Avon Descent on in August

The Avon Descent is on again and this year the gruelling event will be held over the weekend of August 1-2.

The Avon Descent is described as Western Australia’s own unique sporting event that attracts competitors and spectators from throughout Australia and overseas.

Avon Descenters challenge the Avon and Swan rivers in a variety of paddle and power craft in an exciting two-day time trial over 124 gruelling kilometres.

The Avon Descent was first held in 1973 with just 49 competitors, no rules, no officials, no checkpoints and very few spectators. In the years since, over 35,000 people have become Avon Descenters and competed in the Avon Descent, from novices and families, to World and Olympic Champions.

The Avon Descent passes through some of Western Australia’s most picturesque country. Competitors travel through the farming regions of historic Northam and Toodyay, forested national parks, steep gorges, the Swan Valley vineyard region and, eventually, into the tidal waters of the upper Swan River.

The Avon Descent offers competitors conditions ranging from long stretches of flat water that can test the endurance of the fittest athlete through to rapids, sure to test the skills of all who attempt to navigate their unknown contours.

A formal agreement to invite the winners of similar white water paddling races in other regions of the world has been instigated since October 2001.  This has raised the profile of the event on the National Sporting Events Calendar resulting in an annual exchange of competitors between the Fish River Marathon in South Africa and the Avon Descent.

The Course
Day One is a 52 kilometre stretch beginning at the town of Northam, 100 kilometres east of Perth. The course proceeds downriver through the town of Toodyay into the upper reaches of the Darling Range escarpment. The overnight stop is the Boral Campsite located at Cobbler Pool 20 kilometres west of Toodyay.

Day Two is 72 kilometres long and sees competitors tackle the valley containing the major white-water obstacles and challenges of the event including Supershoot, Emu Falls, Championship Rapids and Bells Rapids. The rush of the valley leaves competitors with the marathon 30-kilometre, flat-water stretch to Bayswater.

What Craft Can Compete?
The Avon Descent is open to a range of power dinghies and paddle craft. This combination of craft makes the event unique around the world. Power dinghies are the only power craft racing in white water of this type. The 15hp limit ensures environmental responsibility, but still allows for speeds up to 70km/h. The power craft provide much of the exciting viewing action of the Avon Descent.

The paddle section includes a combination of standard and invented craft including single, double and triple kayaks, and single and double surf skis. The event has seen the massive growth and popularity of craft manufactured from polyethylene plastic. Relay teams of two and four can also compete. Age restrictions apply.

For more information go to: http://www.avondescent.com.au