Extracts Weir challenged the 370 competitors, with many participants capsizing over the man-made rock obstacle.
Renee Bijl fell victim to the white water race, falling out of her power boat and injuring her leg at the bottom of Extracts and was taken to Northam Hospital.
Mild and humid overnight temperatures caused a thick shroud of fog in the Avon Valley, but did not impact competitors. Warmer temperatures helped to increase spectator numbers, with hundreds cheering on the riverbank to watch the power boats.
Jay Branson and David North lead the way in the power boats, finishing first across the line on day one at Cobblers Pool.
Josh Kippin, who took out first place in the single kayak in 2016, and Brendan Rice, who was runner-up, formed a team this year and look set to break race records. Darryl Long is first in the solo single ski.
“We’ve had similar water levels to last year, so near perfect,” Avon Descent sport co-ordinator Sean Dunstan said.
Paul Ranger, a semi-finalist in hit TV show Ninja Warrior, took on the challenge on a stand-up paddle board after signing up on Friday, but didn’t make it to Extracts Weir.
Competitors will cross the finish line at Bayswater on Sunday.
Source: Avon Descent 2017: Live Updates | Perth Now
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