While there was plenty of high-water action throughout the Descent, the real hero of the day was 66-year old Gary McNamara from York, who broke the Avon Descent attendance record as he made his 40th entry in a row.
Mr McNamara has not missed a race since 1977.
“They let me start at the front of the group this year, since it was my 40th race, that was a real honour”, he said.
Unfortunately, Mr McNamara – who raced with his son, Glenn – couldn’t make a high place in the race, after their boat engine sustained damage.
“We went over in one of the rapids near Emu Falls, and the engine took a fair amount of damage,” he said.
The result was the pair managing to finish the race, although they had to paddle the boat over the line as the engine failed two kilometres out.
Mr McNamara is likely to enter again next year.
“I’m not really feeling like it today, but I’m sure I will by next year,” he said.
