The Prescient Freedom Paddle will return to Cape Town on Freedom Day, 27 April, offering paddlers a demanding test of endurance around Robben Island. The annual event will once again bring together elite and recreational competitors, with participants taking on one of two course options depending on their experience and confidence levels.
Two Routes for All Levels
Competitors can choose between the full 27km course or a shorter 10km route. The longer race starts at the Oceana Power Boat Club, takes paddlers around Robben Island, and returns to the start. The shorter route follows a coastal course to a turning buoy before heading back. The shorter option, introduced in 2023, is aimed at paddlers and lifeguards who are not comfortable tackling the full open-water route. The event is open to a wide range of seaworthy, human-powered craft, including surfskis, lifesaving paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, ocean skis and kayaks.
Bester Targets Another Title
Two-time World Ocean Racing Champion Kira Bester will be aiming for her fourth Freedom Paddle victory. She previously won the race in 2021 and 2024 and will team up again with Melanie van Niekerk to defend their title. Bester, who successfully defended her world title in Durban in October 2025, has had to adjust her training following the death of her coach and mentor, Peter Cole. She has since taken responsibility for structuring her own training programme, drawing on previous methods that worked for her. She described the process as different, noting that she now has to take full responsibility for her preparation and performance.
Tough Conditions Expected
Bester believes the Freedom Paddle is one of the most difficult races on the calendar, describing it as “flat and hard work” with little opportunity to recover during the race. The event also follows closely after national team selection trials scheduled for the same weekend, which could add to the physical demands on competitors.
Strong Competition in Women’s Field
Bester and van Niekerk are expected to face strong competition. Among the challengers are Saskia Hockly and the United Kingdom’s U23 World Champion Rosie Edwards, who have already shown strong form as a combination. Another potential pairing, Georgia Singe and Jade Wilson, is uncertain due to a shoulder injury affecting Singe.
The Prescient Freedom Paddle remains open to a broad field of paddlers, with entries and further information available online at freedompaddle.co.za. The event will take place on Monday, 27 April 2026.
