Freedom Day Swim from Robben Island to Blouberg

Elite swimmers will brave what is known as the “Everest” of open water swimming to raise funds for charity this Freedom Day


Some of the world’s greatest open water swimmers are among a record field of about 400 participants at the extreme 7.5km Freedom Swim from Robben Island to Blouberg. Taking place on Saturday, 21 April 2018, the race recognises Freedom Day (which is the next week, on 27 April), the day back in 1994 when South Africa became a democracy.

The Freedom Swim is one of the toughest open water swimming events of its kind due to the icy ocean (around 13°C) and strong currents.

 The event will be raising funds for Vista Nova School for children with learning disabilities. In addition to this, the Freedom Swim also supports the Phoenix Swimming Club, a development swimming club. “This is a dream come true for our swimmers,” says the chairman of the Phoenix Swimming Club. “To rise above the challenges facing disadvantaged communities and to participate in one of the world’s greatest extreme swim races is incredibly empowering and inspirational for our community,” he added.

“The freedom swim also celebrates South Africa’s democratic status and the role played by Robben Island in achieving democracy in South Africa. The Island is an integral partner,” says Ram Barkai, founder and CEO of the International Ice Swimming Association, who is hosting the event.

South Africans are certainly doing their bit swimming by taking to the waters for charity. Earlier this year, 11-year-old Abriella Bredell became the youngest person to swim the channel from Robben Island to Big Bay. Bredell took on the challenge to raise money for the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

The race is rated among the top 100 open water swims in the world and a field of about 140 solos and 260 relay swimmers are expected.

Spectators are invited to gather at Big Bay from 9.30am to support the swimmers.

To enter please visit www.bigbayevents.co.za

Entry fees for the 2018 Freedom Swim:

Solo Skins

R220

Solo Wetsuits

R220

Relay Team Skins

R5000

Relay Team Wetsuits

R5000

*Please note that entry fees do not include boat support

---
Have a look at this township tour ending in Hermanus.
If you love a good beach day out, here are our favourite beaches in and around Cape Town.
Check out our list of activities to do at Llandudno beach.
---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterestboards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!

Cape Town Events Calendar
March 2024
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31

Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko MuseumOnce-in-a-lifetime exhibition of Esther ...

On from February to August 2024; 100+ artworks

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Mischu eggs benedict Weekends are for mischu

Where else do you get breakfast under R100 in Sea Point?

Woodstock Brewery beer tastingLocal craft beer tasting even ...

Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Escape rooms Cape TownPossibly the best escape room in the ...

HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”

Bamboo Plant Power plant based healthy takeaways Netflix and chill & office lunch are ...

From mushroom burgers and loaded fries to “sticky wings”

Mardouw Country HouseHow to have an unforgettable 40th, 50th ...

Private chef and 3-course meals at a 5-suite manor

Amina Boutique Hotel You can now book out this entire hotel ...

Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

Big Cook Little Cook Makers LandingWhat's on at the V&A Waterfront during ...

Easter egg hunts, live shows, kids market, vinyl fair + 5 more

Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko MuseumOnce-in-a-lifetime exhibition of Esther ...

On from February to August 2024; 100+ artworks

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Mischu eggs benedict Weekends are for mischu

Where else do you get breakfast under R100 in Sea Point?

Harringtons Cocktail Lounge District SixFridays at East City's Harrington Street

Bar hop in one building, from happy hour to live music

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Escape rooms Cape TownPossibly the best escape room in the ...

HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”

Bamboo Plant Power plant based healthy takeaways Netflix and chill & office lunch are ...

From mushroom burgers and loaded fries to “sticky wings”

Amina Boutique Hotel You can now book out this entire hotel ...

Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

NOVO Pizza 4A neighbourhood pizza gem for the family

Apertivos, pizzas, colouring tables and more at NOVO

Kanji RamenRamen and street food on Kloof Nek

Ramen, bao buns and flan cheesecake at Kanji Ramen

Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore meeting rooms Cape Town meeting rooms for big & small ...

Top tech, secure parking, fresh pastries & a rooftop terrace

Big Cook Little Cook Makers LandingWhat's on at the V&A Waterfront during ...

Easter egg hunts, live shows, kids market, vinyl fair + 5 more

Coworking at Casa Labia by Ideas CartelMeeting rooms, boardrooms, from the CBD ...

Ideas Cartel: Work, play + stay hub for today's businesses

HintHunt Africa team buildingTeam-building activities you’ll ...

Surprise your team with these fun team-building activities

V&A Waterfront Easter egg huntsHow to celebrate Easter in Cape Town

Family fest, rooftop party, hot cross bun pairing and more

cape_town_experiences_lourensfordStunning day trips to take in the ...

Fill your weekends with wildflowers, wildlife and 50m tall dunes on these 7 day ...

GiveawaysTravel Tips