River Avon Descent 2007
by Tim Mcdowell

Having been a member of paddle plus for a while now, I've gotten used to the chilled out approach to paddling and life that its members take. Last Sundays trip to the Avon Descent was no different.
At a very unearthly 8.30am most of us taking part met at LOPC, to load the van and take the 2hr drive to Stratford. With entertainment on the journey coming from John Likko in the form of gags aimed at the destruction of one chaps shinny new boat by the weirs and rocks the time passed quickly.
Once there we were met by a few more club members making up the strong showing of 17 from our club, (the highest of any visiting club).
Normally I compete in bike races, where people have little time for chat and pre-race merriment. The Avon was a totally refreshing change, with lots of help and guidance on hand from club members and total strangers alike.
With numbers on the boats and kit on, we got on the water in time for a 15min warm-up paddle before the start, but in true PaddlePlus style this turned into a rafting up and p##s taking session. Plus some last minute advice on what a brace position is and when to use it! (cheers Daz)
As the gun went for the final group, the Avon's still waters, started to change and in no time we were all battling though surf!!!!
Very quickly the strong white water boyz, Owen and Blake found there way though and were off to the front.
It was just over a mile to the first of the 6 weirs. This gave the field time to spread out.
A small group of 3 had formed at the front followed by odd 1's and 2's.
With a small crowd on the bank, 'hoping to see there first swimmer of the day', we all took it fairly steady. and remained dry. (later on we found out that it was, at this point Stefan had, about had enough of this and fancied getting off the water, much to Andy's delight, Not!
With that's first weir safely negotiated by everyone, the race calmed down abit and everyone settled down to there own pace. The next weir passed without problem (James may think differently!)


The third weir, that we were told in the race briefing was blocked by a tree was now clear, thanks to Anton and Paul (Lammy), who 'took it out' with there c2.
However, this was unknown to us and as I landed at a portage spot, John and Stuart in a race long battle for 2nd,(in the c2 class) came flying though...Leaving a very angry kayaker in there wake!.
Now I'd prepared for this event as best possible by doing long paddles and shooting weirs at every opportunity, however, I'd forgotten one important thing, 'getting in and out of a kayak at speed!' Result: an early bath, and a drifting paddle..aghh."
Once back on the water, it was the long stretch between weirs 3 and 4, around 5 miles of flat water. Interestingly there is no towpath of footpaths in this area, which means being on the water is the only way for a behind the scenes look at how the other half live. With helicopters and sports cars in their gardens and houses that look like they are straight out of the grand designs program. It made the stretch quite pleasant, I believe Stefan mentioned something similar to Andy at this point too?
The last few weirs were the rocky ones we had been warned about but, with the current water level, weren't as bad as expected, although one or two of our team took an a dip.
A brief look at a course map had shown that after the last weir it was just under a mile to the finish. With 2 guys in front and 1 at my side, I decided to give it death, to the line.
I dropped the first guy easily but the other two, sensed my attack and responded.
With a last all out race effort, pushing on the foot pegs and pulling so hard on the paddle it was flexing, I managed to loose out in the sprint for 6th, aghhhhh.. (next time eh)
As people finished, the tales of battling weirs and near misses started and continued all the way home.
In summary I'd say, if you are thinking of doing this event next year or one similar, do it. It was a great day out on the water, with a cracking bunch of people....All looking to descend the Avon in one peace.
A special mentions must go to Anton and Paul who won the c2's and Stefan, who made it to the finish. 10.5 miles at 12 years old is no walk in the park and not far off the equivalent of running a marathon for someone at that age. Well done buddy, I'm sure you will be back next year, maybe in a double with Andy ?

Cheers Withnail