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Western PaddleSports has set new standards for safe and effective training for the Avon Descent. We not only train entrants wanting to tackle their first Descent, but can also provide entry certification for competitors wishing to enter overseas events such as the NZ Coast to Coast Race.
We cannot guarantee you will succeed, but based on client feedback, every client who completed our recommended training course has managed to finish the event at their first attempt. We congratulate all of you who have succeeded in your efforts to finish this demanding event!
Flat Water Skills Training
Regular Training
Information and Articles
Introduction to White Water
Avon Valley Training
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Whether you plan to paddle a kayak or some type of ski or other sit on top craft, our program will assist you to be as well prepared as possible to tackle the event. We suggest you leave the decision as to what you may paddle until you have done our Initial Skills Course and have gained some elementary knowledge and paddling skills. We suggest you will then be in a position to make a better informed selection of what might suit you best.
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Our program consists of several modules. Some of these incur fees, particularly where courses are involved or qualified instructors and leaders are required to supervise you in training programs on white water. Other parts of our program are free of charge to our clients, and are provided as part of our contribution to supporting the event and in particular assisting you if you are a novice paddler to gain the knowledge necessary to enter and succeed in your attempt.
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Novice paddlers should first of all book onto our Initial Skills Course. This can be done at any time. Courses are normally held on a number of occasions each month, particularly in the early part of the year. You do not need any equipment to get started. The earlier you start your initial training, the better you will be prepared to tackle the event. You can often book into these courses as part of the UWA Extension program, and join our regular skills training program to get started.
Armed with the knowledge and skills you will get on this course, you can begin accumulating the items you will need to start your own training program. Please see course number 2 in the flatwater section for details.
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It is assumed ski paddlers have already decided to paddle a ski and will have their own craft. Kayaks are provided for those who do not yet have a suitable craft.
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Part of participating in the Descent is developing a regular and effective training routine. To assist our clients, we provide a regular Tuesday evening paddling opportunity. There you can meet other entrants, arrange to train with others who may be willing to follow a similar routine to yourself, undertake review of your skills as you practice, and develop other competencies outside of the initial course.
Our Tuesday evening program is free of charge to all clients. There are no club hassles or fees, just a group that enjoys paddling and is happy to provide you with the encouragement and participation opportunity that will help your preparation.
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We also provide an email and web based information service that will help you learn the many other aspects of preparing for the event. This is a free service, where we provide our clients with articles on many valuable topics including:
- Information on types of suitable craft and a minimum equipment list
- Developing an effective training program
- Diet and hydration
- Developing an effective forward stroke and how to avoid strain injuries
- Organising your support crew
- Interpreting the river level readings
- White water features and how to recognise them
- Avoiding hazards in whitewater
- Self defence skills in whitewater, and how to prepare yourself and your craft
It is located in a secure area in our website. You will be issued with a login and password when you join the program.
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Once we get sufficient winter rain, typically in late June or early July, we can begin our white water training program. The first step is an Introduction to whitewater event. This may be on either the Avon or Murray Rivers depending on where conditions are most suitable. Typically we get useful river flow on the Murray before the Avon starts to flow. This event is an essential step in converting the skills you have been building on flat water to effective use in moving and whitewater.
The event is also an essential pre-qualifying event for the Avon Valley training. Western PaddleSports will not take paddlers into the Avon Valley that have not received adequate training and assessment on basic flat water and whitewater skills prior to Avon Valley events. Our instructor team, some of whom are leading competitors, conduct our whitewater program. Each of our leaders have many years of paddling experience, and are qualified to conduct training in this environment within the recommended national safety guidelines and participant ratios.
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We have set new standards for Avon Valley training. The Avon Valley is a demanding day on the water for groups that tackle it, and we have developed a program that provides for the safety and support of groups on the water to a level that is not available on any other training programs.
We run small groups guided by experienced leaders and provide a vehicle support service that can also assist groups on the water as required. We have extensive risk management procedures in place to ensure the safety of the participants is to the best level possible. Combined with our extensive pre-training and qualification program, we do the best we can to ensure you are thoroughly prepared before you tackle the Valley.
Based on the rainfall pattern that has prevailed over the past two years, the opportunity for paddling the Valley prior to the Descent is typically confined to the two or three weeks preceding the event. Details are provided as soon as we have adequate flow in the Avon. Our goal is to try and help you work to a well proven but economical formula that will give you the best chance of success and the greatest benefit.
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