Robben Island

Derrick provides boat support for over 200 Robben Island Channel crossings per annum, with an even split between “speedo” and wetsuit swims. As a registered observer, with CLDSA, and having significant experience in dealing with cold water induced hypothermia, Derrick is an obvious choice when selecting your pilot.

We have supported well over 1500 long distance swims and offer experience, expertise and individual support to every swimmer to ensure you minimise risk and maximise enjoyment on your swim.

We have provided support to many 1st time swimmers, international swimmers, competitive swimmers, and well-known regular swimmers.

We operate 5 support boats allowing us to select the most suitable boat based on launch and recovery sites, swim routes and size of support crew.

Roll of honour:

  • Fastest male swimmer – 1:23:54
  • Youngest official swimmer
  • 1st Paraplegic
  • 1st Quadriplegic
  • 100th Swim – Ryan Stramrood
  • 100th Swim – Kieron Palframan
  • 50th Swim – Lindsay de Kock
  • 1st Triple Robben Island crossing
  • 1st Quadruple Robben Island crossing
  • 1250 + crossings with a success record in excess of 95%

Robben Island

Derrick provides boat support for over 200 Robben Island Channel crossings per annum, with an even split between “speedo” and wetsuit swims.

False Bay

Derrick has been involved in the planning, scheduling, and piloting of 5 of these crossings, and coupled with 100% success in all False Bay attempts, makes him the undisputed leader in supporting this swim.

Cape Sanctioned Routes

The value of travelling to Cape Town, South Africa, to swim our 2 well known and iconic swims, False Bay and Robben Island, is the large number of vastly different swims presented by the Western Cape.