Kayaking at bala

cannockwolf

cannockwolf

<span class="poty">POTY (Joint) 2016</span>
Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,858
Name
Dave
Edit My Images
No
Theres a slalom comp on next weekend which ism going to go and shoot and I've heard people say there's a bridge over the river that gives a great vantage point, can anyone help point that out for me please?
 
There's a few bridges over the river at Bala, without knowing exactly where the comp is it's hard to say. Can you get in touch with the organiser and as them where the main car park is. As I recall the white water centre has access to about 5 miles of water.
 
When I called them they just said there's a slalom event this weekend, didn't mention where, didn't realize they had 5 miles to go at lol, I'll have to call agin then, cheers for the info

Not done it before so completely green Lol
 
It might be worth getting in touch with whiteflyer on here, iirc he was into the kayaking scene and might know some good places to go.
 
:thumbs:
 
cannockwolf said:
:thumbs:
Click to expand...

ask them which course its on, theres a choice of three as I remember, either the graveyard, which is accessible from the main centre, but no bridge, the world championship course which is by the main centre and has a bridge over the bottom, or bala mill falls which is right down just before the river empties into the Dee, by the town, which is about 4 miles away from the main centre and a different car park
 
digitalfailure said:
It might be worth getting in touch with whiteflyer on here, iirc he was into the kayaking scene and might know some good places to go.
Click to expand...

Brill advice thanks, got everything I need to know from him :D
 
Good stuff

Now lets see some cracking white water shots :thumbs:
 
Bridge with give you lots of similar shots, unless you know the paddler they will be a bit of an odd angle and probably wont feature faces!

try walking the bank, see where the gates are and look for the turn arounds for good action shots. get low, level with paddlers and shallow DOF to avoid losing them to the trees/crowd etc.

try and stand inline with gates, that way the paddler will be looking at you as they approach, or find a good standing wave that'll get them throwing a good high brace (always looks good!).

so yeah, have fun & take your waterproofs
 
thanks very much for that info, whats a high brace lol, is it sticking the oar in at a high angle?
 
Cool
 
There have been at least 5 parts of the river used for slalom over the years, the ones for the premier division as stated earlier Bala Mill, Graveyard, Top Site ( World Championship) and Ski Jump and they have had lower division event at the campsite below the worlds course.

As far as I'm aware they don't normally use the full world championship course any more as slalom is now over a shorter length ( and a damn sight easier than back in my day 70s & 80s ) I suspect this weekend event will start just above the ski jump and end halfway down the top site course ( at the sharp left corner)

To the non paddler it's all irrelevant as apart from Bala Mill they are all more or less the same place, using the same car parking.

As said above and in my pm to Dave, it's better to get down to water level than shooting off either of the bridges unless using something like a 600mm and aiming way upstream.

Get there in time to have a good walk about and check out the best vantage point ( it'll be obvious as that's where the other togs will be )

I found standing below Mrs Davis's bridge and shooting up stream a good place the last time I was there but it all depends where the gates are set.

Not been for a couple of years, but these are from 2009 and may give an idea of what's available, but I know there are much better shots to be taken there and with the lens range Dave has I sure he get some crackers.

IMG_4066.jpg


IMG_4161.jpg


IMG_4251.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top