Popular West Australian canoe race cut short as river levels dip

Organisers of the popular Avon Descent white water race have been forced to cut 50 kilometres off the popular West Australian event due to low water levels, caused by a lack of rain.

The race is traditionally held over 124 kilometres and starts in the town of Northam, but only some of the top competitors in the power dinghy section will start there on Saturday.

Canoeing Western Australia Executive Officer Rosalie Evans said the rest of the field would start downstream.

Evans told the ABC “only the top-11 competitors in the top class of the power dinghies will start at Northam.

"We have 50 entries in the power dinghies and everybody else will start at Katrine - 16 kilometres downstream.

"The paddlers will also start at Katrine and the first day's racing will end at Cobbler Pool.

"All boats are usually held in a secure pen at the end of the first day, but competitors will be allowed to take their craft and move to the Walyunga National Park overnight where racing on day two will begin."

Evans said it was the most significant alteration to the course since the 1970s, adding “the new course is provisional at this stage, but we want to start the power dinghies from Northam at the earlier time of 7:00am, fog permitting.

"Northam is often affected by fog so we are hoping the weather is favourable."

The first day of the competition will be reduced by 16 kilometres and the course will be shortened by another 34 kilometres on day two.

Competitor number are also down, with the race attracting 380 competitors this year - compared to 550 last year.

The Avon Descent will take place on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August 2015.

For more information go to www.avondescent.com.au

Image shows the Avon Descent in 2014. Courtesy of the race organisers.

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