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| ====== Miller's Run ====== | ====== Miller's Run ====== | ||
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| + | {{page>movies_cached:dwmillersrun12&nofooter&noeditbtn}} | ||
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| + | ---- | ||
| <WRAP centeralign> | <WRAP centeralign> | ||
| {{youtube>xqswWeIqmgw?large}} | {{youtube>xqswWeIqmgw?large}} | ||
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| + | **Jasper Mocke's Record Run 2016** | ||
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> | ||
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| - | [[:western_cape|South Africa Western Cape Main Page]] | + | * [[:western_cape|South Africa Western Cape Main Page]] |
| + | * [[https://dawidmocke.substack.com/p/its-the-worlds-best-downwind|Dawid Mocke's Take on Miller's Run Sept. 29, 2025]] | ||
| + | * [[:millers_run:millers_run_videos|]] | ||
| + | * [[:races:south_africa_self_timed#miller_s_run|Miller's Run Records]] | ||
| - | [[:millers_run:videos|]] | + | ---- |
| - | Jasper Mocke's Description in [[https://www.epickayaks.com/post/the-millers-run|Epic Kayaks Blog]] March 8, 2018: | + | Jasper Mocke's Description in [[https://www.epickayaks.com/post/the-millers-run|Epic Kayaks Blog]] March 8, 2018 (Last edit by wiki editor: Mar 30, 2026): |
| ===== The Miller's Run ===== | ===== The Miller's Run ===== | ||
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| - | Updated: Mar 9, 2018 | ||
| <WRAP indent> | <WRAP indent> | ||
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| The size of the swells is most dependent on the strength of the wind. 10 – 15 knots is perfect for the weekend warrior who wants to surf runs without worry. When the wind reaches 20 knots and above, it’s for the seasoned downwind hunter. False Bay fills up with white caps and swells, all pushing their way directly to Fish Hoek beach. On a typical Miller’s Run you will have smaller runs or ‘wind chop’ that move slow and are easier to catch. These are the bread and butter of your downwind. | The size of the swells is most dependent on the strength of the wind. 10 – 15 knots is perfect for the weekend warrior who wants to surf runs without worry. When the wind reaches 20 knots and above, it’s for the seasoned downwind hunter. False Bay fills up with white caps and swells, all pushing their way directly to Fish Hoek beach. On a typical Miller’s Run you will have smaller runs or ‘wind chop’ that move slow and are easier to catch. These are the bread and butter of your downwind. | ||
| - | \\ | + | \\ Then among these, bigger swells that have travelled further and move faster, march through. These are commonly referred to as ground swell. In your downwind you ride a combination using the speed of the ‘wind chop’ to get you onto the ‘ground swell’. When the SE starts blowing it stays consistent and commonly lasts a week without abating. Within the first few hours of wind there are beautiful smaller runs that I like to call ‘fresh runs’, perfect for anyone, especially those starting out. If you’re after the big stuff, hang tight for a few hours and allow the runs to build. |
| - | Then among these, bigger swells that have travelled further and move faster, march through. These are commonly referred to as ground swell. In your downwind you ride a combination using the speed of the ‘wind chop’ to get you onto the ‘ground swell’. When the SE starts blowing it stays consistent and commonly lasts a week without abating. Within the first few hours of wind there are beautiful smaller runs that I like to call ‘fresh runs’, perfect for anyone, especially those starting out. If you’re after the big stuff, hang tight for a few hours and allow the runs to build. | + | |
| - | \\ | + | \\ What makes the Miller’s Run even better is that it works on the opposite wind direction too. When Cape Town winter arrives, cold fronts batter the West coast all powered by blustery north westerly (NW) winds. To do the reverse Miller’s a NW or NNW is best. On this route, there will be no ground swell, only wind chop that grows and speeds up as you go. |
| - | What makes the Miller’s Run even better is that it works on the opposite wind direction too. When Cape Town winter arrives, cold fronts batter the West coast all powered by blustery north westerly (NW) winds. To do the reverse Miller’s a NW or NNW is best. On this route, there will be no ground swell, only wind chop that grows and speeds up as you go. | + | |
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> | ||
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| Miller’s Point to Fish Hoek Beach, 11.7km. | Miller’s Point to Fish Hoek Beach, 11.7km. | ||
| - | \\ | + | \\ **Launching:** |
| - | **Launching:** | + | |
| - | There are two slipways to launch from at Miller’s. An easy protected option on the western side closest to the caravan park or an exposed option on the eastern side at the boat club. If you are going for an official time you need to launch on the exposed slipway and paddle around “the rock” which is where the clock starts. You stop your watch when your feet touch the sand on Fish Hoek beach. | + | There are two slipways to launch from at Miller’s. An easy protected option on the western side closest to the caravan park or an exposed option on the eastern side at the boat club. If you are going for an official time you need to launch on the exposed slipway and paddle around “the rock” which is where the clock starts. You stop your watch when your feet touch the sand on Fish Hoek beach. (Ed. //There are at least some rocks to watch out for when launching at one of the slipways [[https://www.facebook.com/reel/2099796220794122|facebook video]]// ) |
| **Landmarks:** | **Landmarks:** | ||
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| If you’re from out of town it can seem a bit daunting. Why not connect with locals? Here are your options: | If you’re from out of town it can seem a bit daunting. Why not connect with locals? Here are your options: | ||
