Freedom Paddlers Club (FRE) is the official surfski club for paddlers using Oceana Power Boat Club (OPBC) as their paddling base. We’re affiliated with Paddle Sport South Africa and the Western Cape Canoe Union, giving our members access to PSA structures and the ability to enter surfski races and events nationwide.

Club Membership vs. Facility Access

You don’t need FRE membership to paddle from OPBC. However, joining FRE allows you to participate in competitive paddling, benefit from club support, and be part of our paddling community. We organise the weekly dice, the Oceana Clifton Challenge, and The Freedom Paddle.

Please note: FRE and OPBC have separate memberships. FRE membership does not include OPBC facility benefits such as bar discounts, ski storage, waived slip fees, or interior parking. For these benefits, you’ll need to join OPBC separately. [Find out more here]

Club Craft Access

Our club skis are available to help new paddlers develop their skills before investing in their own equipment. They are not intended as a long-term alternative to purchasing your own ski or for recreational dolphin watching.

We actively monitor club craft usage and expect members to engage meaningfully with the club and the sport. Members who primarily use club craft without participating in club activities may be contacted.

NEVER USE PRIVATE CRAFT

Membership Details

Annual membership: R180 (valid for 365 days from payment date)

Complete the form below to apply. After submission, you’ll be directed to our secure payment page. For security and administrative purposes, we only accept payments through PayFast.

Racing Licenses

If you plan to compete in races, you’ll need a PSA/WCCU racing license. Visit https://paddler.paddlesportsa.com/ to apply.

Two license types are available:

• Social License (~R150): For inshore races of 10km or less
• Full License: For open-ocean and longer distance races

Both licenses require a proficiency assessment by our club safety officer. Once you’ve joined FRE, you can book your proficiency test by contacting us.