With Freedom Day falling on a Monday, the extended  long weekend will provide the South African surfski community with an ideal opportunity to race one of the world's most iconic 27km ocean events. That weekend’s trip to Cape Town has become even more attractive for the country's elite ocean paddlers, with the decision to hold national trials in the Mother City on either Saturday 25 April or Sunday 26April (weather dependant).

Entries for the Prescient Freedom Paddle officially opened last week and already there are some big names among the early entrants. National team members Uli Hart, Kenny Rice, Melanie van Niekerk, and Jade Wilson have all entered early, while indications are that recently crowned World Champions Kira Bester, Matt Fenn and Saskia Hockly will be entering.

Other entrants expected include Michelle Burn, Sam Mocke, Dawid Mocke and Nix Birkett, who all earned age group titles from the World Ocean Racing Championships in Durban late last year, while former Prescient Freedom Paddle winners Nic Notten, Pippa McGregor, Josh Fenn and Hank McGregor are sure to submit entries before race day. 

Last year, Rice and Notten claimed the men's title while Bester and Van Niekerk were the top women.

With organisers hoping a record 400 paddlers will gather to celebrate the anniversary of South Africa's first democratic elections with an unforgettable journey around the historic island.

The ocean paddling and rowing event is open to all "human-powered paddle craft" that are seaworthy enough to complete the 27km course, while a shorter race allows paddlers of all levels to be part of the historic day's action.

“For surfski paddlers this event is one of the highlights of the year, when the paddling community has a unique opportunity to honour South Africa's transition to democracy by paddling around Robben Island – one of the world's most powerful symbols of democracy,” says Robin Tindall, one of the event organisers.

"The historic island is such a prominent symbol of South Africa's struggle for freedom, and we are fortunate to see the iconic landmark from a unique perspective, and on such a special day each year."

For Prescient Fund Services, the long-term partnership with the Freedom Paddle is a metaphor for their company ethos.

“Partnerships that empower success are deeply ingrained in the Prescient Fund Services brand, and the Prescient Freedom Paddle is a perfect example of this,” says Craig Mockford, Chief Executive Officer at Prescient Fund Services.

“As a global, full-suite fund services firm with a proud South African heritage, we are committed to building long-term relationships that create shared success—whether in business, sport, or the communities we support. Now in our seventh year as title sponsor, we are proud to continue our partnership with this event, which embodies resilience, excellence, and the spirit of teamwork.”