NORTHAM local Carl Della and his father Damian are gearing up for the 2014 Avon Descent in the power craft class.
It will be Carl's second Descent, after pairing up with Nathan Jamieson in 2012.
This time he will be driving, with father Damian taking on the rapids for the first time.
In preparation, the pair has competed in races along the Blackwood River in Bridgetown.
Given Damian has moved to Mandurah, the pair has also met there throughout the year for training.
"We had a chat over some beers and both decided to give the Descent a go," Carl said.
"It is a gruelling race and we would just be happy to finish, and that is our aim.
"I must give a big thank you to Wheatbelt GP Network and Beyond Power for their support."
A new boat has recently been completed for their white water assault, taking about a month to complete.
"We are not exactly the lightest of people so we made it more buoyant," Carl said.
Given his experience in 2012, Carl said he knows one area of improvement which can help them achieve a good time this year.
"The trees are the hard part," Carl said.
"That's where you make up or lose time."
On July 20, Carl and Damian attended the power craft time trials and scrutineering from Bells Rapids Park to Middle Swan Bridge.
They finished with a time of 24:01, placing 13 out of 25 standard boats.
The father and son combination are part of a team which has been assembled with other Northam power boaters called the Avon River Racing Team which originally formed in 1987.
Other members include Danny Fraser, Andrew Rowe, Chris Battista, Rheana Bijl and Brad Watson, who is a veteran of 21 Avon Descents.
This will be Andrew Rowe's first Avon Descent, however he has been involved with the race since about age six with father Colynn a former technical director and police liaison, as well as attracting sponsorship.
"I am expecting a fun run and I am here for the social side," Andrew said.
After first racing in 1999, Danny Fraser is gearing up for a seventh Descent, however still admits to early Saturday morning nerves.
Racing with Chris Batista, the pair has competed in two open water and one river based races in preparation.
"I still get butterflies - it's the thrill of the water," Danny said.
"I put long hours in the shed developing new gear, so we should be ok and hope to pull a place."
Colyn Rowe, former director and police liaison, and now part of the Avon River Racing Team support crew, said Avon River Racing team members are children of parents who originally raced in the Avon Descent.
"And they're all good mates who have known each other for years and years," Colyn said.
"It's been a great idea to resurrect the racing team and I wish them all the best."
