The good news is that the rain has started filling the Avon River so this weekend we will be able to get onto the white water to do some assessments. There will be other days planned if you can't make this weekend.

We will still be running the Saturday morning fitness session at 7.15am.

What you will need if you want to do your Avon Descent Assessment this weekend.

Boat
Paddle
PFD
Helmet
Footwear
(Spraydecks for kayaks).

Warm clothing is essential. You will be swimming in the water. After a capsize or two in the water you will get very cold. If it rains or the wind is blowing up the river you will get cold. Remember when learning the white water skills you are not working hard, so if you don't have enough clothing on you will sit there and shriver.

It is essential not to wear cotton as when it gets wet it stays wet. Best to wear thermals, sharkskin tops and a paddling cag or clothing that is similar.

On your lower body wear neoprene pants, Sharkskin bottoms, thermals or clothing that is similar. Kayakers may wear neoprene shorts and thermal long johns but ski paddlers really need long pants.

Neoprene and Sharkskin pants will also protect your legs when capsized or being swept down the river.

Be prepared, bring spare warm clothing.

Cost for the 3 hour Assessment Course is $90.00 which includes entry to the Walyunga National Park.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 9378 1333

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The Course; Saturday Assessments

Time: 12 noon be there 15mins prior to allow time to get yourself organised

Duration: 3 Hours

Venue: Walyunga National Park. Turn off the Great Northern Highway in Upper Swan onto the Walyunga Road.
This is 5.8kms north of the Upper Swan Bridge.

Drive in 3.2kms and turn right after the National Park Entry Station. This takes you to the lower Walyunga Pool and a big car park where we will meet.

Check your map and allow time to get there.

Cost: $90.00 which also includes entry into the National Park.
When you get to the ranger booth tell the ranger you are doing a course with Canoeing Down Under.

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Sunday Morning Assessments

Time: 8.45am be there 15mins prior to allow time to get yourself organised

Duration: 3 Hours

Cost: $90.00 which also includes entry into the National Park.
When you get to the ranger booth tell the ranger you are doing a course with Canoeing Down Under.

Venue: Walyunga National Park. Turn off the Great Northern Highway in Upper Swan onto the Walyunga Road. This is 5.8kms north of the Upper Swan Bridge.

Drive in 3.2kms and turn right after the National Park Entry Station. This takes you to the lower Walyunga Pool and a big car park where we will meet.

Check your map and allow time to get there.

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Sunday Afternoon Assessments

Time: 1.00pm be there 15mins prior to allow time to get yourself organised

Duration: 3 Hours

Cost: $90.00 which also includes entry into the National Park.
When you get to the ranger booth tell the ranger you are doing a course with Canoeing Down Under.

Venue: Walyunga National Park. Turn off the Great Northern Highway in Upper Swan onto the Walyunga Road. This is 5.8kms north of the Upper Swan Bridge.

Drive in 3.2kms and turn right after the National Park Entry Station. This takes you to the lower Walyunga Pool and a big car park where we will meet.

Check your map and allow time to get there.

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Skills are taught and assessed as follows:-

- Identify the potential hazards when swimming in moving water.

While Swimming

- Adopt the correct body position to minimise injury following craft capsize

- Demonstrate defensive swimming techniques

- Demonstrate aggressive swimming techniques

In the boat.

- Demonstrate the ability to set a ferry angle in order to reach the bank or eddy

- Demonstrate breaking in and out of eddies in order to get to shore

- Identify and demonstrate techniques to actively free oneself from river hazards in simulations

- Demonstrate the ability to wade across a current of mid-thigh depth, alone and using support, in order to self-rescue

- Demonstrate craft re-entry

- Identify a variety of different re-entry techniques

- Elect a method of re-entry after consideration of physical ability, type of craft and situational variances.