4/5/01 To all paddlers,
OPENING PARTY
All paddlers and friends are invited to celebrate the opening of the new Mainpeak Paddlesports store.
Wednesday, 9th May, from 5pm to 8pm, 35 Jarrad Street, Cottelsoe.
Please RSVP to Ken, Richard or Aaron at Mainpeak, 9284 3759.

They will carry many of the brand names you are familiar with as well as different ones, particularly for canoeing clothing & accessories (some innovative ideas). It is managed by well known local paddler, Ken Miller.

They will have a website up and running for the new venture soon, but in the meantime you can see what they stock on my website. Just click on the logo-link on my main page: http://www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe

10/5/01 To all paddlers,
FROM PETER MARTIN, PRES, Ascot Kayak Club
John Sims Race, Saturday, 12th May

meet at AKC, Garvey Park, Fauntleroy Avenue, Redcliffe

Registration 12:30 pm , Briefing 1:30 pm
Long Course : Barkers Bridge and Return
Short Course : Guildford Bridge and Return
Juniors Course (U14) : Around the Ron Courtney Island

Great event for new Avon Descenters, plastics welcome!

Sponsored by Snowgum
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RESULTS
The results of Race 2, Down River Series (AKC race) last Saturday are online on Ascot Kayak Club's highly organised results pages, thanks to Lawrence Greed and Peter Carter. All AKC organised races are listed there: Marathon Series, etc.Results of the John Sims Race coming up will be there as well.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~ascotkay/Results%20Index.htm
You can also link there from my pages - click on 'Competition Results' on Canoeing in Western Australia website.
http://www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe
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ALBANY CANOE CLUB
Our southern paddlers have a new committee, the Pres. is now Marcus Geneve. They have about 35-40 members with interests - social paddling, some marathon, sea kayaking, white water (the Deep and Frankland are nearby). Some members are also doing the Avon Descent. They have an Open Day on 20th May, 10 am at Kalgan River Ski Club to encourage new members. Details of their programme for the next 3 months are on Canoeing in Western Australia website:- click on 'Canoe Clubs' . Perth paddlers are welcome to join in if down that way.

11/5/01 To all new Avon Descenters,
Welcome to "Paddling News", regular emailouts to those with an interest in paddling. If you do not wish to receive these emails (about once weekly) please indicate by return email.

As well as the Avon Descent website ( http://www.avondescent.asn.au ) you should check out "Canoeing in Western Australia" website http://www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe   which has useful information. Look at the 'Bulletin Board' (for sale, lost, found), 'Water Levels' and further down the main page 'News for local paddlers' to keep up to date.
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FROM PETER MARTIN, PRES, Ascot Kayak Cub
This is a great event for all new Avon Descenters. Plastics welcome!

John Sims Race, Saturday, 12th May

meet at AKC, Garvey Park, Fauntleroy Avenue, Redcliffe

Registration 12:30 pm , Briefing 1:30 pm
Long Course : Barkers Bridge and Return (12 km)
Short Course : Guildford Bridge and Return
Juniors Course (U14) : Around the Ron Courtney Island

Sponsored by Snowgum, canoeing gear retailers
Enquiries: petermar@iinet.net.au
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FROM FINN KAYAKS
Avon Descent Info Nite
Topics include: paddling techniique, preparation, diet, support crew, the event

Swan Canoe Club, Monday, 21st May, 7pm to 9pm (no charge)

Presented by well known local paddler, Alwyn Duke (14 Descents)
Phone Carolyn, 0402 817 041 if you need more info.
Swan Canoe Club is at Johnson Parade, Mosman Park, next door to Mead's Restaurant. Parking is towards the top of the hill, on the left and the right.

15/5/01 To slalom paddlers and Avon Descenters,
FROM MARGARET JEFFERY, SLALOM RACING CO-ORDINATOR
The first of the Slalom races for winter 2001 will be held at Hester Park on Sunday 20th May.
Pre-race coaching: 9am - 10am
Registration: 10am
Briefing:10.15am
Race commences:10.30am

Paddlers new to slalom are encouraged to come along and have a go. Pre-race coaching is available at no cost prior to the race, and for those who do not have slalom kayaks, some spare kayaks will be available. Juniors are also very welcome.

