CAPE TOWN – The 2026 Prescient Freedom Paddle is shaping up to deliver intriguing battles in both the men’s and women’s races, with defending champions in each category facing multiple challenges from strong rival crews.
The 2025 men’s winners, Kenny Rice and Nic Notten, along with women’s champions Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk, return to defend their titles in the race around Robben Island on April 27. Both champion crews know they will need to be at their very best to make it back-to-back victories.
After breaking the four-year stranglehold of Hank McGregor and Josh Fenn 12 months ago, former world champion Rice and three-time race winner Notten start as pre-race favourites. However, at least three other crews possess the firepower to challenge for the title.
Andy Birkett and Fenn – both world champions – form one of the strongest combinations in the field and are reportedly highly motivated to take the title back to East London. Birkett is a two-time race winner, while Fenn and McGregor claimed four consecutive victories together.
Two additional crews warrant close attention. Perennial contender Uli Hart teams up with Gauteng’s Clint Cook, while Matthew Coetzer will look to improve on last year’s runner-up finish alongside Luke Jean Le Roux.
In the women’s race, close friends Bester and Van Niekerk remain a formidable partnership, their familiarity consistently making them favourites whenever they line up together – as demonstrated by their convincing three-minute victory in 2025.
This year, however, two world-class crews could transform the race into a classic ocean battle around Robben Island.
Mixed Doubles World Champion Saskia Hockly joins forces with U23 World Champion Rosie Edwards of the United Kingdom in a partnership expected to challenge strongly for the title.
Another exciting young crew sees Jade Wilson and Holly Smith combine their considerable talent. Wilson is the 2021 U23 World Champion, while Smith boasts an impressive collection of junior marathon World Championship medals, including gold in 2023.
Add several outsider crews capable of springing a surprise, and the stage is set for two tightly contested battles for overall honours.
The Prescient Freedom Paddle offers paddlers two race distance options on April 27. Elite competitors will tackle the demanding 27km course from the Oceana Power Boat Club, around Robben Island and back to the start, while a shorter 10km coastal route caters for paddlers who prefer to avoid the full open-water circumnavigation.
The event is open to all seaworthy, human paddle-powered craft, including surfskis, lifesaving paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, ocean sculls and ocean kayaks.
Entries and further information are available at freedompaddle.co.za.