| Paddlers | Kimball Pitcher, Brian Wheal & Robert Gemmell |
| Boat | S3 (Triple Kayak) |
| Course | Long Course |
| Year | 2026 |
| Finish Time | 3:12:19.7 |
| Class Position | 3rd |
Kimball and I were going to paddle an S2 in the Freedom Challenge around Robben Island this year. Our chairman of the Stillbaai Paddling Club said that there were plans to hold an S3 Interclub Class — and maybe we should look for another paddler. After a bit of a search, Brian, who had just arrived back from Australia, agreed to paddle. We did one Time Trial on the Tuesday evening and the Sunday a week before the race completed a 10 km out-and-back in choppy conditions. We were set for the big day — ever mindful not to over-train and peak before the race.
Enter: The Mascot
On our way to Cape Town we got the message that there was a prize for the S3 team with the most gees. Kimball, who was ahead of us, popped into the Crazy Store at Caledon and purchased some goodies so we could dress up for the occasion — a Mascot for the boat and some frilly headbands for the team.
On race morning we met at the Boat Club and were issued our headbands. The Mascot was a pink aeroplane — quite appropriate, as Brian was driving the S3 and is an ex-airline pilot. The problem was how to attach it to the S3. It was decided to bind it onto the front deck by wrapping insulation tape around the Mascot and the boat. Problem sorted.
Trouble on the Wild Side
We got onto the start line and were soon on our way to Robben Island. There was a big cross swell coming in from our left and every time the boat hit a swell, our Mascot would send spray flying into Brian’s eyes — there seemed to be a fair amount of cussing coming from the front cockpit. We caught a big run near the Island and our dear Mascot slipped and was now lying on the right-hand side of the boat.
On the leeward side of the Island we had a few kilometres of respite from the cross chop — all was good, making 12 km/h with a nice rhythm going and less cussing from the front cockpit.
As we rounded the Island, our problems began. The boat was cutting through the large Atlantic swells, now being dragged to the right. Our Mascot was fully in the water. Brian was countering by giving full left rudder; our speed dropped to under 8 km/h.
The Rescue
Lots more cussing. I realised the problem was not going away — so I said “Stop the boat,” bailed off, broke our Mascot free and dumped it in Kimball’s cockpit — nearly turning the whole boat over whilst remounting.
It was a long hard paddle back to Cape Town with the cross chop now coming from the other side. Lots of bracing and a few near-swims towards the end; very difficult to get a rhythm going in an S3 in those conditions. Very pleased to get over the finish line. We came in 3rd position — not bad for an overall age in the boat of 200 years.
In discussing the race at the finish, it was decided to call our Mascot “Dragging Doris” — she will be put into the Hall of Fame in our new Boat House in Stilbaai.
Thank you to the organisers for a great race. Not sure if we’ll be back in an S3 next year!
— Rob Gemmell | 2026 Prescient Freedom Paddle | S3 Long Course | 3:12:19.7
