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Prescient Freedom Paddle

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Celebrate the Freedom of Surfski Paddling by taking on the challenge of racing around South Africa's symbol of Freedom - Robben Island.
27 April ‘26

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Some pics from last weekend! <3

#rowing #coastalrowing #beachsprints

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Another day of life-changing surgeries, unwavering dedication and moments of hope. From the operating theatre to recovery, every patient is surrounded by a team committed to giving children the opportunity to smile, eat, speak and thrive with confidence.

Thank you to our incredible volunteers, medical teams, donors @ciplafoundation @glencore.za and supporters who continue to make this programme possible.

Together, we’re changing lives, one smile at a time.

#OperationSmile #OperationSmileSouthAfrica #MedicalProgramme #MoreThanASmile #ChangingLives GlobalSurgery HealthcareHeroes

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Because of the youth of 1976, we have the freedom to learn, dream, compete, and build communities.

Today, we honour their legacy not only by remembering their courage, but by embracing the opportunities that they fought for. By living freely and making the most of these opportunities, we continue to honour their sacrifice and the future they envisioned for generations to come.🇿🇦💙💛#youth

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🌊Happy World Ocean Day!🌊
Today we get to celebrate the ocean that brings our community together. Unforgettable days on the water is at the heart of everything we do at Fishhoek Beach Sports Club! What do you love most about the ocean? 🩵
#worldoceanday #fishhoek #protectouroceans

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🥳🌊🍰 7️⃣ Years - 7️⃣ Stories: Happy Birthday Guardians of the Deep NPC 🍰🌊🥳

Today marks our 7th year as an organisation and we have a feeling that this might be a lucky number for us. To celebrate, we reached out to seven organisations to share a story about their relationship with us over the past seven years. Some are new relationships, just starting to blossom 🌸 whilst others have been around so long that it is hard to see where we end and they begin🥰 One thing that stood out for us whilst making this collection, was how much our collaborations are interconnected in various ways. The cross overs have resulted in a feeling of extended family that we visit at different times of the year, instead of work connections. Not everyone is represented here; there are so many who support us in ways that we are forever grateful for. We hope you enjoy this video, and we look forward to continuing to grow our collaborations, find new ways to integrate our connections and forge new relationships in the coming years!🙏🏼🌼

Thank you to the following for their contribution of their stories and for their support of Guardians of the Deep:

@mutheerafortune of Mutheera’s Project’s, Forever Young Seniors Club and @boskinnes
Ashraf Rademeyer, Mutheera’s right hand man and biggest supporter in all that she does!
Sam Boustred of @paddlefreedom
Ashley Baloyi from @sanbi_za
Kim Gordon from @natureconnectsa
Kathrine Smith and Ruth Gona of @masicorp
Jenni Trethowan of @baboonmatters
and
TMNP MPA and Robben Island MPA Manager Ezekiel Kosa of the @sanparkstablemountain Marine Unit🫡

#guardiansofthedeepoceanlegacy #natureconnection #natureconservation #oceanconnection #communityconservation

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What a special afternoon at @centurycitycanoeclub yesterday.

I had the privilege of spending time with some incredibly enthusiastic young up-and-coming paddlers, sharing coaching tips, paddling knowledge and hopefully a few life lessons too. Seeing their energy, passion and willingness to learn reminded me exactly why I’ve loved coaching for more than 40 years.

Unfortunately I couldn’t paddle with them myself as I currently have an open wound on my head that needs to heal properly, which was frustrating because I was really looking forward to getting back on the water in my @chalupski_ Waikiki.

After the coaching session I gave a talk to a packed Century City clubhouse about my journey through sport, life and my ongoing cancer battle. The organiser told me it was the biggest turnout they have ever had for an event there, which honestly meant a lot to me.

Moments like this remind me that even when your body slows you down, you can still inspire, teach and hopefully make a difference.

Thank you to everyone who came, listened, shared stories and supported the evening. And thank you to all the juniors for reminding me why sport is such a powerful teacher in life.

