Hockly and Burn bring home Freedom Paddle title
The local duo battle through tough conditions around the 27km course in Cape Town.
GLEN Anil’s Michelle Burn and Mount Moreland’s Saskia Hockly claimed the Prescient Freedom Paddle title on Thursday in a dramatic race marked by tough conditions and a rain-delayed start.
The crew expertly utilised the downwind swell in the paddle from Oceana Power Boat Club, around the iconic Robben Island, and back to come home, ahead of Candice Murray and Kira Bester.
The organisers of the prestigious annual Freedom Day surf-ski race had earlier delayed the start by an hour because of poor visibility as a sharp wind blew a rain squall across Table Bay. But conditions had improved considerably within that time, with some sunshine even appearing as the wind eased off.
Related article: Local duo ready to take on Freedom Paddle
The race was decided on the downwind run home as paddlers rode swells pushing them towards the finish.
“Going into the headwind on the way out was hard work. We are very light so we get thrown around a lot. By the time I got to the island, I was pretty tired, but thankfully, I love the runs, and coming home was pretty awesome. We worked really hard,” explained Burn.
They overcame a tough start, and Hockly said it turned out to be ‘one of the hardest races we have ever done’.
“Michelle’s skill is unbelievable, and being able to sit behind her while she navigated the island was such a pleasure. The start wasn’t really great; we were the last boat to leave the line,” said Hockly.
In the men’s race, Hank McGregor and Josh Fenn convincingly claimed back their Prescient Freedom Paddle title.
A total of 410 paddlers took part in the day’s various events on 258 boats.
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