I had passed through Grandtully in Scotland several times without noticing that the river was set up for slalom practice. On one occassion I stopped just as someone was getting his canoe off the roof of his car and I asked if I could take some photos of his practice. I have now been back to Grandtully several times as well as a couple of other locations in the North of England and Scotland.

Sometimes a large lens is not necessary as canoeists often pass close to the riverside banks. I tend to use the 35mm equivalent of a 300mm lens and on occassion bring in the "beast" - my 500mm f/4.5 lens for full-frame shots. Unless I am trying for "dramatic" shots with the water all streaked I try to use a shutter speed higher than 1/250th and apertures better than f5.6. Slower shutter speeds or wider apertures will result in a lot of wasted images.

One problem with Grandtully is that the light quality can be poor as the canoeists come down river with the sun often behind them making it difficult to get facial features well lit. However, slalom canoeing is a little better as they have up-stream gates with canoeists facing into the light. This is especially the case when there are early starts, say at 10am and the light is still coming from the East.

For major events parking is possible close-by in the SCA campsite for a small fee - please do not use the Inn car park.

Events are held a couple of times a year on the River Nith in Dumfries. There are some good spots for action shots around a mile downstream from Glen Airlie Picnic Site, the start for most races. Access is difficult as the river banks are very steep. Parking is possible for a few cars in laybys or leave your car in the picnic site car park and walk down the road . The races tend to be in December and February and the light can be very poor - you are down in a gorge with the sun not very high in the sky but at least its coming from the right direction.

Teeside has a man-made course and holds both Slalom and wild water canoe events. Access is easy with plenty parking and a cafe. Dont be put off by the concrete course as it is possible to get really close and go for close-up shots.

Wild water events are also held at Barnard Castle, usually in November - often combined with Teeside. Access down to the river is, again, difficult with the banks very steep and high and a trek across muddy fields. Travel light. The Red Well Inn is a good place to stay.

There are other places in the North and Scotland - I just haven't been to them yet!