CAPE TOWN – The Prescient Freedom Paddle on Sunday (April 27) is more than just a surfski race around Robben Island on Freedom Day – it is also a platform where paddlers become change makers, and every kilometre carries meaning.
Now in its eighth year, the 27km ocean race will once again see 300 paddlers celebrating South Africa’s transition to democracy with the symbolic paddle around Robben Island, but this year also seeks to create a long-lasting impact through its social initiative: Paddling for a Cause.
The Paddling for a Cause initiative is a two-pronged approach which enables the surfski paddlers to help others while taking part in a healthy sporting activity. This year the two beneficiaries of the annual Prescient Freedom Paddle will be Paddling for Smiles and Paddling for Conservation.
In partnership with Operation Smile South Africa, the event is hoping to raise enough funds to support 27 life-changing surgeries – an ambitious goal to fund one surgery for every kilometre paddled around the Island. These cleft palate surgeries offer children the chance to smile confidently, speak clearly, and thrive.
It takes approximately R5 000 to fund one surgery, and every rand raised will go directly toward the medical team, aftercare, and family support services that transforms lives.
To donate to Operation Smile, and thus give a smile and change a life on behalf of the Prescient Freedom Paddle, please go to https://operationsmile.org.za/paddling-for-smiles
The Prescient Freedom Paddle is also proud to shine a light on the vital work of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, the volunteer arm of SANParks, and their close collaboration with Marine Watch, a community conservation initiative of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit.
Thanks to Prescient’s sponsorship, the SANParks Honorary Rangers and TMNP Marine Unit now have a double kayak and paddles, enhancing their ability to protect marine biodiversity along Cape Town’s coastline.
This new equipment enables the rangers to: Patrol the seaward boundary of the Boulders African Penguin Colony, and so deter unauthorised access; conduct clean-ups and retrieve abandoned fishing gear in hard-to-reach areas; and engage in environmental education and awareness through Marine Watch’s school and community outreach
During the recent West Coast Rock Lobster Season, Marine Watch volunteers assisted in checking over 1 200 permits, reinforcing the role of community partnerships in protecting South Africa’s precious marine ecosystems.
By supporting the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit, the event salutes these ocean guardians who are regarded as quiet heroes in the marine community.
“The Prescient Freedom Paddle continues to honour Freedom Day by embracing freedom in its fullest sense,” said Richard Kohler, Freedom Paddle co-founder. “We believe in freedom to move, to thrive, and to protect. Whether it’s giving a child their first confident smile or helping safeguard the ocean for future generations, this race proves that sport can be a force for good.
“The Prescient Freedom Paddle isn’t just about crossing the finish line, it’s also about paddling for a purpose and creating real change.”
Entries for the Prescient Freedom Paddle are still open and more information can be seen at https://freedompaddle.co.za/ or follow @freedompaddle on Instagram and Facebook.
