Canoeists, 

Excitement and personal challenge - an ultimate test of skill. Speed and precision is crucial as slalomists need to squeeze through a series of gates without making contact to avoid penalty seconds being added to the time taken to paddle from start to finish. Slalom is intended to test river-running skills in a safe and friendly environment. The competition takes place over two runs over set course, the winner of the event will have negotiated the course in the fastest time, with the fewest penalties. competitors receive penalties for hitting and missing gates. 

These images were taken at the Tees barrage,  River Tees, Cleveland, which was completed in 1995. It limited the Tees' tidal reach, and created upstream an exciting new wetland sports and leisure area for Teeside. Various sports are offered including windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, rowing, angling - even powerboat racing and white water rafting.  The barrage itself is an impressive structure and includes a fish-pass (with viewing area), navigation lock and canoe slalom.

Sports photography is all about catching the moment, in canoeing it is important to catch the expression the angle of the paddles and the water! Canoeing is quick and wet but access to the action is very good, with river side access allowed during most training sessions.