Anyone know anything about the avon descent???

[Texm78]

Hi - have been 'tricked' into going into this years avon (paddle..) - Know absolutely nothing about paddling/kayaks or boats in general...

Kinda hoping that there's a kayak yoda here who can help....

anyone.....

[Dubs]

Anyone know anything about the avon descent???

It's a boat race


Dubs

[shmoo]

It's a boat race


Dubs

Why? 'cause you cant motorboat a personality.

[Stoneville]

Yeh there are a couple on here that have done it or marshalled it, might not be online though

Hope you can swim

TIP - Do a search on Avon Descent you should find a few threads

[XSorXpire]

You are going to hurt!
You don't know anything about paddling and you are entering one of the hardest river races in Australia.
I'd start practicing holding your breath and guzzling lots of foul tasting water if i were you.

[Fat Pat]

You start at Northam and finish under the Garratt Rd bridge.

In between you freeze your arse off.

That's all you need to know really.

[fonzy]

Hi - have been 'tricked' into going into this years avon (paddle..) - Know absolutely nothing about paddling/kayaks or boats in general...

Kinda hoping that there's a kayak yoda here who can help....

anyone.....

start practicing.

after bells rapids on day 2 you have about 3/4 hours of flat water to cover....

many people pull out there.

My dad has done it twice..was a while ago though and im planning to do it some time soon.

Best advice is practice,practice,practice. The extracs weir,sids and bells rapids can get pretty hairy (depending on water levels) so doing then numerouse times pre-race is a good idea.

with all the adrenaline junkies on here im sure there are a few people who have done it before

my 2c

Fonz

[shmoo]

yeah, in all seriousness, I dont think its really a novice kind of event.

[Lolly]

I did it as a novice - practiced 2 - 4 nights a week and every weekend from Jan until the event. Never kayak'd prior to that in my life.

I ended up entering it as a double with an experienced guy. I am really glad I did, as despite all my training, I found it quite dangerous. It doesnt take much to upturn a kayak at the rapids and get pinned under a rock.

We ended up winning the double kayak category and came third overall. So as a novice you can still definitely play but be aware it has its dangers (heck as motorcyclists thats par of the course though right? )

[Texm78]

Cheers for the words of wisdom, may not be suicide after all (accidental death perhaps?) Lolly do you think surf ski's would be a little safer? - the whole getting pinned under a rock thing does concern me a little...

[Lolly]

The best thing to do at this stage is head down to the Swan Canoe club. (or similar) They can give you lots of advice as most of their members take on the Avon. You can also use their various craft and work out what suits you best.

They will teach you and encourage you to enter their Friday night races to Freo and back. You will also meet others that are just starting out that you can train with.

I use to paddle to Shelley and beyond to build up endurance and its great to have someone else paddling nearby for company (although lots of dolphins will join you in any event).

Swan Canoe club also put you through the swim and craft test that you have to pass to enter the Avon Descent. So you will learn how to roll and pop up and other things. There are also lots of short courses you can do to learn to navigate the Ti trees, and various sections of the rapids (once the rains start).

Swan Canoe Club

I am envious - I'd like to do it again but this time in a speed boat. Good luck.

[Eukanuba]

I am envious - I'd like to do it again but this time in a speed boat. Good luck.

That could be a real possibilty....

What's your weight lolly ?
( If my deckie fails to qualify, or puts on too much weight - he'll be out of the boat )

[Lolly]

That could be a real possibilty....

What's your weight lolly ?
( If my deckie fails to qualify, or puts on too much weight - he'll be out of the boat )

I weigh the perfect amount to be your ballast

[officer down]

Hi - have been 'tricked' into going into this years avon (paddle..) - Know absolutely nothing about paddling/kayaks or boats in general...

Kinda hoping that there's a kayak yoda here who can help....

anyone.....

Chalked up a few of these at the pointy end including last year's epic. Some good advice in the thread and I'd also recommend subscribing to WA Paddling News (weekly) by emailing rokhor@iinet.net.au. Keep an eye on the classifieds for a second hand plastic CTR or Spirit. These are the weapon of choice for the majority of novice paddlers and if it's an option maybe also consider competing in the Team's category and participating in the lead up events and familiarisation weekends advertised on the Canoeing WA website. Budget on a 1k spend and months of early nights and even earlier mornings on the water. To come is camaraderie and a memorable experience that keeps people coming back year after year. Simply finishing is a worthy accomplishment for paddlers of all stripes and you've got plenty of time to earn yours.

Good luck. Happy paddling.

[Eukanuba]

If you dont wanna paddle, buy my boat.. I've got one for sale

clicky linky !

[Eukanuba]

so, who else is in ?

Post a pic of your ride..