FORMER singles and doubles marathon champion Josh Kippin broke a decade-long record in winning the single marathon kayak race at the Avon Descent.
With the highest water levels in a decade, records were broken as 154 kayakers, canoeists and paddlers finished the 124km race from Northam to Bayswater at the weekend.
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READ NOWKippin, a former national singles and doubles champion, finished with a time of 7.34.14 ahead of former doubles partner Brendan Rice (7.36.51) and William Lee (7.58.32).
His title comes after winning the 10km state canoe championships at Lake Leschenaultia in January.
Long-time kayaker Sam Pilton won the female single marathon kayak and was the fourth quickest overall single kayaker with a time of 9.05.54.
In the 10hp sports powerboat category, Jay Branson, who was racing in his 25th Avon Descent, broke a record with partner Justin Ferguson with a time of 2.08.21.
Darryl Long and Paul Genovesi took out the double marathon kayak in 8.03.23.
SUP paddler Paul Hepworth won the first-ever SUP single race in 12.30.31.
Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull congratulated the competitors who braved the wild weather in one of the fastest races in several years.“It was fantastic to see so many supporters make it out to Riverside Gardens to cheer on the competitors and enjoy the City’s Family Fun Day event,” he said.
“We’re proud to host this iconic finish line event each year.”