South African surfski paddler Peter Cole, who coached the elite ORKA Squad, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, 24th July. He reportedly suffered a heart attack while on the water during a training session, and resuscitation attempts were not successful.
An impact on the sport that few couldmatch
Tributes to Peter have flooded social media from individuals, organisations, and brands, including from Paddlesport South Africa, Western Cape Canoe Union, and Mocke Paddling. Their statements highlight Pete’s commitment to the sport, and role as a mentor who “touched so many lives in our community”.
Paddlesport South Africa said: “Peter was a top-level competitor, highly respected paddling coach and administrator, as well as a prominent member of the canoeing and surfski business community. Colin Simpkins, the Paddlesport South Africa Secretary General, said: “Very few individuals have had a greater impact on our sport, in as many roles as Peter had. From coach, to race organiser, to discipline administrator, his passion, dedication and impact have been immeasurable.”
Pete was a huge figure in the famously competitive Capetown surfski scene, but the shock of his loss has rippled far beyond South Africa.
Ripple effects
The global community knows Cole for his generosity in welcoming international paddlers to Fish Hoek. Britain’s fastest female surfski athlete, Rosie Edwards, is based in the UK but trained extensively with Pete in South Africa. She described him as “my Cape Town father”. One of Rosie’s big surfski wins came in South Africa last year when she won the women’s overall title at the 54km Cape Point Challenge. In the same event, Pete Cole teamed up with visiting GB paddler (originally from South Africa) Brynde Kreft to win the mixed doubles race. Hospitality at a higher level. Rosie expressed what many paddlers seem to be feeling: “I’m absolutely heartbroken… The community down there won’t be the same without him.”
Tom Mason, the Nordic Kayaks UK dealer and recent winner of the ICF World Cup / Eurochallenge 65+ category race, has known Pete since he was a nipper in South Africa:
“I’ve known Peter from when he was a prickly junior lifesaver at Fish Hoek (he was about 9 years my junior) hard headed but a very good guy always willing to help – he was a big influence amongst the younger sports people as he got to senior levels and became a Fish Hoek coach and captain.
He took over the management of the Cape Point Race in years when it was less popular… He was a very good lifesaving competitor and a thorn in the side of many of us who were from other clubs.”
Family business
Pete and Alexa Cole (nee Lombard) founded ORKA Paddles in 2006. They started small out of a garage, and with Alexa repping the brand while racing internationally at marathon World Championships in the early 2010s. From small beginnings, ORKA grew into one of the premier paddle brands for surfski and marathon kayak racers in South Africa and beyond. But their brand is about more than paddles. ORKA, via Pete and Alexa, is embedded in the heart of the South African paddling community.
As much as Pete contributed to paddlesports in various roles, his greatest impact may have been on the athletes he coached. Pete was the head coach of the ORKA Paddles Training Squad: an elite group of paddlers rife with past and future world champions. The fastest paddlers in the world flourished under Pete’s coaching, including reigning surfski World Champion Kira Bester, former World Champions Kenny Rice and Nicky Notten, and other notable names and up-and-coming youth.
“May it be rainy, may it be pouring, he’s here.”
Kira described Pete’s coaching philosophy in a recent interview: “My coach always says that you’re not a paddler, you’re an athlete.” She said that Pete emphasized multi-disciplinary paddling, and pushed her to race in marathon kayak to help her level up as surfski and sprint paddler. That approach helped her develop more all-round paddling skills and make her a better surfski racer.
After winning her first World Champion title last year, Kira has had a string of phenomenal performances from winning South African Surfski National Championships to winning Eurochallenge, and even taking a gold with K2 partner Jade Wilson at South African Sprint Nationals that has them considering a potential Olympic campaign. Kira credits much of her success to coaching, saying: “I think the only reason I am where I am is because of great coaches…” She described Pete’s consistency and support: “…Having Pete, my coach, coming to every single session, every session on the water. May it be rainy, may it be pouring, he’s here. And he’s also going to keep you on your toes… He keeps you really, really accountable.” For Kira, Pete was the cornerstone of a “tiered support process that helps you become the best version of yourself.”
After Pete’s untimely passing, Kira posted a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram:
In a touching moment that resonates unexpectedly now, Pete made an appearance at the end of Kira’s recent interview on Paddlecast. Kira received a call from Pete that she was late for training. Still on the line, she grabbed her paddles and ran to meet Pete and his son Jarryd in the car outside, taking the opportunity to introduce Pete and his “grumpy face” to “the UK people” (Paddlecast co-hosts Billy and Betsy). Pete smiled and referred to Kira as his “problem child”. Have a listen, if you haven’t already.
Memorial details
Peter Cole’s memorial service will take place on Sunday, 3rd August at 11am at Fish Hoek Beach Sports Club. The family warmly invites all who wish to celebrate Pete’s life to join.
Paddle Daily 
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