Strong rainfall doubles Avon Descent entrant numbers in river race
Power craft and paddlers took to the streams of the Avon River on Saturday for the 124-kilometre two-day white water time trial from Northam in WA's Avon Valley to Bayswater in Perth.
Avon Descent committee chair Greg Kaeding said weekend rain had helped attract additional competitors.
"With over 0.7 metre of water in the valley and the last 24 hours of rain, a similar level to 2024 is expected with similar times," he said.
"Over 120 craft will now be attempting the ultra 124-kilometre challenge, up on 2024 numbers, with late short course registrations for Sunday still coming in."
Paddling duo Brendan Rice and teammate Oscar Jones were the first paddlers to cross the day 1 finish line at Cobbler Pool in Toodyay on Saturday afternoon, closely behind solo paddler and last year's solo winner Luke Dooley.
Rice took out the win in 2024 alongside partner Josh Kippin.
Power craft day 1 leaders included Team 100, Sea School Fremantle, Send it Racing and Minijetwa.
There are 330 competitors for the 2025 event, nearly double last year's field.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Angeline Prasad said heavy falls could potentially reach far enough inland and increase the river levels for Sunday's portion of the event.
"It is possible that we will see rises in the river over the next 24 hours with this type of rainfall," she said.
"At this stage, we're not looking at issuing a flood watch but it's something that we'll keep in mind, especially if those heavier falls extend further inland.
"At this stage, I'm expecting the heavier falls to stay along the coast, but it's something that we're watching very closely."
For the local Ballardong people, the lead-up to the event was a chance to reflect on the spiritual connection to the waterway.
Elder Patricia Davis said her fondest childhood memories were of time spent at the river with her family.
"As I was growing up, we used the river for swimming, catching our food. Most of our food came from the river, whether it was the birds, or from the trees along the river," Mrs Davis said.
"My favourite memories are going down the river in old car top roofs that my dad used to cut off for us, not one, two, but a mob of us."
She led officials and competitors through a river blessing ceremony before they took to the water on Saturday.
"We want him to look after people while they are on their journey down the river so they can get home safely to their families."
As part of Avon Descent celebrations, the Shire of Northam holds the Bilya Festival, made up of street parades and cultural ceremonies on the night before the big race.
Shire President Chris Antonio said the organic transition to showcase and acknowledge cultural connection to the Avon River was vital to community cohesion.
"I've talked to the elders and they call it 'bilya kep' which is 'river waters' and where they used to swim as youngsters," he said.
"And that's especially important during the Avon Descent because we've got a lot of competitors going down the river and safety is important.
"If we respect our cultural heritage and our river, it will respect the competitors and spectators."
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