Week 1/May
Avon Descent News
The Royal Life Saving Society has been appointed as the new event coordinator;
The overnight camp for competitors and support crews will return to Cobbler Pool, the Day One finish line;
Entries available from 25th May - collect forms from canoe shops, UWA Paddle Challenge, Power Dinghy Racing Club, Royal Life Saving Society and Canoeing WA (canoeing association);
Entries close 4th July;
Scrutineering 20th July, 9am to 1pm. Scrutineering for paddle craft will return to Hind's Reserve, Bayswater, the finish line.
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Avon Descent Queries
2003 Summit Homes Avon Descent Hotline: Ph: (08) 9287 1877 Fx: (08) 9383 9922
Royal Life Saving Society (WA Branch), PO Box 28, Floreat Forum, WA 6014   <mailto:avondescent@rlsswa.com.au>avondescent@rlsswa.com.au
Visit the official website:-    <http://www.avondescent.asn.au/>www.avondescent.asn.au
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Not doing the Descent this year? Please consider . . .
joining the Avon Support Unit which assists competitors who experience difficulty during the event. There are various tasks - you will be provided with instruction and training. If you are aware of others who may like to participate please pass on this message. Further info':- Hotline 9287 1877 or <mailto:avondescent@rlsswa.com.au>avondescent@wn.com.au   - Dave Crispin, Manager, Avon Support Unit.
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Avon Descent Special Deals from Mainpeak
Kayaks (deal includes paddle & spray skirt)
Finn - $1099; Perception Wavehopper - $1499; Current Designs Pacifica - $1149

Sit-ons (deal includes paddle & approved PFD)
Ocean Kayak Sprinter - $1400; Endorfinn Surf Ski - $1250; Finn Sit-on - $1100

All deals also include free Mainpeak Club membership.
For more details phone Mainpeak Paddlesports, 9284 3759.
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Avon Info Night
Novice and first time paddlers and support crews are invited to an Info night for the Avon Descent to be held at Mainpeak Paddlesports, 35 Jarrad St., Cottesloe on Tuesday, 13th May, 6:30 pm. Enquiries: 9284 3759 or <mailto:ken@mainpeak.com.au>ken@mainpeak.com.au
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Paddling the Prince Regent - Fiona Scarff
I am planning a canoeing expedition on the Prince Regent River in the Kimberleys, and would very much like to talk with anyone who has already been there and done it. Please contact me, <mailto:tonynfi@iinet.net.au>tonynfi@iinet.net.au
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It's Not Cheap!
For most families sending our talented and enthusiastic younger paddlers interstate to gain top competitive experience is a major expense which eastern states paddlers don't have. 
Terry Bolland's Avon Descent swim tests are free, but he uses them as an opportunity to fund raise for young paddlers - so If you're attending on either Saturday, 10th or 17th May, please donate generously for this worthy cause! Meet at 7:45 am at Sandy Beach Reserve, Bassendean. 
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Whooops - Splat!
Check out this amusing photo story from NSW Sea Kayak Club's website - paddler attempts rocky chasm in (he thought) calm seas:
http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/gallery/sundra/The_Infamous_Dover_Heights_Gauntlet.html
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Event Reminders
UWA Paddle Challenge - Sunday, 25th May
A huge event with generous prizes. Sandalford winery in the Swan Valley makes for an idyllic setting for the social gathering and presentation afterwards. The race is 18 km upstream from Garratt Road Bridge to Middle Swan Bridge then back downstream to the finish at Sandalford. It's for individuals or corporate/school teams of four and just about all paddle craft are welcome. Entry forms are available at canoe shops and canoeing association events.
Entries close 16th May, so hurry up and send in your entry! More details from the organisers - 9285 8501 or <mailto:canoe@canoewa.asn.au>canoe@canoewa.asn.au

The John Sims Race - 12 km plus short course - this Saturday, 10th May at Ascot Kayak Club, Register 12:30 pm.
Canning Classic - 8am, Riverton Bridge, Sunday, 18th May, for approx 12 km to Bull Creek & return.
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Results
<http://www.canoewa.asn.au/raceresults/Freo2perth.html>Marathon #6 - Fremantle to Perth
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Wanted
Finn Plastic Kayak (sit in).Suitable for Avon Descent. Contact Sheree. Ph. 9332 6394 or 0405 554 375 or <mailto:sheree_honore@hotmail.com>sheree_honore@hotmail.com

Week 2/May
News of Our International C1 Paddlers
Olympic slalom paddler, Robin Bell of Perth (originally Swan Canoe Club), has made a good start to the 2003 slalom World Cup series with a silver medal just behind Tasmanian, Justin Boocock, in the first race held in Sydney recently. They will be attending the rest of the world cup series together with that other local slalom superstar, Kynan Maley, also SCC - <http://www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe/worldcup.html>click here for the dates. 
To receive slalom competition news hot off the press send your email address to Australian Canoeing - <mailto:info@canoe.org.au>info@canoe.org.au
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From Department of Conservation and Land Management - re: Lane Poole Reserve (Murray River, Dwellingup)
Kathryn Muir, Planning Officer, Visitor and Regional Services
"I'm about to commence work on a new management plan for Lane Poole Reserve and am wanting to contact stakeholders, such as canoeists, who may be interested in having some input into the plan."  If you represent a canoeing group or just wish to have a say please contact Kathryn -  9334 0405  or <mailto:kathrynm@calm.wa.gov.au>kathrynm@calm.wa.gov.au
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Found - Cara McNish
"To the woman from Swan Canoe Club who carries her paddle on her roof (sorry I forgot your name), I found your paddle! Cara 9384 4024 "
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On Again - for cyclists
Many canoeists also cycle so here's a news piece for you: The Hartley Estate Chittering Challenge will be conducted on Saturday, 11th October, on the picturesque Hartley Estate Vineyard. There is a mountain bike and road bike leg, plus a run. For more info email: <mailto:lee57@optusnet.com.au>lee57@optusnet.com.au
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Avon Support Crews
I have started a page devoted to Avon support crews with pics from 2002 by Kelly Stubley, AKC, & more - if you have any (humorous, in particular) photos that you would like to share please email them (jpeg) <mailto:rokhor@iinet.net.au>rokhor@iinet.net.au Don't forget to include caption.  <http://www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe/avdesphot02>Check out the new page.
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Advertised Time Change - Canning Classic - 12 km
Meet at 10 am this Sunday, 17th May, at Riverton Bridge (not 8am as stated last week). (Now you can sleep in.)
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Paddler Wanted
Room for rent in South Fremantle: modern house, walking distance to ocean! $80.00 / wk, including boat storage! Quiet location next to shops and public transport: Please call - Ewen Macgregor 9433 3676 or mob 0419 3777 22
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Event Reminder
UWA Paddle Challenge - Sunday, 25th May. Hinds Reserve, Bayswater to Sandalford Winery, Caversham. Entries now close - 23rd May. For entry form contact : <mailto:canoe@canoewa.asn.au>canoe@canoewa.asn.au (This is a good training run for Avon Descenters).
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Wanted
Sprint kayak, suitable for 85-90kgs paddler. 0407 955 110

Marathon Boat for Blackwood Marathon and flat water races. Must be straight, reasonably stable and float. Contact Lesley on 0414 645 111.

Kayak - Dancer or 415 -  Need 2 second-hand plastic boats complete with at least a spray deck, suitable for the Avon Descent. Please contact Matt 0422 487 828 or <>matterkens@yahoo.com.au