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Prescient Freedom Paddle Sponsorship Announcement

Organisers of the Freedom Paddle are pleased to announce that Prescient has partnered with them as the title sponsors of an iconic event that has become a firm favourite on the paddling calendar. In a celebration of the freedom of Surfski paddling, Prescient’s core values are in alignment with the resilience and team camaraderie required for competitive paddling.

Already in its third year, the Freedom Paddle sees competitors paddling around Robben Island – South Africa’s symbol of freedom. Having Prescient on board will further enhance the magnitude of this event, which was scheduled to take place on Freedom Day (27 April) – a day that celebrates our country’s unique journey to freedom.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown restrictions implemented by the President of South Africa, the Freedom Paddle was postponed to a later date and we are glad to announce that it will now take place on Saturday, October 24, 2020. The Freedom Paddle takes place from the Oceana Power Boat Club at the V&A Waterfront, around Robben Island and back, a distance of 27 kilometres. The journey around the Island will hold major significance for those who complete the race as it will acknowledge the restrictions of the past few months and give them the opportunity to recognize their freedom from restrictions and restraints.

Prescient believes slow and steady wins the race – an approach that will serve the paddlers well if they want to make a strong finish – and is core to their business approach, which allows them to remain surefooted and steadfast in their mission to serve their valued clients.

The Freedom Paddle organising committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to Prescient for its overwhelming support to take the Freedom Paddle to a whole new level. “We are over the moon to have Prescient join the team. Freedom Paddle has always been about paddlers supporting paddlers and Prescient fits that philosophy well,” says Race Committee Head, Robin Tindall.

“Several of the Prescient guys are long-time members of our paddling community. The Freedom Paddle is about celebrating the freedom this country has achieved after a long struggle and against all odds. It is about connecting with that struggle with a tough Surfski paddle, pushing through and achieving the goal of finishing.

“Prescient has the same values with their objective of staying the course and delivering results through commitment and follow-through. For me personally, this partnership makes it possible for us to stage a Surfski race that is world-class and something every South African paddler can be proud of,” Tindall said.

Over its 22-year journey Prescient has grown from humble beginnings to a multinational company that spans sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Asia. It services a broad range of clients across several disciplines around the world.

“Prescient has always believed in the power of partnerships – with its staff, community, clients and companies. Their client-centric philosophy, approach and process, combined with a strong competitive and entrepreneurial spirit, has resulted in substantial growth” says Craig Mockford, Executive Director Fund Services.

When others zig and zag, Prescient stays in formation – delivering exceptional results for their clients, to remain on course to achieve their goals, even during the most turbulent market conditions and when others falter.

The organisers of the Prescient Freedom Paddles intention is to hold the event on 24th October. We have appointed Event Plan and Medics in Motion to assist with the entire event compliance and safety plan. CSAs Covid-19 protocols have been provided and we have engaged with the City Health and Safety Officer and National Health Department to ensure the event is complaint. The events application has been accepted for consideration by the City of Cape Town and we await approval. We are being guided by the National Government and National Health Department Covid-19 regulations throughout the process and all measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of all participants and crew. At this time, we are confident that the event will go ahead as planned, however final confirmation can only be determined closer to the event in line with National Governments adjusted risk assessment protocols.

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Richard Kohler’s Ocean X

This passionate South African is at it again! After becoming the first person to paddle the entire circumference of South Africa, Ocean X is Richard Kohler’s odyssey to paddle unsupported from Cape Town in an eight-metre paddling torpedo across the Southern Atlantic Ocean to Salvador in Brazil.  Later this year Richard will embark on an unsupported paddle in aid of raising funds for his charity of choice, Operation Smile. The Treble team has been hard at work behind the scenes supporting Richard as the countdown begins in earnest.

Sailing has always been in Richard’s blood. He began that journey at the age of six, and has sailed at international level, including the 2007 Americas Cup for South Africa aboard the Shosholoza. Kohler has also taken part in numerous competitive paddling events, achieving his provincial colours twice, until a back injury forced him to paddle less competitively.

Kohler is certainly no stranger to the ocean, which is why Ocean X is a story about endurance, courage against the odds, and the indomitably of the human spirit. As the world shrinks and the opportunities for adventure diminish, it takes a man of unique vision to be the first person to paddle a kayak solo and unsupported, across the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

Treble is excited and privileged to have secured the premium publishing house, Highbury Media, as Ocean X’s official media partner. Highbury will assist with the content generation and PR strategy leveraging their extensive digital and print magazine portfolio.

Preparations are underway to secure everything Richard Kohler’s needs for this tough and uncompromising expedition. Treble is very aware of the current challenging economic environment, but has taken up the challenge to assist Richard to raise the funds to make this odyssey every success both for Richard personally and for Operation Smile.

Treble looks forward to Richard successfully completing the experience, with some local corporate partners in the team and first hand being able to witness the real effect of their efforts to raise awareness and funding for this great initiative. If you would like to get involved please contact Treble, as we would appreciate the opportunity to discuss with you to come onboard and assist. For more details please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

THE ADVENTURE

The remarkable aspect of this journey into the unknown is the vessel that will carry Kohler along the way in achieving his ultimate goal of paddling from South Africa to Brazil. An 8m paddling torpedo allows very little leeway to move around after 15 hours and 100km of paddling every day, and every single inch of space needs to be utilised for optimal performance and comfort.

Seaport Supply, Cape Town’s largest boating retailer are supporting Richard with the equipment for the boat build, safety equipment and supplies for his craft. “The design brief was to keep it as close to a traditional kayak but that it should include a sleeping area that can protect me from the uncompromising elements typical of being out at sea,” says Kohler.

“The kayak is 8.5m long and 90cm at its maximum width. Considering an average shoulder width is around 50cm, it does not leave much room on the inside for me and my gear.” The cramped conditions are one of Richard’s biggest challenges. Avoiding leg cramp and debilitating salt sores are daily requirements to ensure he remains at optimal levels to complete his heady task.

From the outside there is a large array of solar panels with the two forward side panels that can lift upwards to present better solar absorption of the sun for drinking water. Research indicates that having enough electrical power to make water is one of the highest priorities. In Kohler’s survival of this mammoth task that awaits him; water equals life.

It remains a stiff challenge nonetheless, but Richard Kohler certainly has the drive and determination to succeed in his endeavours. Having been attacked by a shark during his trip along the entire coastline of South Africa, nothing will stop this brave man from dipping his toes into the cold Atlantic Ocean yet again and raising money for Operation Smile.

To stay updated and follow Richard Kohler’s journey click here or check out his social media handles and subscribe to his Youtube channel: Richard Kohler
Facebook: @RichardKohlerAdventures
Twitter: @AdventureRich
Instagram: @richardkohleradventures