| Event | 2026 Prescient Freedom Paddle |
| Course | Long Course — Around Robben Island |
| Category | Single Ski |
| Freedom Paddles completed | #9 (mostly) 😅 |
My Freedom Paddle #9
… or perhaps more accurately: most of my Freedom Paddle #9 😅
The conditions? Already well documented by everyone else — let’s just say “character building” and leave it there.
Survival Yoga on the Way Out
The paddle out to the island was an energy-sapping, core-destroying exercise in survival yoga. By the time I tucked into the lee, I looked less like a paddler and more like a washing machine on spin cycle. I refuelled, regrouped, and convinced myself I was ready to tackle the FAAAR SIDE… so I thought.
Six Times in the Atlantic
Between the wreck on the north shore and the lighthouse on the west shore, my cork tossed me off six times. SIX. At one point I was basically doing interval training with the Atlantic. Now, I’m no racing snake, but I’m also not exactly fresh out the wrapper — yet on that day the sea had my number, my dignity, and probably my soul.
The sea had my number, my dignity, and probably my soul.
Thomas Altmann, after his sixth swim
No Signal, No Problem — The Cavalry Arrives
After my sixth “cooling off session”, I decided that discretion really is the better part of valour and tried pinging NSRI on SafeTrax… except there’s about as much signal there as there was flat water on the day. Fortunately, a double ski pulled alongside — massive thanks to Wikus and his partner — who managed to get hold of Richard, and before long the cavalry arrived. I was hoping for the armada but the duck and crew did perfectly.
Reflection in the Tankwa
All’s well that ends well. I had a week to “reflect” in the deserts of the Tankwa and a lot of reflection was done! 😊
Lesson of the day? Hard to say, other than a giant serving of humility, respect for the ocean, and gratitude for the incredible people who look after us out there.
Will I Be Back for #10?
Absodamnlootley.
