Shepperton Events
Shepperton Events
Each year, we typically hold three events at the club, which run across two days, Saturday and Sunday, covering the different levels and divisions.
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The dates for these events are added to this website and Canoe Slalom UK around January of each new year and then published here shortly after. Typically, signing up for the events is available a few weeks before.
2025 Events
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd March: Division 1/2
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Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th & Monday 26th May: ​Division 3/4
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Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July: Division 3/4
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th October: Division 2/3
First time attending an event?
Here’s some info on what to expect if you’re attending your first event at Shepperton. On the day, you'll find that everyone is happy to help and full of encouragement for new paddlers, so please don't hesitate to ask if you're unsure about what to do.
How long with it last?
Our weekend events run all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Most paddlers and spectators arrive from 09:00, giving everyone plenty of time before official practice starts at 10:00–10:30. Racing usually wraps up around 16:00–16:30, followed immediately by the awards ceremony for the top paddlers.
What should I bring?
Seating: Lightweight camping chairs are perfect; everyone sets up along the riverbank, so bring whatever helps you stay comfortable all day. Weather gear: Pack a brolly or sunshade, depending on the forecast. Food and drink: Feel free to bring your own picnic. Our café will also be open if you’d like hot drinks, snacks, or lunch. Dry kit for paddlers: When you’re off the water, have a dry robe, towel, or spare clothes handy so you can warm up and relax between runs.
Will food and drink be available?
Absolutely, our café will be open on both days. You can pick up coffee, tea, soft drinks, toasties, bacon or sausage sandwiches, crisps, sweets, and usually a few homemade treats like cakes and cookies. We accept contactless cards as well as cash. Fancy a change of scene? The Ferry Café Shop is just a short stroll back across the lock.
When do I arrive, and can I have a practice?
Please double-check the event page a few days beforehand for the final schedule. Official practice normally begins around 10:00–10:30, but the course is open earlier if you’d like extra time on the water. If you’re a beginner or early-intermediate paddler, please chat with your coach first so an experienced paddler can be on the water with you. And don’t hesitate to ask for help, there’s always someone happy to help or give you some advice.
How does the event work?
You have three official runs during the day: the practice run, followed by your two-timed runs, the first before we break for lunch and the second after lunch. You’re allocated a start time for each one, which will be printed out and put on the windows of the clubhouse. You need to ensure you’re on the water and ready to go 5 or so minutes before the allocated time. Please note that the allocated times at the start of the day may change; however, announcements are made throughout the day over the loudspeaker. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is ask. The practice run: This isn’t timed, but you’re expected to do the whole course. This means you can’t just practice on a specific section and keep going around the same gates. You can miss gates, but you must continue onto the next gate. The timed runs: You have two of these, and your total time is calculated by the time it took you to travel from the start gate to the end gate, with any penalties added. For example, if you hit a gate, it results in a 2-second penalty, and if you miss one, it results in a 50-second penalty. Shortly after you’ve completed your run, the judges in the clubhouse will print out your time, which is stuck to the clubhouse windows. You’ll see your name, division, total time, and then total plus any penalties. Once all the runs are completed, the judges print off all the results on one document and place it again on the clubhouse windows. This shows you where you placed against the other paddlers.
Do I need to sign up before the event?
Please let your club coach know if you’re attending the event; however, you don’t need to sign up beforehand if this is your first time. As a first-time attendee, you’ll need to attend an event featuring Division 4, and then you can register and pay the entry fee on the day. You’ll be given a bib number, which you need to wear on the outside of your buoyancy aid when on the water.
Who else is on the water?
During both official practice and timed runs, two highly experienced paddlers are on the course. They keep a close eye on everyone, especially first-timers or anyone who appears to need an extra bit of support. If you capsize, don’t worry. The safety paddlers will reach you in no time and tow you (and your boat) back to the bank, usually with a smile and a splash of fun along the way.
How does the slalom course work?
It’s straightforward, you need to get from the start point to the end point in as little time as possible. There are usually 18 numbered gates between the start and end points, with half being green gates and the other half being red. For the red gates, you need to go up (towards the weir), and for the green gates, you always go down (away from the weir).
Is there parking?
Parking is a little tricky, so please be prepared to find a space a little way away from the lock on event days. Here are a few things to know: ​ There's parking alongside the lock, but it's often close to full, as it's also used by residents who live by the river too. As you first turn down Ferry Lane, there are two parking bays down the left-hand side, which 4-5 cars can use, one near the start of Ferry Lane and one close to the river end. You can use these, and it's only a few minutes walk to the club. If you have a lot of kit to carry, then drive all the way down to the lock, drop it off there, and then drive back and use the Ferry Lane parking bays. Do not park in the bays alongside the Ferry Coffee Shop and the gym next door, or in the car park behind; this area is reserved for cafe and gym users only. On Shepperton event days, we often receive permission to use the extended car park behind the cafe/gym parking lot. Please review the event details further up this page, closer to the event date, for more information.
