ASI SUP Instructor Makes History at the Avon Descent, Perth West Australia

AUSTRALIA, Perth. This August 2018, history was made when ASI SUP Instructor, Paul Hepworth, from Albany became the first person ever to complete the Avon Descent, a 124km white-water rapid river race, on a SUP board.

Paul, the owner of ASI SUP School, SUPlime is from Albany, about 250 miles south west of Perth. Paul has overcome a number of personal challenges to come back and be the first to complete this gruelling event on SUP board.

This unique paddle and power dinghy river race runs from Northam to Bayswater. In summer the River Avon is barely a trickle, come winter, it’s a raging torrent.

The gruelling two-day race starts with a 52 kilometre stretch beginning at the town of Northam, 100 kilometres east of Perth. The course proceeds downriver through the town of Toodyay into the upper reaches of the Darling Range escarpment followed by an overnight stop.

Day 2 is 72 kilometres long and sees competitors tackle the valley containing the major white-water rapids. From here, competitors have a 30-kilometre flat water stretch to Bayswater.

The conditions range from long stretches of flat water that can test the endurance of the fittest athlete through to extreme turbulent rapids, which can test any competitor let alone on a SUP.

The Avon Descent was first held in 1973 with just 49 competitors. In the years since, over 35,000 people have competed, from novices, families, to world champions, olympic athletes and now ASI SUP Instructors.

Well done Paul on your amazing achievement!

Photo reference: True Spirit Photos Gordon Pettigrew SUP

 

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