Cape Paddling Season 2026 - Ocean and River Canoe Races

Welcome to the world of ocean surf skiing and river canoeing in South Africa. In Cape Town and the Western Cape, these sports have been intoxicating men and women of all ages for decades. Let's explore upcoming Cape water events. 

Wild Ocean Surf Ski in the Cape

There’s a surfski, a stretch of water, and an event waiting for you in the Cape. It doesn't matter whether you're an Olympic-level athlete, a weekend adventurer, or a total beginner chasing fitness and fresh air. Did you know that surfski paddling originated from surf lifesaving? Now the sport has taken off, and the Western Cape is a stronghold for this compelling outdoor activity.  These sleek canoes are surprisingly user-friendly once you know how. Ocean paddlers now rate them as one of the easiest paddle crafts to learn on. 

Seaside Cottages is based next door to the Fish Hoek Beach Sports Club, where ocean paddling is all the rage. It is also home to the Mocke brothers' paddling school, the best place to learn how to surfski. 

River Canoe Racing is Hot

River canoe racing in the Western Cape offers adventure and outdoor fitness to souls who love a watery challenge. Now loved by international novices and elite racers, the many river marathons in this region hark back to the 1950s and 60s. In those days, fearless explorers first followed rivers from their mountain sources all the way to the sea.

Today, these epic journeys have become slick, organised, iconic races, including the Berg and Breede River Marathons. Some paddlers prefer smaller but equally loved races on the Olifants and Eerste rivers. River racing season kicks off in winter, when rivers are full, flowing hard, and full of surprises. This is canoeing at its most adventurous: long distances, technical rapids, tree blockages, quick decision-making, and raw endurance.

Let’s look at the ocean and river races on the calendar this year.

1.      Prescient Freedom Paddle

27 April 2026 | Oceana Powerboat Club, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay

Circle an icon. Celebrate freedom. Paddle with purpose.

The Prescient Freedom Paddle is a thrilling 27 km ocean race around Robben Island, held annually on the 27th, Freedom Day. It’s open to all seaworthy, human-powered paddle craft and is all about unity, endurance, and sharing the water against one of South Africa’s most powerful historical backdrops. It’s also accessible to paddlers of all abilities - river addicts who are feeling adventurous but not quite ready for 27 km can tackle a shorter 10 km route.

The Freedom Paddle is ideal for those chasing a personal best or for those who simply love the sense of community and soaking up the experience. Just get to the start line.

2.      Berg River Canoe Marathon

June / July 2026 | Paarl to Velddrif | 239 km

More than a race, a four-day legend.

The first recorded descent of the Berg River dates back to 1952, when three adventurous Paarl locals set off in an outboard-powered boat and took four long days to reach Velddrif on the West Coast.

A decade later, in 1962, 35 brave pioneers launched the very first Berg River Canoe Marathon on a flooded river. Backed by enthusiastic coverage from Die Burger newspaper, the four-day odyssey captured the nation’s imagination, even though only 19 paddlers made it to the finish line. The Berg remains ever popular and challenging today.

3.      Breede River Marathon

September 2026 | Robertson to Swellendam | 70 km

Classic two-day stage race and finale to winter river season.

Day 1 kicks off at 10 am on Saturday at McGregor Bridge near Robertson and covers 37 km downstream to Bonnievale. Day 2 follows with a scenic 33 km paddle from Bonnievale to Kam’bati River Resort near Swellendam. This scenic race is challenging, social, and steeped in tradition. It’s also a firm favourite on the South African canoeing calendar.

4.      Cape Point Challenge

19–20 December 2026 | Scarborough / Witsand, around Cape Point to Fish Hoek Beach | 52 km

Raw ocean. Big distance. Serious bragging rights.

First raced in 1980, the Cape Point Challenge is one of the toughest and most respected ocean races on the calendar. It once alternated with the famous PE-to-East London race, and it continues to attract the sport’s biggest names.

In 2014, Hank McGregor shaved more than half a minute off Sean Rice’s 2010 record, setting the current full-course record at 3:39:50. The roll of honour reads like a who’s who of surfski royalty, with multiple wins from legends such as Herman and Oscar Chalupsky, Dawid Mocke, Peter Creese, and Hayley Nixon. This is ocean racing at its boldest.

5.      West Coast Canoe Challenge

7 February 2026 | Velddrif

Fun. Friendly. Flat water. And more fun.

A standout event on the WCCU race calendar, the West Coast Canoe Challenge is all about enjoying the paddle. With around 250 participants expected, the race takes place in Velddrif and is known for near-flat water, gentle conditions, and a cool north-westerly breeze. It’s perfect for newcomers and seasoned paddlers alike.

Choose from a 20 km race for experienced kayaks and surf skis, a 16 km option for SUP boards, a popular 10 km for fit newcomers, or a relaxed 5 km designed especially for beginners and social paddlers. Race safety is excellent, organisation is slick, and the local community and Velddrif tourism get fully behind the event.

Seaside Cottages Beachfront Accommodation

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