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Avon Descent organisers expecting increased field to challenge for records at 2022 incarnation of the event

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Ben SmithThe West Australian
The 2021 Avon Descent at Bells Rapid. Photo by Matt Jelonek/The West Australian.
Camera IconThe 2021 Avon Descent at Bells Rapid. Photo by Matt Jelonek/The West Australian. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian

An increased and rejuvenated field has Avon Descent organisers enthusiastic about the possibility of records tumbling, as competitors ready themselves to tackle WA’s most treacherous rapids this weekend.

Organisers are anticipating records could fall throughout Saturday and Sunday, with interstate and intentional competitors returning to the Avon River to battle the best of the local talent.

Avon Descent chairman Greg Kaeding said approximately 500 people would be navigating the Avon River this weekend, plus hundreds more assisting in a supporting capacity, and promising conditions meant a chance of quick times.

“The water levels are a little bit lower than last year, but there’s a good strong flowing range because the upper catchment is full of water,” he said.

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“It’s actually leading into the river quite well, giving you a good flow, but at a height that is going to be suitable for novices, as well as for experienced competitors.”

2019 Avon Descent. at Extracts Weir. Steve Bird	Paddle Relay. Picture Jackson Flindell The Sunday Times
Camera IconSteve Bird will tackle the 2x60 relay at the 2022 Avon descent with fellow Olympian Jesse Phillips. Picture Jackson Flindell The Sunday Times Credit: Jackson Flindell/The Sunday Times
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Kaeding tipped Olympians Jesse Phillips and Steve Bird, who are teaming up in the 2x60 relay, and Australian Tokyo Olympics representative Jaime Roberts, competing in the kayak double marathon with Michael Liddle, to challenge the records in their respective categories.

He also predicted power boater partners Jay Branson and Cody Chittick and Michael Prosser and Perrin Franks to contend for the 10hp sports power boats title.

“They’re always going to run for the money and always trying to take those precious minutes off the race record, so there’s every chance that they could do a record,” Kaeding said.

“Those boats fly along between 60-70km/h and then they’re going to take advantage of this moderate water level to try to break the record.

The 2021 Avon Descent at Bells Rapid. Photo by Matt Jelonek/The West Australian.
Camera IconThe 2021 Avon Descent at Bells Rapid. Photo by Matt Jelonek/The West Australian. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian

“It’s still good moderate water, so a couple of records will go, but most of them will stay in tact and a good range of competitors will push the timeframes for sure.”

Kaeding said an increased variety of divisions, such as jet boats, stand up paddle boards and dragon boats, had contributed to a swelling number of participants.

“We’re offering more opportunities for people to do the short course challenge events, events happening on day one and day two which are just short courses,” he said.

“We’re finding a greater participation that was competing now, so you’ve got the hardcore, the 124 club that do the 52km on day one and 72 km on day two, but then you’ve got a groundswell of general public people who might have moderate levels of fitness but don’t feel quite up to doing the full 124km over the two days.”

The race will begin in Northam on Saturday, with day one action to wrap up at Cobbler Pool, before competitors will head to Riverside Gardens in Bayswater on Sunday via Bells Rapid, Middle Swan Bridge and the Ascot Kayak Club.

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