Avon Descent

[Slice]

ok heres the deal. I find it hard to get motivatiated to train just for the sake of getting fit. So this yea rI decided I would train FOR something and that something is the Avon Descent. I was just wondering if anyone has done it, what sort of training they did. Especially out of boat training as I'm not buying the boat until May.

[Lolly]

Howdy Slice

I am the same - always set myself an annual goal.

Thus I did the Avon Descent in 2002. I started training from February. You will need to spend a lot of time in the kayak as it will set you up with the right kind of conditioning needed for the event. Join up with Swan Canoe club or a club like it as they will offer courses and use of their kayaks. They also have regular comps to keep you motivated and get you prepared. You actually need to pass a test to get in the race- which from memory included a swim and demo of being able to roll (in case you get stuck under a log or rocks) - if you join a club they will help you with that too.

Best of all you will meet lots of fellow paddlers who will paddle with you to places like Canning Bridge, Freo and of course to practice on the Avon.

The only other training I really had time for was the gym and general cardio fitness training (eg jacobs ladder).

I have to say the training was as fantastic as the event. The nights I spent on my own paddling in the rain to Freo, having dolphins swim around me, and just paddling the distances are memories that I love to cherish.

Hope that helps.

Lolly

[Eukanuba]

I'm looking for a decky/co-driver for the 2010 avon descent..

completely serious, I need someone dedicated - who will commit to the event..

[Eukanuba]

You'll be the ' guy up front ' ( or girl ), and you'll be expected to do a couple of races in the blackwood river before we hit the avon, because I want a finish this year.. I'm that determined - that I'm training at the gym 4 days a week so that I'll have the fitness to push the boat to the edge of what it can do..

What do you need to do ?- well, you'll need to do a little training.. so you have an idea of what is required.. you cant be over 80-90 kilo's ( sorry guys, weight kills races ) the lighter the better..

What will it cost you ? - well, you'll need a wetsuit - a helmet, gloves and booties.. other than that.. just your membership fee ( which covers your insurance ) and the race entry fee to the avon descent ( which is shared as a team )

I've got all the camping gear, cooking gear.. etc.. ( just ask the support crew who enjoy hot showers and camping luxury )

This really is an awesome sport, you'll learn more about yourself - you'll do something that not many others have done... and there is a certain prestige about going the avon descent in a power boat.. and being finished in time for lunch.. this is not an ' all day affair ' - and us boaties do indulge in a fair bit of relaxing and there's a really great commeraderie amongst all the racing teams.. it really is a huge family that do races together all year round.. just ask chance and the other guys on here that also race..

once you start, it really is addictive..

[Eukanuba]

The swan river marathon is in a couple weeks ( on the weekend of the 16th May )

If you're keen to do the Avon, you'll need to do this race.. so you best put your hand up - or you'll miss out..