Taitiarna hopes for wild water

On August 2 and 3, Ms Brown will tackle the 124km Avon Descent in the mixed team event with Ron Lachenicht, from Oakford, and Rod and Mitch Hale, from Banjup.

It will be her second time as a competitor in the two-day event and her sights are set on the top prize.

‘I competed in 2010 ” that’s when they had the lowest water levels on record,’ she said.

‘For most of the race I had to get out of the water and carry the boat.’

Despite the lack of flowing water in 2010, Ms Brown and her teammates still managed to win their class.

The young sprint paddler had wanted to compete in the descent again, so when her Champion Lakes Boating Club members were short on a teammate, she was quick to put her hand up.

‘I would like to do the race solo eventually but not just yet, so it’s good to compete in the teams event again.’

To prepare for the challenge, Ms Brown has been training up to eight times a week.

She will be required to paddle a leg of the river, ranging from 9km to 21km on both days, in freezing temperatures, while descending through rapids.

‘It’s going to be exciting. I’m feeling confident but any thing can change on the day.’

Ms Brown has also been helping to train eight of the club’s junior members, who will compete in the junior Avon event.

The club is offering twice-weekly training sessions to paddlers taking part in the Avon Descent. If you would like to join a training session, contact Robyn Brown at robyn.L.brown@bigpond.com.