Avon Descent & NZ Coast to Coast Courses

polaroid-avon-descentWestern PaddleSports has set new standards for safe and effective training for those entering adventure & multisport events. We not only train entrants wanting to tackle their first Descent, but can also provide training and 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!

Choice of Craft
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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Course Duration –
full day for kayak skills or half day for ski paddlers
.

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1. Flat Water Skills Training

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.

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.

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.


2. Information and Articles

We also provide an email 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


3. Entry Certification for First Time Entrants

Each event has entry conditions that must be satisfied by first-time entrants. While the skills and training required for events of this nature are similar, entry conditions vary.

Western PaddleSports can train and assess you for the certification you require in order to participate as a first-time entrant.

Our brief whitewater season provides a very narrow window of opportunity to tackle the whitewater part of your training, so we recommend you tackle the preparatory work and skills courses well in advance of our winter rainfall season.

Each event publishes the entry requirements on their website. We suggest you familiarise yourself with the requirements of any event you plan to enter.

We are able to provide Avon Descent entry tests for those who may not have done other skills training with us. Please contact us if you require this assistance.

Assessment fees vary with entry requirements.
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