Excitement is building for the 2024 Avon Descent! Thanks to recent rainfall and rising water levels sparking a surge of last-minute interest in the event, entries to the iconic WA event, which takes place on the Avon and Swan Rivers from Northam to Bayswater, have been reopened for an extra 24 hours only.
“River levels have risen significantly downstream of Northam in the Avon Valley and Walyunga National Parks, which feed both the Avon and Swan Rivers, since the dry riverbed conditions of mid-June”, remarked Greg Kaeding, Avon Descent Chair.
“With rising water levels across the Ti-Trees and especially the whitewater sections of the course downstream of the overnight campsite at Cobblers Pool, the number of practising paddlers tackling the river has increased significantly,” added Kaeding. “The recent power craft and mini-jet time trials have also boosted competitor confidence in completing the iconic 124-kilometre event.”
Kaeding further remarked that “the introduction of new family-friendly Day 2 short course Avon Challenge events over 10, 17, and 29 kilometres from Woodbridge Riverside Park in the City of Swan has generated additional interest from families wanting to paddle together on Sunday morning. For this reason, we wanted to give as many people as possible the opportunity to experience this iconic WA event, and so we’ve reopened entries for the next 24 hours”.
Avon Challenge entrants will then also have the opportunity to watch the 124-kilometre Ultra competitors make their way to the finish line while enjoying the family-friendly activities at the City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival right after their race.
The Avon Descent kicks off this Saturday August 10 from Northam, running over two days before concluding at Riverside Gardens, Bayswater on Sunday August 11.
Some 400 competitors and approximately 1,500 volunteer support crew, officials, and marshals are expected to participate over the two days of this iconic WA event, with both paddle and power craft battling the elements and each other as they make their way over the 124-kilometre course from Northam to Perth down the Avon and Swan Rivers.
Interested in joining the event yourself, cheering on the competitors or attending one of the Family Fun Day Festivals across the weekend? Visit avondescent.com.au for more information.
