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, ocean sculls and ocean kayaks.
