Dry Spell Forces Route Change for Iconic Avon Descent as Competitors Gear Up for Shorter, Tougher Challenge

The Southern Hemisphere's longest whitewater event has been shortened in response to historically low river flows, as organizers look to prevent the competition from devolving into a "running race."

Paddlers and power craft operators took to the water on Saturday for the altered two-day time trial, which runs from Northam in the Avon Valley to Bayswater in Perth. While the Avon Descent traditionally draws participants from across Western Australia to tackle a grueling 124-kilometer course, the 2026 edition had its starting line moved downstream due to depleted water levels.

The adjustment follows an exceptionally dry winter. The Wheatbelt town of Northam recorded its driest July in nearly 150 years, receiving a mere 12.2 millimeters of rainfall compared to its historical average of 81.3 millimeters. To protect competitor safety, the starting line was relocated from Northam to Katrine Crossing, reducing the total distance of the race by 17 kilometers.

Dry Conditions Force Organizers to Pivot

Northam Avon Descent Committee chair Greg Kaeding explained that the significant decision to alter the course was vital given the dry conditions.

"People haven't been praying hard enough because the gods haven't been good to us and it's looking very dry, especially up the northern end of the course," Kaeding said.

According to Kaeding, failing to cut the opening 17-kilometer stretch would have turned the whitewater spectacle into a footrace.

"The reality is carrying that kind of weight as well as running down instead of paddling down or powering down the waterway isn't what the race is about," he explained. "We actually have to look after the safety and welfare of the competitors and make sure we can adjust our recovery resources."

This adjustment marks only the fourth time the annual race has been shortened since its inception in 1973. Despite the dry spell, interest in the event remains high, with more than 300 registered competitors representing a 10 percent increase in entries across the board.

Competitors Ready for 'Challenging' Race

Among those taking on the modified course are White Gum Valley competitors Matthew Even and Matthew Furr, who hoped to defend their title after winning the 2025 powercraft division.

While the low water levels are disappointing, the reigning champions remain determined to perform.

"It's a shame that we're not doing the full race this year because of the low water level," Furr said. "But it is what it is, and we'll give it the best we can. "

He added: "It's certainly going to be a challenging race."

Even noted the irony of the weather, stating, "It seems a little counterproductive that we may be racing in the rain [on Saturday] morning while there's no water in the river."

Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio praised the resilience of the participants, noting that the challenging conditions offer a unique spectacle. Antonio remarked, "We have a true grit race. "

He stated that competitors have embraced the low water levels and are handling the changed conditions in what remains one of the few races globally where participants must compete regardless of the environment.

Day one of the event concludes at Cobbler's Pool in Toodyay. From there, competitors will face the remaining 72 kilometers of the course as they head toward the finish line in Bayswater.