Hester Park is on the Canning River near Nicholson Road. Being a flat-water venue, it is an excellent start for those who are new to slalom racing and good preparation for the second race in the season, which will be held at Walyunga on Sunday, June 10th.
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FROM FINN KAYAKS
Another 'Avon Descent Info Nite' will be held at Swan Canoe Club for those who missed the first one.
Topics include: paddling techniique, preparation, diet, support crew, the event

Monday, 21st May, 7pm to 9pm (no charge)

Presented by well known local paddler, Alwyn Duke (14 Descents)
Phone Carolyn, 0402 817 041 if you need more info.
Swan Canoe Club is at Johnson Parade, Mosman Park, next door to Mead's Restaurant. Parking is towards the top of the hill, on the left and the right.
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BREAKDOWN
According to Chris Frick at Water & Rivers Commission there's a technical problem with the hardware at the Walyunga gauge (616011) which is why Walyunga water level info' is not available online at the moment.
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MORE ON WALYUNGA
New Avon Descenters! Purchase a Local Park Annual Pass for Walyunga (also covers Avon Valley National Park) from CALM, $17. It's much cheaper than paying for each visit. Phone 9334 0333. Wait till the water is flowing.
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ONLINE AVON DESCENT REGISTRATION
This is available now: check out the webpage: www.avondescent.asn.au
Thanks to webmaster, Merv Francis.

17/5/01 FROM WILL BLACKSHAW RE: CALM ANNUAL PASSES
"I am buying an 'All Parks' pass, $51 for a year - allows access to all national parks in the state. This includes the Walyunga/Avon Valley National Park. I figure that most people would probably get their money's worth from one of these." (note: Walyunga-Avon Valley pass is $17)
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FROM STEVE STRACHAN, RANGER, WALYUNGA NATIONAL PARK
Steve would like all new Avon Descenters to be aware of a few things before they start paddling in the park. Look at "Walyunga for new paddlers", on my website, under "News for Local Paddlers"
www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe
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FROM PETER CARTER, WEBMASTER, AKC
The results of John Sims' Race are up on the AKC Web Site

<http://members.iinet.net.au/~ascotkay/sims/result01.html>http://members.iinet.net.au/~ascotkay/sims/result01.html
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FORWARDED FROM PETER MARTIN, PRES., AKC, RE: ALGAL BLOOM
"A Note from the Swan River Trust, Please be aware that this is floating around.

If you do go paddling a shower immediately afterwards MAY help reduce the problem. A Key for the toilet area is available just inside the Main boat shed door. A nice hot shower to finish off a morning's / evening's paddle."

HYATT CENTRE 87 ADELAIDE TERRACE EAST PERTH WA 6004

PO BOX 6740 HAY STREET EAST PERTH WA 6892 TEL (08) 9278 0400

May 15, 2001

POTENTIALLY HARMFUL ALGAE IN SWAN RIVER

A potentially harmful algae has been detected in the Swan River between the Causeway and Bassendean, concentrated in the Ascot area.

Swan River Trust manager Robert Atkins said that the algae formed a creamy surface mucous scum on the water and was easily visible.

The Health Department has warned that people should avoid contact with water in areas where algal scums have accumulated until further notice. The algal mucous can cause irritation and rashes when in contact with the skin and should be removed by washing with fresh water.

Mr Atkins said that this algal bloom was different to the blue-green bloom that occurred in the Swan River last year.

"The algae now blooming in the river is a golden-brown microscopic algae," Mr Atkins said.

"It has probably been stimulated by the change of season and recent rains."

"While algae are a natural part of the river system, the Trust's Swan-Canning Cleanup program is working to reduce the frequency of potentially toxic blooms in the river."

"This bloom serves to remind us of the need to continue this work."

High levels of nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, contribute to algal blooms and these are entering our river system from both rural and urban areas.

