2025 ALMOST Walyunga to Middle Swan
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Due to current and forecasted river levels, we "almost" get to race our planned course... with the updated course now moved to Bells Rapid Park to Middle Swan Reserve
Location: Lower Carpark, Bells Rapid Park
Race check in: 08:00am-08:45am
Briefing: 08:45am
Race Start: 09:15am
Course: Starting below the Dogs Breakfast rapid, racing 17km downstream through the Bollands Elbow rapid, 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 a rapid and a strong current.
In the event of changes in 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 Lifejacket for emergency situations.
No helmet or no Lifejacket = 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 2025 Seeding Races, with competitors placed into grids of at least 4 ranked fastest to slowest.
Seeding Points: Avon Descent Seeding Points are awarded as per the 2025 rules available at Avon Descent 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.
