Avon Descent report

They say, that in everybody’s life there must be a challenge. In Western Australia that challenge is the Avon Descent.

The Avon has it all – weeks of training, friendship, excitement, rapids, mental torture, physical challenge, capsizes, blisters, rainy days, cold days, happy days, tea trees and the prestige. Then when it’s all over there is nothing more satisfying than telling all your work mates and friends that you competed in one of the most gruelling race in the world.

The Avon Descent is known throughout the world as a truly iconic paddling event. Although predominantly a Western Australian event it attracts paddlers from around the globe especially South Africa.

Paddlers at this year’s Avon Descent were greeted by perfect weather conditions with clear skies and warm weather luring the 847 competitors into the icy waters of the upper Swan Valley.

Hundreds of spectators gathered from early in the morning, cramming along a pedestrian suspension bridge at the start of the race to watch the staggered starts.

The Avon River connects with the Swan River and the event tracks for 133kms of these rivers, connecting Northam, 100km east of Perth with Bayswater in downtown Perth.

The 847 competitors, many from interstate and around the world battle various obstacles along the route as they head towards the finish line of day one – Cobblers Pool campsite, 57km’s from the starting line.

Over the two day event, more than 120,000 spectators lined the river banks to witness the world famous event with more than 2000 volunteers dotted along the way helped out.

Avon Descent spokesman Greg Tate said 847 competitors turned out for the annual two-day race, which passed without incident. “It was a perfect weekend with nice sunny conditions and high water levels,” he said. Tate acknowledges that no record times were broken after 12 fell last year but, “competitors enjoyed fast times on both days of competition”.

Paddlers John Wilkie and Ash Nesbit were among the WA winners. Wilkie claimed line honours in the single kayak in a time of 9hrs 29min 18sec. Nesbit and his South African teammate Clint Pretorius were the first paddle boat across the line in 8:48.04.

The South Australian contingent included Spirit PRS paddlers;

996 Luke Jones. 0414 526 081

909 Steve Perry 0410 658 342
396 Garth Tierney 0416 227779

993 Marc Brehin 0418 812 142

401 Trent Stoddard 0439 844950

And

746 BradButler 0408 846 422 (in his own boat, an Endorfinn)

Paddlers results can be found at – www.avondescent.com.au

There is also interesting reading and photos at – The West Australian – Newspaper

For a personal video I would suggest Ð Pat Brophy’s Avon Descent

Otherwise try the 2009 promo video – Avon Descent 2009 – Media Release Productions