Pair free to Bamboo their way to paddle honours

THE inaugural Bamboo Warehouse Freedom Paddle 2018, launched in celebration of Freedom Day, saw two Capetonians taking the honours by beating over 120 paddlers in the 26km paddle race from the Waterfront to Robben Island and back.

Local surfski stalwarts Jasper Mocke and Nicky Notten controlled the race from beginning to end, but were forced to fight off a spirited charge from Durbanites Clint Cook and Tyron Maher over the last two kilometres.

Fellow Durbanites Matt Bouman and Phillip Smith were placed third in the race.

Mocke said: “We managed to break away with Matt Bouman and Phillip Smith after about 5km, and once we came around the back side of Robben Island, we managed to link a few runs together, which got us a nice gap.

“We thought the last 12km back from the island would be an individual time trial, so we we got into a rhythm and opened up the gap.

“But Tyron and Clint had a fantastic run back as well, and they flew through the field and came right up to us at one stage, making the last 2km a really tight dice.

“I am extremely stoked to win the inaugural Freedom Paddle, and to contribute on a day that is so significant to our nation. This is an event that is really going to go places.”

Reigning surfski world champ Hayley Nixon won the women’s overall title – pairing up with young Sabina Lawrie. “It was magnificent. From the unbelievable perfect window in the weather to the significance of paddling to Robben Island on Freedom Day, it was magical,” Nixon said.

Durban surfski stalwart Barry Lewin was the first single ski to complete the race, while Cape West Coast paddler Bianca Beavitt took the women’s singles title in a strong showing that saw her finish second overall in the singles race.

The surfski community revelled in the superb planning, excellent racing conditions and the ability to meaningfully celebrate Freedom Day. Title sponsor Graeme Solomon renewed his Bamboo Warehouse sponsorship and promised a first prize of R100 000 for next year’s race. – Staff Writer