The world's greatest white water event will soon see local, interstate and international competitors take on the Swan and Avon Rivers for the 2014 Avon Descent, which is now in its 42nd year.
Held on August 2-3, the Avon Descent has established itself as WA's most iconic and unique sporting event and the only event in the world to feature both power and paddle craft on white and flat water.
The 2014 event has been rejuvenated with a fresh logo design and a walk down memory lane, digging up some of the most historical and memorable moments over the last 41 years to be displayed over the event weekend.
CIC Events managing director Craig Smith-Gander said his team was looking forward to another year managing the Avon Descent after taking over the delivery of the event in 2013.
"We're encouraging everyone to get involved and experience the excitement and rush of WA's iconic white water race, whether that's as a competitor, support crew, sponsor, volunteer or spectator," Smith-Gander said.
The 2014 Avon Descent has introduced all new sprint stages, giving all competitors a chance to get in on the prize pool.
The fastest paddle and power craft through designated sections on day one and day two will each take home $800.
A free mobile phone app for the Avon Descent will be available for download this year to keep spectators and support crews up to date with live results, race preparation tips, a photo sharing function and social media links.
Smith-Gander said the new elements were introduced to make the event more accessible and interactive for participants, support crew and spectators.
"The Avon Descent is now in its 42nd year and we therefore thought it was time to add some new elements to this iconic event to further develop it as a highly visual, interactive and spectacular event for all involved," Smith-Gander said.
In a gruelling two-day time trial over 124 kilometres, competitors challenge the Avon and Swan Rivers in a variety of paddle and power crafts, making the descent from Northam to Bayswater.
The course offers competitors a variety of conditions from long stretches of flat water that test the endurance of even the fittest athlete, through to fast rapids, sure to test the skills of all who attempt to navigate the unknown contours.
Northam Avon Descent Association chairman Kevin Harrison said rainfall and event numbers were tracking well at present.
"So far we've had some pretty substantial rains to date, particularly in May, so if we get good rainfall in July, we should have some good entries and also a good race," Harrison said.
Harrison said the iconic event continued to attract both interstate and international competitors despite being extremely tough.
"Just to finish is such a great achievement," Harrison said.
Registrations close July 18.
The Avon Descent was first held in 1973 with just 49 competitors, no rules, no officials, no checkpoints and very few spectators.
In the years since, more than 30,000 people have competed in the race, from novices and families, to World and Olympic Champions.
Major sponsors for the 2014 event include Network Ten, 96FM and The West Australian.
- Entries Close: July 18 at midnight. Late options are available at an extra cost.
- Power Craft Time Trials and Scrutineering: July 20 - Bells Rapids Park to Middle Swan Bridge
- Practice Days (Power Craft): July 26-27 - Northam to Posselts Ford and Top of Bells Rapids to Middle Swan Bridge
- Novice Safety Briefing/Paddle Race Pack Collection: July 29 - The RISE Function Centre, Bayswater
- Paddle Competitor Helmet & PFD Scrutineering: August 1 - Northam Recreation Centre
- Registration: August 1 - Northam Recreation Centre
- Event: August 2-3 - Northam to Bayswater
For more information and to register, visit www.avondescent.com.au
