{"id":300618,"date":"2026-04-16T16:05:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/?p=300618"},"modified":"2026-04-16T16:05:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:05:21","slug":"paddlers-to-tackle-freedom-paddle-for-childrens-smiles-ocean-conservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/paddlers-to-tackle-freedom-paddle-for-childrens-smiles-ocean-conservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Paddlers to tackle Freedom Paddle for children’s smiles, ocean conservation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CAPE TOWN \u2013<\/strong> The Prescient Freedom Paddle, which held on 27 April annually, is more than an elite surfski race around Robben Island; it serves a far greater purpose of bringing life-changing surgeries to children while also supporting ocean conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every stroke paddlers take on the iconic journey around the world-famous landmark shows how sport can drive real-world change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event raises funds for cleft lip and palate surgeries through Operation Smile South Africa<\/a>, and, via the partnership with SANParks Honorary Rangers<\/a>, also supports conservation \u2013 specifically the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the goal of plus 300 paddlers \u2013 including surfski paddlers, SUP boarders and ocean rowers \u2013 is to tackle the daunting 27 km race around Robben Island on Freedom Day, one of the core purposes of the event is to raise funds and spread awareness for its two beneficiaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A SANParks Honorary Ranger handing out medals at the 2025 Prescient Freedom Paddle finish line. Photo: Graham Daniel\/Prescient Freedom Paddle\/Gameplan Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Paddle with purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Prescient Freedom Paddle<\/a> has supported Operation Smile South Africa since 2024 and, following this year\u2019s race, will have funded over 27 life-changing surgeries for children. Each “new smile” costs from as little as R5 500 each and allows children to smile confidently, speak clearly and thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Operation Smile South Africa is honoured to partner with the Prescient Freedom Paddle, which over the past three years has raised over R120 000 to fund life-changing surgeries that liberate children from the stigma of cleft conditions and empower them to live with confidence,” says Sarah Scarth, executive director of Operation Smile South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Since opening our doors in South Africa in 2006, thanks to the support of our volunteers, partners and donors, Operation Smile has carried out more than 6 000 cleft lip and palate surgeries in communities across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, where specialised surgical care is often difficult to access.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support for the SANParks Honorary Rangers has a direct and visible impact on the ocean racing community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The work of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit includes penguin colony protection, ocean clean-ups, ghost gear removal and environmental education initiatives that directly benefit the marine environment where paddlers enjoy their chosen sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting conservation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cause is also important to Prescient Fund Services, title sponsor of the Freedom Paddle, which has supported ocean-related initiatives for the past three years in honour of the nature of the event. These include turtle conservation with the Two Oceans Aquarium, the donation of a kayak and paddles to the TMNP Marine Unite last year, and this year, the donation of two Mares dive computers to the marine unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kenneth Carden of the SANParks Honorary Rangers explains that the marine unit is essential for protecting the rich biodiversity of marine life and habitats within the Table Mountain Marine Protected Area.<\/a> “Effective equipment enables the team to perform efficiently and to achieve tangible results, whether they are tackling poaching and crime or protecting rare and endangered species.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Craig Mockford, the CEO of Prescient Fund Services, understands the need for ongoing support for conservation: “At Prescient Fund Services, one of the principles that anchors everything we do is constancy. This mindset is why we\u2019re proud to once again support the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We recognise that protecting our oceans requires ongoing commitment, not once-off gestures. Whether on the water or within our business, constancy builds trust. And trust, over time, is what builds strong, sustainable futures. That\u2019s who we are at Prescient Fund Services \u2013 strategic partners for the long run, demonstrating constancy in every current.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Bester ready to defend title<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Richard Kohler, co-founder of the Prescient Freedom Paddle, is proud of the impact the event has made beyond the ocean racing community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We have always wanted the Prescient Freedom Paddle to have a greater purpose and were determined to go beyond being a simple paddling event. Because surfski paddling is deeply rooted in the environment, it was a natural connection to partner with the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit and support the incredible work they do for ocean conservation,” he relates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As the event has grown, it has been important for us to continue widening our support. We are also proud to give children and adults the incredible gift of a new smile through our involvement with Operation Smile South Africa for the past three years, a role built on my personal ambassadorship for this incredible cause.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strap-in on Freedom Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Prescient Freedom Paddle gives paddlers the option of two different distances on Monday 27 April. The elite paddlers will tackle the full 27 km route, which takes all competitors from the Oceana Power Boat Club, around Robben Island and back to the start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A shorter 10 km route closer to the shore, introduced in 2023, caters for those paddlers who are not confident enough for the long, open-water route around Robben Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event is open to all human paddle-powered craft that are seaworthy enough to complete the course, including surfskis, lifesaving paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, ocean skulls and ocean kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information or to enter, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Prescient Freedom Paddle will again support two causes, raising funds for Operation Smile South Africa and the Table Mountain National Park Marine 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