2024 Walyunga to Middle Swan
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Please note - Park Fees apply to access Walyunga National Park.
Please ensure you display your annual park pass, or your ticket obtained from ticket machine at the park entry gate
Location: Top Carpark (Boongarup Pool), Walyunga National Park
Race check in: 08:00am-08:45am
Briefing: 08:45am
Race Start: 09:15am
Course: Starting in the long pool from the top carpark, racing 23km downstream through the Walyunga Slalom Course, Bells Rapids, the lower Ti Trees and Amiens through to Middle Swan Reserve.
Competitors follow a winding river consisting of exposed rocks and Ti-trees with the added fun of rapids and a strong current.
In the event of extreme river levels, competitors will be kept informed of any course changes.
Transport: A car shuffle is required prior to Race Check In.
Due to the distance between the start and finish, your car shuffle must be completed prior to Race Check in at 08:00am.
Safety: Due to the course being held in wild water conditions, it is compulsory for all paddlers to wear helmets and PFD’s. Each competitor should also have a whistle attached to their PFD for emergency situations.
No helmet or no PFD = NO RACE.
It is also recommended for all paddlers to have grab loops on their boats to assist rescue and for kayaks to have fully inflated air bags inside their boats to ensure boats do not fill with water in the case of a capsize. All kayak paddlers will require cockpit skirts with appropriate grab loop for ease of escape from a capsized boat.
Whilst we welcome paddlers of all skill levels, it is expected that competitors can self assess personal risk based on their own competency and the section of river and it's associated levels. The race organisers and safety officials reserve the right to withdraw any competitor at any stage of the event if deemed necessary to ensure the competitors personal safety.
Eligibility: The race is open to all competition craft and will be classed based on type of craft and competitors age. Playboat and recreational type craft are not permitted to race. The race organisers reserve the right to consolidate categories in order to constitute a class.
To constitute a class there must be a minimum of 4 male competitors or 3 female competitors.
Start list order will be determined by the results of the previous 2023 Seeding Races, with competitors placed into grids of at least 4 ranked fastest to slowest.
Catering: After the race competitors will be provided with FREE Soup and Bread Rolls from the WildWater WA committee. Please hang around after your race to enjoy your Soup and share in the race results of the day.
Seeding Points: Avon Descent Seeding Points are awarded as per the 2024 rules available at 2024 Paddler Seeding.
All competitors will receive 5 points for participation when starting in this event.
WildWater WA would like to thank the ADSU for supporting this event.
The Avon Descent Support Unit is a dedicated team of volunteers specifically focused on the safety of everyone involved in the Avon Descent.
With teams involved in the ADSU covering Water Rescue, Land Support, Recovery and Communications & Logistics... there is something for each and every volunteer to enjoy.
The ADSU are always looking for new volunteers, with members provided specialist training based on National and International standards. The ADSU rely on the continued commitment of the volunteers to perform at their very best.
If you are interested in joining the ADSU you can submit your interest here, or contact them via Facebook at Avon Descent Support Unit.
