Avon Descent 2023 - Start

The start of the 2023 Avon Descent in Grid 17. I made a last minute change from my kayak to the Carbonology Cruze RT plastic which meant I went from grid 5 to grid 17.
This was my first time dropping down the weir, probably needed more speed and a bit of a lunge instead of dropping down flat, had to do a shuffle to get down.
Shallow water so I sat on wash for a while to get settled in to the race and through the shallow water with a bit of assistance.
Congratulations to all of the entrants. Not an easy water level.

[@robertaries2974]

We have an Avon Descent in the UK. Nowhere near as long as this, it only goes from Stratford upon Avon to Bidford on Avon (12 miles). I find it interesting you racing in a ski rather than an overstern or WWR. Well done. That looks like awesome fun

[@nathanvartesi]

@@robertaries2974 how many people typically do the race? Plastic or Rotomold skis are very popular for this race for beginners or people learning whitewater technique, they are fitted with trailing rudders. Great entry point into the discipline and provide more people access to the race, definitely a hard slog for the last 30km flat water finish 😂. Thank you!!

[@robertaries2974]

@@nathanvartesi it's a regional race so we usually get about 30-50 competitors