They say, that in everybodys life there must be a challenge. In Western Australia that challenge is the Avon Descent. It's got it all - the weeks of training, the friendships, the excitement of rapids, the mental and physical torture, the incredible challenge, the capsizes, the blisters, the rainy days, the cold days, the happy days, the 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 the most gruelling race in the world - they are usually impressed.

The Race

The Avon Descent is Western Australia's premier whitewater event. It is unlike any other event around the world as it combines three very different watercraft; canoes/kayaks, skis and power boats. The 135kms race is held over two days and includes 45kms of white water, 14kms of tea trees, many kilometres of meandering channels with the final 30kms on flat water.

The Craft

Using the right craft and becoming familiar with it is very important. Time spent in the boat is the most valuable form of exercise. Generally a plastic boat is more suitable for a beginner.

• It needs to be structurally sound
• Suited to your skill level and abilities
• Fast enough to get you to the end, but stable enough so you don't keep capsizing.

Terry 's vast amount of experience will assist you in selecting the most suitable craft for the race. Visit the store at 144 Railway Pde, Bassendean to see the most comprehensive range.

On our FlatwaterTraining Courses we have several different craft suitable for the Avon Descent, available to use - Try them out and then decide which one is best suited for you.

The Training

Avon Descent Flat Water Skills Training is conducted on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and there are Fitness Training sessions held on Saturday mornings. The Tuesday night sessions are for novice paddlers and the Thursday night sessions are for paddlers who have some skills and have already started training. If you are not clear which session to do or don't have a boat, please give Terry a ring on 9378 1333. We can loan boats on a short time arrangement.

White Water Training will begin when the river starts to flow. These full day courses are important to ensure you are fully prepared from the race. To ensure a place on the white water training sessions you must have completed a CDU flat water course or skills assessment.

Importance of Instruction

It is essential for all paddlers to learn the correct skills and technique from the beginning. An instructor will:

• Identify incorrect technique
• Advise on the necessary and important skills to work on
• Help develop your skills very quickly.
• Advise you on your individual training needs
• Help you become familiar with the correct routes down the rapids
• Identify by name, each rapid on the course

It is important to allow as much time as possible to develop adequate skills remembering that your fitness will follow. The more times you kayak the rapids, the easier and more familiar they will be on race day.

Ensuring Your Safety

Safety is the prime concern of our team of highly experienced instructors. So even on flat water training sessions you will be required to wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). We can supply you with one if necessary, just let us know.

In the white water Terry and his instructors will lead, rescue and help you get through the rapids with a minimum of fuss. Please understand that a white water river is a fluid environment and no matter how many safety procedures are in place, capsizes and possible injuries may occur.

Most years the Avon River starts to flow at the end of May early June. All white water sessions and trips have to be done between early June and the end of July. It is not a lot of time to become familiar with the river, so the rapids, if possible should be run at least once a week.

Check out the Courses for more details of dates, times and venues.

The Avon Descent is one of the greatest kayak races in the world. It takes skill, endurance and determination to complete the race. It's a must for people wanting to take on a challenge.