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A few Avon Descenters must be getting a little nervous with
yet another week without rain. Without water in the river
it's hard to practice and gain better skills and to be really
prepared for the race. But don't despair too much because
last year it didn't rain either but it turned out being a
great race with lots of water.
So what can first timers do to get better?
You just need to keep training, keep learning and practicing
skills like support strokes, as they are going to help you
from capsizing. The more competent you are on your craft in
flat and rough water the better you will be on the whitewater.
And when I mean practice your skills, I mean practice over
and over again. They need to be so good that they become so
natural that you use them without realising that you are using
them.
There is a lot to learn about white water and whilst having
perfect flat water skills is no substitute for the real thing
but you will have a better chance to develop your skills in
white water if your skills are good in flat water.
With the river being low the next best thing to do is to
paddle the T-trees below the Upper Swan Bridge. This section
will still have a little running water and lots of trees to
avoid. Although it may be low, it still can be tricky and
it will improve your skills. There is a race in the Upper
Swan T-trees this Sunday morning so it's probably not a good
idea to be there until it's over.
Hopefully this next week it will rain and we can get back
on the river.
For those paddlers who haven't done their assessment we will
be doing them once the river level is back up. In an emergency,
and it's getting very close to the event we will go to a plan
B!
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I was sent a newsletter from the Avon Descent this week with
a reminder from the Department of Environment and Conservation
to all paddlers who are training for the Avon Descent through
the valley, allow enough time to paddle through the valley
before it gets dark - please DO NOT leave Posselts Ford after
1.00pm. Thank you
I say that 1.00pm is far too late to start a trip from Posselts
Ford. Novices or even myself would not be able to paddle the
32 kms to the nearest get out point at Walyunga in 4 hours
and if you go on to Bells which is another 6 kms it would
be impossible.
To get to Walyunga in 4 hours (the gate to the park usually
closes at 5.00pm) you would have to paddle 8kms an hour. That
might be achieved in high water but it would be near impossible
in low water. If you went onto Bells you would be wanting
to paddle faster than 9kms an hour to get there before dark.
It is hard to go that fast on flat water but with all the
rocky rapids you would need to be superman.
If you are a novice and start a trip down from Posselts after
12 noon the rescue services would more likely to be looking
for you. It has happened to many paddlers in the past - don't
let it be you being rescued.
Paddling the valley from Posselts Ford to Walyunga in 0.4m
would be very rocky and you would need the complete day to
do it. Some paddlers would think you are mad or desperate
doing it at that level. You would certainly get some boat
damage.
A much better level to do the valley would be 0.6 to 0.8m.
There will still be lots of rocks but it would be a faster
trip but it can still be tricky and dangerous for a novice.
If you haven't paddled white water confidently you really
should be questioning yourself if you should attempt it. And
never go alone. Go with someone that is experienced.
So if you are thinking about paddling from Posselts Ford
to Walyunga or Bells allow plenty of time and try to leave
Posselts Ford before 10.00am and if it is low even earlier.
ENTRIES CLOSE Soon !!!
Entries Close 5.00pm next Thursday 12th July
Entries for the 2012 Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent close
next Thursday 12th July 5.00pm Online (Only 1 week away!).
If you have not already entered, be sure to get your entry
in before entries close to be a part of this unique 40th Anniversary
Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent!!
ENTER NOW visit our NEW Avon Descent website www.avondescent.com.au
2012 Avon Descent Entry Includes
- 40th Anniversary limited edition Polo Shirt
- 40th Anniversary limited edition Drink bottle
- All competitors will have the opportunity to receive a finish
line medallion
When I tried the double PRS on Saturday the
ski went much better with Alaine not being in the back seat.
The paddle was quiet, I didn't get wet and the ski seemed
to skim much better across the water without the added weight
in it.
I wonder if I can enter the Avon as a double,
but leave Alaine at home! That's a thought!!!.
Trying out the Double Finn Multisport.
The only trouble in paddling alone, although
it is a lot more peaceful - the kayak is a little heavy to
lift by myself - so it looks as if I do need Alaine to help!!
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As well as having a garden outside our new shop we also have
a lawn. The lawn allows customers to do some pretent paddling
and imagine what it could be like on the water. Luckily the
river is only 1km away so within minutes they can try it out
in the water.
Kathy from Esperance having fun - just as
paddling should be!
T2 has always wanted to be a loader operator
- He looks the part
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