Nathan Jamieson and Carl Della take to the water. Photo by M2 Photography.
AFTER years of watching the Avon Descent competitors tackle the 124 kilometre race from the river banks, Northam pair Nathan Jamieson and Carl Della figured they would give the world’s longest white water race a shot.
Now they are gearing up for their first attempt at the annual event, complete with their specially modified power dinghy, in which they have raced just twice to qualify for the Descent.
“We bought the boat second hand, rebuilt it and strengthened the motor, and most of our gear is second hand,” Carl said.
The pair has had some funding help from local sponsors Wheatbelt GP Network, Focused Tax Solutions, Beyond Power and M2 Photography, for which they are very grateful.
The duo has done most of their practice at Herridges Lake and competed at Sunnyside in Bridgetown, where they came in first for the novice class, and the Swan River Marathon.
The 27-year-olds believe the low water level this year may pose the biggest problem.
“I think only three of around 50 power dinghies finished the race in 2010 and the water levels are similar this year,” Nathan said.
Nathan will steer their number 208 dinghy, which can get up to speeds of 50-60 kilometres per hour, with Carl navigating up front as deckhand.
With plenty of friends and family around to act as cheer squad and support crew, the pair is out to have a good time, enjoy the experience and hopefully, make it to the finish line.
“Our aim is just to finish, we’re not too fussed about whether we win or not,” Nathan said.
