CAPE TOWN – As Cape Town’s surfski paddlers prepare for the eighth edition of the Prescient Freedom Paddle, the organisers express their gratitude to their dedicated partners who have helped the event grow into one of Cape Town’s most iconic experiences.
The Prescient Freedom Paddle around Robben Island on April 27 has become world renowned in the canoe ocean racing community for its iconic journey to one of South Africa’s most famous landmarks. It has rightfully taken its place alongside some of the City’s other famous sporting attractions, such as the Two Oceans and Cape Town Marathons, the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Cape Epic.
The dedicated team of organisers are well aware that their hours of planning to ensure the event runs smoothly on Freedom Day would not be possible without the sponsors and partners who have contributed to make the event one on the world’s major prestigious paddling events.
Prescient, a global financial services business, is in its sixth year as title sponsor of the event. Willem Venter, Group Chief Executive Officer at Prescient, reflects on a partnership resolute in achieving success through meaningful impact.
“Engrained in Prescient’s DNA is the belief that partnerships can drive sustainable success,” said Venter. “From our cohesive teams to our strong relationships with our clients, we are known for our commitment to trust, transparency, accountability and dedication in driving excellence.
“We are proud of our partnership role in an event that creates value for paddlers, in the same way we help to create value for the investment community. Together, we hope to create another memorable Prescient Freedom Paddle experience come this year’s event.”
The two defining images of the event are without doubt the iconic halfway destination, Robben Island, and one of the world’s most recognisable natural features, the famed Table Mountain which is visible throughout the entire 27km paddle. With Cape Town’s two most celebrated international tourist attractions so prominent, it is particularly relevant that the City of Cape Town should be one of the major partners in the event.
“Freedom Day is the cornerstone of South Africa’s history, serving as both a day of celebrating our hard-fought liberties and a time for reflection. It is also a day for us to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. As a proud partner of the Freedom Paddle, the City of Cape Town is thrilled that hundreds of athletes will get the opportunity to experience our city from a different perspective, on the water and circumnavigate Robben Island, an iconic landmark deeply intertwined with the history of South Africa. Cape Town is looking forward to welcoming and hosting all the Freedom Paddle athletes.” said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member: Safety & Security.
“The City of Cape Town is honoured to be associated with the Freedom Paddle and as we welcome athletes and their families to the Mother City. We hope they will use this opportunity to enjoy the many attractions Cape Town has on offer.”
Prominent stainless steel and aluminium supplier Euro Steel has been part of the event since the race was first held in 2018.
“We are proud to have been associated with a world-class event such as the Prescient Freedom Paddle since its inception,” said Colin Wilson, CEO of Euro Steel. “Our association with paddling in South Africa goes back many years and we are deeply entrenched in the community, so we feel it is appropriate to be a key supporter of such an important event on the South African sporting landscape.”
“With the World Championships taking place in South Africa later this year, the Freedom Paddle is one of the key events for the local paddlers as they prepare to take on the world’s best, so the 2025 event is even more important that usual,” added Wilson.
Race director Robin Tindall is thankful for the relationship and help he gets from the event’s numerous partners.
“We have worked really hard to make the Freedom Paddle one of the country’s iconic events, and we could not have built the event to where it is now without the valuable assistance of a great team of sponsors and partners,” said Tindall. “We cannot give enough thanks to Prescient, the City of Cape Town, and Euro Steel for helping us grow.
“There are, however, also a number of other brands who have contributed. Without the likes of Dunlop, Coca Cola Peninsula Beverages, Woodstock Brewery, Mocke Ocean Paddling Gear, Holdfast, Carbonology Sport, Brian’s Kayaks, Operation Smile, SANParks Honorary Rangers, Atlantic Outlook Tours, Freedom Paddlers and Treble Group, this iconic event would not be what it is.”
Entries and more information can be found at freedompaddle.co.za.