No Retreat. No Surrender 💪

#NoRetreatNoSurrender #CenturyCityCanoeClub #CancerWarrior #chalupski

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Camps Bay High School’s Grade 12 learner, Ryley Smith, has been absolutely flying on the paddling scene recently with a string of standout performances.

At the SA Trials (Fish Hoek to Buffels Bay, 22km), Ryley powered his way to 10th overall and 2nd U18, earning selection for the South African team heading to Spain later this year 🇿🇦➡️🇪🇸

On Freedom Day, he backed it up with another big test - the Freedom Paddle around Robben Island (30km) in wild ocean conditions. Teaming up with Keagan Voigt from Wynberg Boys, the duo delivered a superb 5th place overall against top senior crews, and finished as the 1st U18 boat home.

And if that wasn’t enough, Ryley has also been named Captain of the Junior Western Cape Lifesaving Team for Interprovincials in Durban.

From endurance to leadership - a phenomenal run of achievements. Well done, Ryley!

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🏆 Freedom Paddle 2026 🏆

A week ago now, @mattcoetzer and I took the win 🥇 at Freedom Paddle which honestly still feels surreal!

This is breakthrough result for both of us without question, but this one that means a little extra to me personally after battling injuries on and off for the last two years,
I came into this race with a lot to prove to myself, so being able to put together a performance like this with one of my closest mates, made taking the win so special!

Thank you, Matty, for backing us and driving that double like a machine out there ❤️ im so unbelievably stoked!!

Sharing this win with you Matty is a moment I’m incredibly proud of, and is one I won’t ever forget, i wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else!

A massive thank you to all my sponsors and everyone who played a role in making this possible!

@euro_steel_sport and @grahamdaniel thank you for bringing me on board for Freedom Paddle and for all the support. It was awesome being part of the team!

@racefoodsa for keeping me fuelled.
@get.revive for keeping me hydrated @oceanfreedomco for keeping me protected from the sun🌞
@orkapaddles for the coaching and continued support!
Thank @epickayaks @epic.southafrica for the support you guys have given me!

On to the next one 👊

📸 @grahamdaniel

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Missing the vibes we felt at Prescient Freedom Paddle 2026! 🫶

There is such a feel-good energy in the surf ski community and that came through at the iconic paddle around Robben Island in a big way! 🙌

As paddlers ourselves, its special to be part of an event like this to bring in more stoke and kit out the community with the best tie downs, roof racks, and cradles to make their paddling days even more of a pleasure! 🌊

We can’t wait for the next one!

#takesyouthere

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1 week ago we crossed the line to win the Freedom paddle 🏆

It was undoubtedly a breakthrough result for myself and @lukejeanleroux. I’m so stoked, especially to have done it with one of my best mates and training partners. Thanks for the power and never letting me take an easy stroke all the way to the line 🫶

A race like this wouldn’t mean as much if there wasn’t competition. Racing against the people I’ve always idolized in this sport is an honor. Congrats Andy and Josh and the Mockes on your podiums and for pushing us so hard 🙌

Lastly, a result like this wouldn’t be possible without support. Thank you to @fennkayaks for sorting us out with a speedy double on short notice 😅, @euro_steel_sport for believing in us, @braca_paddles for my trusty paddles, and the Orka Squad for the coaching @orkapaddles

It’s been an unbelievable start to the season and I’m looking forward to trying to build on this momentum as we head into winter 🥶

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A huge well done to the entire Prescient Freedom Paddle team and all the paddlers that braved the big swell and cold conditions in celebration of Freedom Day 🇿🇦

We loved getting to be a part of the story and engaging with all of you at our bag drop station. It is always a pleasure to witness people from all walks of life get out and enjoy our natural playgrounds.

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another lap around the island 🤩⚡️!! another adventure with @rosie_edwards04 🫶🏼!!

Thank you to our @fennkayaks family for our weapon of choice and @euro_steel_sport for your unwavering support ❤️‍🔥!

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