While entries for the Prescient Freedom Paddle on 27 April pour into the race office, the two new shorter course options are attracting dozens of eager ocean paddlers keen to be part of the iconic event but who wanted more accessible alternates to the 27km circumnavigation of Robben Island.
The 15km medium course and 8km short course options are attracting a growing number of entries, particularly from younger athletes and lifesavers, many using these options as a stepping stones towards ultimately tackling the long race in the future.
Both options start and finish at the Oceana Powerboat base at the V&A Waterfront. The 8km race turns off Sea Point while the 15km medium course route turns off Clifton’s First Beach.
The events are open to all form of ocean paddle craft with surfskis being joined by stand-up-paddle boarders and prone board paddlers.
For Nikki Mocké, a driving force behind the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club, the short course option opens doors to her nippers and juniors to be part of the big day.
“It is a really cool opportunity for the guys to get involved in a big event but not have to do a long distance or pay a lot of money,” said Mocké.
“I will be taking a crew of five or six kids from the club and we will paddle together with all the other lifesaving nippers, juniors, seniors and master.
“We are focussing on the short course for our younger athletes. It a pretty safe course out along Seapoint and back,” she added.
“The lovely thing is that paid up members of Lifesaving SA are eligible to enter the 8km event.” she added.
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