The Avon Descent is a two day time trial for competitors in varieties of paddle & power craft across 134km (83.3 miles) along the Avon & Swan rivers in Western Australia.

It was first held in 1973 without rules, officials or checkpoints for 49 competitors & since then has grown immensely to become a world renowned event with thousands of volunteers assisting & ensuring the safety of the competitors & spectators alike. They’ve also added rules & checkpoints =P

From Northam to Bayswater, the Avon Descent is a grueling race along white water & sadly, there have been serious injuries & fatalities over the years along the picturesque rivers.

This photo of one of the powerboats was taken at the start line in Northam, crossing over the weir wall, under the train bridge & heading downriver to Toodyay. They have 57km to go before they can stop for the day & rest…. & considering the terribly low water level from our drought, they’ll possibly be spending a lot of that getting themselves unbogged from the riverbed.
7th August 2010