"Everyone has a part to play in reducing nutrient levels - people can find out what they can do by contacting the Trust on 1800 062 549," Mr Atkins said.

The Swan River Trust will continue to monitor the area.

Media contact: Paula Wallace, 9278 0741.

"Now if we have had the new building built, there would be double the number of showers, The toilets area would be much nicer to be in, a lot more mossie proof and you could go up onto the balcony for a refreshing drink to watch the sunrise, sunset, moonrise or just the star movements over the river as well."

22/5/01 FROM PENNY BATES & THE WHITE WATER WOMEN
Upper Swan Ti-trees Race
Date                 Sunday 3rd June 2001
Place   Upper Swan Ti Trees or Point Reserve Bassendean (depending on the water level
Time                Registration 8am Briefing 8.30 am
Cost $10.00 CWA members $15.00 non members
All paddlers are welcome, especially those new to DR racing. All paddlers must wear PFD and helmet - take this opportunity to test all your gear before the Avon.
Practice runs will take place on Sat for those unfamiliar with the course and for novice paddlers(must have flat water paddling skills and own boat) Phone Penny on 9299 6512 for meeting time and place -bookings essential

Other Important Details - Soup and Cake afterwards. Confirm venue if unsure of water levels by phoning the CWA message line 94878855 on Thursday preceding the race

Don't forget the BIG BREKKIE BASH at the end of the season participate in 5 races either as a helper or paddler or any combination and eat for free!!!
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LOST
Black life jacket with a whistle still attached from last year's Avon. Lost at the Freo to Perth. Please contact Rob or Chris Roll ph. 9451 3027 or email c-roll@iexpress.net.au
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FROM WILL NORRIS, PRES, PEEL DISTRICT CANOE CLUB
Ravenswood Race - 12km canoe / ski race on the Murray River
Sunday 3rd. June
Race starts at 10.00 am., briefing is at 09.30 am.
Startline: the swinging bridge located in new housing development of Ravenswood Sanctuary Resort.
Classes will be as follows:
1 Canoes - K1, K2, TK1, TK2, Plastic TK1 and TK2   2 SLSC Ski's - S1, S2.
Sufficient numbers required to form a class. Organised by PDCC and Secret Harbour SLSC

More details are on my website - click on Local Paddlers
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ROD FRY RESULTS
are now online http://www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe/ressnowg.index.html
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BADEN POWELL, MURRAY RIVER, WATER LEVELS
The paddleability of the upper, middle and lower Murray at different water levels is also now online, thanks to Dwellingup Adventures who are specialists on the Murray. Click on Water Levels on my home page for this interpretation of the Water & Rivers Commission readings.
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FROM PAM RIORDAN -WANTED
Does anyone have a spare foot pedal to fit an old Dancer? It's a "Keeper" brand made by Perception and it's only the footrest that I've lost. Please contact Pam Riordan, ph: 9378 2523  mob.0408 909 897  email:  inspire@multiline.com.au
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FOR SALE
Canoe Trailer- holds six Wobbegong/Bushranger open Canadian canoes.
Please contact Darren Jacques at Swan Christian College on 9374 8300 for more information.

25/5/01 TO ALL WHITE WATER PADDLERS,
Below is a copy of a letter & email I have sent to Water & Rivers Commission. Please read it and if you are concerned as well please write or email (or both) the following people:

Roger Payne, Chief Executive Officer, Water & Rivers Commission, PO Box 6740, East Perth, 6892

Peter Muirden, Engineer, Surface Water Hydrology, WRC.
peter.muirden@wrc.wa.gov.au
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"I have been informed that the Water & Rivers Commission intend to close down the gauging station located in Walyunga National Park due to budget cuts.

This gauge had only just come online on WRC website due to different telemetry requirements to other stations because it is located in a valley. On the last public holiday it ceased to work, probably due to vandalism. It has been offline since then. The WRC decided that since the Great Northern Highway gauge is close by, it would be adequate for flood warnings.

