Dawid and Nikki Mocke - South African
Dawid and Nokki Mocke - Members of the World Paddle Awards Academy
Dawid and Nikki Mocke epitomise what they call the ‘pursuit of purpose.’ As two of the most well-known and decorated water athletes in the world they have been able to use their expertise and passion to play a big role in the rapid growth of paddlesports worldwide.
Both Dawid and Nikki started out their sporting careers on the beach and in the surf as “Nipper” lifesavers, both progressing on to represent South Africa in Surf Lifesaving. This is where their love for paddlesports began and flourished. Since then they have also been involved in flat-water marathon racing, river marathon, flat-water sprint kayaking and ocean ski racing, competing at the highest level and enjoying success in every discipline.
Nikki Mocke represented South Africa at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the K4 500 event where she and her team placed a commendable 7th. Since then she has turned her attention to Ocean Ski Paddling where she placed third in the inaugural Ocean Racing World Championships and won the 2013 Mauritius Ocean Classic where Dawid also picked up the title. Dawid relies on consistency within his training and racing as the essence of his progress. Having won over 30 international titles and four World Surf Ski championships this formula has proven to work, and even after racing at an international standard for over 20 years, he shows no signs on slowing down.
In 2003 the couple started a Surfskichool to share their passion for ocean paddling with anyone that wanted to learn. In 2006 Dawid then decided to design a PFD to abide by ocean ski safety requirements in which was designed for performance and is renowned for its comfort. Thus, the ‘Mocke’ brand was born. From this, The Paddling Centre was opened which provides frontline paddling products and advice both in store and online.
As well as being two of the finest athletes the paddlesport world has seen, the Mockes have also become mentors for many elite and budding athletes. Together, they are two of the most humble people who positively influence everyone in their lives. For them, “success means fulfilling your allotted time here on earth with purpose.” Dawid and Nikki encourage people to use their talents, follow their passion and pursue their goals. With 2 children, Samuel and Sarah, they exemplify the fact that sport should never get in the way of a happy and healthy family life.
Dawid and Nikki Mocke are two of the most influential and motivating people within paddlesports and valued members of the WPA Academy. They have been instrumental in Ocean Ski Paddlings national (South Africa) and international growth with their dedication and passion second to none.
