2010 Avon Descent
A Short Plastic Story

I started on the second last grid of the day in the short plastics category, behind the hundreds of other craft. I portaged around the weir, running probably 500m and put back in. As I pushed back into the water, the guys I started the race with on grid 70 were just passing me. What a waist of energy that was.
From then it was a meandering paddle through shallow water. Because there were so many paddlers, it was difficult to read the water in front. With all the wash from the other boats, it was impossible to see those small mounds that stop you dead in the channel. Like sheep we followed each other through the twisted channels and as soon as one paddler would beach themself, there was a pile up of paddlers behind. I came to a double plastic that was powering along but like a magnet, they would attract every paddler around them and suck them into their boat.
It was a real dog fight for the first 2 hours until things started to sort themselves out. Well that only seemed to happen when we hit the shallow stuff and everyone had to walk. No more jostling for position in the one and only channel. Now we were walking 3 or 4 across. The advantage was taken by the paddler who correctly got onto/ into their boat at the right water level (ankle deep) and paddled past those that were still walking. I can keep paddling in shallow water if I keep my speed up and ride on my own wash. Many times a ski would stop in front of me and slowly stand up and get ready to drag their boat so my progress would also stop. There were a few paddlers who had their legs taken from under them for this very reason. I pushed hard and managed to catch up with the first grid of paddlers in the SP category. I was feeling strong and I was focused. After a lot of walking and pushing and dragging, we eventually hit some deeper water before Katrine.
I met my wife for a support stop. I merely slowed down near the bank and called out for my bottle of electrolytes. She threw it out to me and I was off again. With a cheer from the crowd for a good catch, I was back in the race. I had lost no time and now I was guzzling down some much need vitamins and goodies. It tasted strong but was refreshing. 5 minutes later I was hangin out for another drink so again I took a swig. I was getting thirstier and thirstier so I stopped drinking the electrolyte and stayed on the fresh water in my pouch. Within 15 minutes, my body was rejecting the water but I was still very thirsty. I was starting to feel the effects of dehydration. I was starting to become nauseated and I hit the wall. I had to pull over and jump out for a short stop behind a tree. I continued on but I was getting worse. I started to tremble and was very tired so I backed of completely. I was thirsty but couldn’t retain any water. I continued paddling around to Toodyay where my main support stop was. I was feeling sleepy and I paddled very slowly, but I made it to the timing gate. I was shattered and in bad shape. I tried to compose myself and informed my crew that I wanted to throw in the towel. I was crushed and very disappointed. By now I was shaking like a leaf. I signed the official “pulling out” book with my hand shaking all over the place. I could hardly write my name. I found some shade and had a rest. Ate some food and managed to finally get some fluids back in. Remarkably, I had an hour up my sleeve from the cut off time, if I wanted to continue the race but my decision was made.

We drove to the finish to congratulate some friends on their efforts and carried their boats for them to the marshalling area.I was so envious of those still competing and proud of everyone who gave it a go.
Day 2
I cheered on paddlers coming through Super Chute and then again at Bells, soaking up the fantastic weather. It was a new experience to see what it is like for the support crews. You cant imagine how excited and relieved some of your support crews are to see you get through. It was great to see.

Well done to you all and see you there next year.

I took a heap of photos. Follow the link below.
http://wanakikamoocow.smugmug.com/