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The seventh annual Prescient Freedom Paddle, held on 27 April, marked another successful event, reinforcing the event’s evolution into a meaningful platform that combines paddling with purpose. For Prescient Fund Services, this partnership is a reflection of a principle that anchors everything they do: constancy in a world of change.
Paddling around Robben Island, one of South Africa’s most iconic symbols of democracy, the event was a reminder that sports, at its best, drives real-world change.
Funds raised supported life-changing cleft lip and palate surgeries through Operation Smile South Africa, while the event’s ongoing partnership with SANParks Honorary Rangers continued to strengthen conservation efforts at the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit.
More than 400 paddlers, including surfski paddlers, SUP boarders and ocean rowers, took on the demanding 27km race around Robben Island on Freedom Day, with raising funds and awareness for the event’s beneficiaries remaining a central focus.
The Prescient Freedom Paddle has partnered with Operation Smile South Africa since 2024 and, following this year’s race, has now funded over 27 life-changing surgeries for children born with cleft lip and palate conditions. Each new smile costs from as little as R5 500 and allows children to smile confidently, speak clearly and thrive.
Support for the SANParks Honorary Rangers continues to have a direct and visible impact. The work of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit includes penguin colony protection, ocean clean-ups, ghost gear removal and environmental education initiatives, all of which are beneficiaries of initiatives related to the event both directly and indirectly.
As a title sponsor of the Prescient Freedom Paddle, these initiatives remain important to Prescient Fund Services, who 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 Unit last year, and this year, the donation of two watch-style dive computers to the TMNP Marine Unit.
Craig Mockford, the CEO of Prescient Fund Services, reinforced 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’re proud to once again support the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit,” said Mockford. “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’s who we are at Prescient Fund Services, strategic partners for the long run, demonstrating constancy in every current.”
Richard Kohler, co-founder of the Prescient Freedom Paddle, expressed pride in the impact the event has made beyond the ocean racing community.
“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.
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,” concluded Kohler.
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