| - | \\ | + | \\ Mocke Paddling has everything you need, from gear to logistics, just arrive. You can even do it on a double surfski with a world champion if that will settle your nerves! Find them at [[http://www.mockepaddling.com|www.mockepaddling.com]]. For a week of intense downwind coaching sign up for the Downwind Camps. |
| - | Mocke Paddling has everything you need, from gear to logistics, just arrive. You can even do it on a double surfski with a world champion if that will settle your nerves! Find them at [[http://www.mockepaddling.com|www.mockepaddling.com]]. For a week of intense downwind coaching sign up for the Downwind Camps. | + | |
| - | \\ | + | \\ The Miller’s Taxi is a shuttle service that transports paddlers and their surfskis between Fish Hoek and Miller’s Point. Park your car at Fish Hoek and hop on the shuttle. Contact Vinnie on +27 (0) 83 500 5194. They publish their shuttle times daily via whatsapp or on their Facebook page, Miller's Taxi. You will need 60 South African Rand cash (About $5 USD (//in 2018//)) and your own tie downs. |
| - | The Miller’s Taxi is a shuttle service that transports paddlers and their surfskis between Fish Hoek and Miller’s Point. Park your car at Fish Hoek and hop on the shuttle. Contact Vinnie on +27 (0) 83 500 5194. They publish their shuttle times daily via whatsapp or on their Facebook page, Miller's Taxi. You will need 60 South African Rand cash (About $5 USD (//in 2018//)) and your own tie downs. | + | |
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> | ||
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| This is a big priority for the Miller's Run community. No ‘heroes’. You have to be competent on your craft and ultimately you are responsible for your own safety. Here is a checklist: | This is a big priority for the Miller's Run community. No ‘heroes’. You have to be competent on your craft and ultimately you are responsible for your own safety. Here is a checklist: | ||
| - | • A stable surfski\\ | + | • A stable surfski \\ • Certified, high visibility PFD \\ • High visibility clothing \\ • Leash (Body to surfski) \\ • Communication device \\ • Tracking device. Download the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) SafeTrx app or use a SpotMe™ (www.findmespot.com) device. |
| - | • Certified, high visibility PFD\\ | + | |
| - | • High visibility clothing\\ | + | |
| - | • Leash (Body to surfski)\\ | + | |
| - | • Communication device\\ | + | |
| - | • Tracking device. Download the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) SafeTrx app or use a SpotMe™ (www.findmespot.com) device. | + | |
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> | ||
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| Elite paddlers have been timing their downwind runs from the 80’s. Early paddler’s like Peter Creese paved the way for Fish Hoek legends like Paul Marais and Peter Cole and more recently the Mocke brothers to turn this stretch of ocean into a race track. | Elite paddlers have been timing their downwind runs from the 80’s. Early paddler’s like Peter Creese paved the way for Fish Hoek legends like Paul Marais and Peter Cole and more recently the Mocke brothers to turn this stretch of ocean into a race track. | ||
| - | The current record of 36:36 was set in January 2016 by Jasper Mocke on a V14 Ultra with our mid wing paddle on possibly the most perfect afternoon for a Miller’s Run ever. If you have not seen it, the video is attached at the bottom of this article. | + | The current record ((//Ed.: Jasper's description was written in 2018, see [[:races:south_africa_self_timed#miller_s_run|Miller's Run Records]] for more current status//) //of **36:28 **was set in 2026 by **Uli Hart. **Jasper Mocke's previous record of 36:36 is described in a video at the top of this page)//. |
| The benchmark for elite Miller’s Run status is a time under 40 minutes or a ‘sub 40’. Be sure to have your GPS as proof and show your track. You have to start your watch behind the rock at Miller's Point and stop it as your feet touch the sand on Fish Hoek beach. | The benchmark for elite Miller’s Run status is a time under 40 minutes or a ‘sub 40’. Be sure to have your GPS as proof and show your track. You have to start your watch behind the rock at Miller's Point and stop it as your feet touch the sand on Fish Hoek beach. | ||
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| If you’re traveling with a companion or family, the villages of Kalk Bay and Simonstown are laid back villages tucked away beneath mountains either side of the Fish Hoek valley. They offer a welcome alternative to the hustle of the city slickers. Use the South peninsula as your base where you will have easy access to paddling downwind and explore the city and sights from there. | If you’re traveling with a companion or family, the villages of Kalk Bay and Simonstown are laid back villages tucked away beneath mountains either side of the Fish Hoek valley. They offer a welcome alternative to the hustle of the city slickers. Use the South peninsula as your base where you will have easy access to paddling downwind and explore the city and sights from there. | ||
| - | </WRAP>\\ | + | - Jasper Mocke, March 2018 |
| - | - Jasper Mocke | + | |
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Reverse Miller's? ===== | ||
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| + | <WRAP indent> | ||
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| + | When the wind is blowing NNW or NW it is blowing pretty much parallel to shore (or somewhat offshore) for a Reverse Miller's, but be careful, the local mountains interact with the winds and can sometimes cause [[:western_cape#false_bay_reverse_runs_north_to_south_miller_s_buffels|the wind to change to more W]] and on higher wind days may start blowing so hard offshore it can be difficult or impossible to paddle toward shore) | ||
| + | |||
| + | </WRAP></WRAP> | ||
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