To have water level readings from this station on the WRC website would be of great value to canoeists and other recreational users of Walyunga National Park, the Avon Valley National Park and the Bell's Rapid area.

The gauge at Great Northern Highway is difficult to interpret for canoeing purposes. In addition, it is further away and hence correlates less well with readings from the wooden post readings at Walyunga with which canoeists are familiar. The WRC gauge at Walyunga is less than 0.1m different at lower water levels and the same at higher water levels to the wooden post readings.

Apart from 600 Avon Descenters and their paddling mates, many other recreational users would benefit from having the current water level at Walyunga instantly accessible on the internet: slalom paddlers, rafters, commercial river runners, youth groups, schools and social paddlers. Having up-to-date Walyunga water level information also has safety implications for all river users.

In view of the above, I would urge the Water & Rivers Commission to reconsider and re-install the Walyunga gauging station water levels onto the WRC website."

25/5/01 COACHING SESSIONS WITH CATH PEKIN
Cath is a multiple Australian marathon kayak champion and personal trainer & coach. She is conducting two video & technique sessions on the afternoons of 2nd & 9th June- small classes - at AKC - $20 per session. Contact her 0417 958 822 for more info' or to book a spot.
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WANTED/FOR SALE for the Avon
There's still a demand for Wavehoppers and double surf skis so if you have one you don't really use any more exchange it for some cash! Look up the potential buyers on the Bulletin Board on my website.
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REMINDER FROM PETER MARTIN, PRES, AKC
THIS SUNDAY! (27th May)
Canning Classic - Shelly Bridge to Bull Creek and return - 14 km (7km short course as well)
7:30 am Rego, 8:00 Briefing, Start soon after
Meet at the foreshore between Shelly and Riverton Bridges on Riverton Drive East.
Cost : $10:00 Seniors, $5:00 Juniors,
Organised by Canning River Canoe Club
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RED CROSS KATHERINE CANOE MARATHON (NTH. TERR.)
is on soon, 9th & 10th June. Who knows of anyone going up this year? (Ann Coulson, AKC, still holds the record for her class: LWWK1)

31/5/01FROM FIONA SCARFF, PRES, CRCC
Attached are results of CRCC's Canning River Classic held last Sunday.
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FROM TERRY BOLLAND
To celebrate release of revised, second edition of "Canoeing Down Under" there will be a book launch on Monday 4th June, 3 pm at Terry's place. Cheese, nibbles, wine supplied. Signed copies of the book will go for $25 instead of $32.
10 Parnell Parade, Bassendean,
RSVP bolland@multiline.com.au or 9279 6143
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PADDLING WHEN IT'S WARM
New paddlers, this is what you have to look forward to! Check out Iain McGown's pics of summer on the Collie River - http://www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe/collpics.html
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FROM CHRIS RYAN
just returned from overseas. He paddled in Ecuador - "fantastic place to paddle with superb white water which is warm, and awsome scenery. There is a variety of water over there, including easier stuff. Well worth a visit if the fancy takes you!"
http://amazonkayaking.com/
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FROM PENNY BATES
Quick reminder! The Ti-trees Race this Sunday, 3rd June! 8:30 am Upper Swan Bridge.
Need help with a practise run on Saturday? Contact Penny 9299 6512
The sponsor, Terry Bolland's "Canoeing Down Under" is giving fantastic prizes for this race:
- short sleeve canoeing cag
- Ainsworth Paddle
- "Canoeing Down Under", revised 2nd edition
- other prizes, caps, dry bags, books etc.
All paddlers welcome, especially new ones!
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DAN THE WEATHERMAN
Dan Hocking, AKC, predicts Avon River conditions likely for the next few days from Bureau of Meteorology and Water & Rivers Commission's data on the net. Check out his page on AKC's website ( Dan won plastic class in last year's Avon.) http://members.iinet.net.au/~ascotkay/ and follow the 'Weather by Dan' link.
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FROM PETER MARTIN, PRES, AKC
Algal bloom warning has been lifted, just keep your eye out for and paddle clear of any remaining scum between Caversham and the Causeway.