Shepperton Slalom Div 1/2: March 2026

A proper good weekend on and off the water

If you’ve not been to Shepperton before, it’s one of those races that just works. You turn up, everything’s in one place, the setting’s lovely, and there’s a really easy, friendly feel to the whole weekend.

Set on Lock Island on the River Thames, you’ve got the course right in front of you, space to sit and watch, food nearby, and people always chatting or kicking a ball around between runs. It doesn’t feel hectic in the way some races can. It just feels… good.

We caught up with Freddie, one of our Seren Dŵr Division 2 paddlers, to hear how he got on.

What is the course like?

Freddie didn’t hesitate with this one. The word that kept coming up was changeable.

This isn’t a course where you find a line and repeat it. The water is constantly moving, with boils that grab at your boat and push you off where you thought you were going.

“It changes every second… you have to properly drive in.”

On the Div 1–2 course, especially, the water gets quite “sticky”. You can be set up well for a gate, then suddenly your edge gets caught, and you’re fighting to stay upright and on line.

There were a few moments where that unpredictability caught Freddie out, including a couple of early rolls, but he took it in his stride.

“I got really good whitewater experience… it was fun.”

And that’s the thing with Shepperton. It might not always feel smooth, but it teaches you a lot. You have to commit to your moves, stay switched on, and adapt quickly. There’s no coasting through.

Freddie also mentioned how the course can “pickle your head” a bit. The lines aren’t always obvious, and you can end up overthinking sections. But when it comes together, it really works.

What are the organisers like?

This was a big highlight.

“They’re lovely… always welcoming, always happy to chat.”

From the moment you arrive, you feel looked after. The organisers at Shepperton are approachable, relaxed and genuinely interested in making it a good experience for everyone.

Whether it’s a quick chat, a bit of advice, or just a friendly face at the side of the course, it all adds to the atmosphere.

And that matters, especially for younger paddlers or anyone still finding their feet in racing.

How did your races go?

Freddie’s weekend was a proper mix of learning, progress and a bit of frustration thrown in.

Day one started with a few rolls, including in practice, but instead of letting that knock him, he leaned into it.

“It was loads of whitewater experience.”

When it came to the race runs, there were definitely some strong sections. Moves that he knows he can do, and moments where it all clicked.

But there were also bits where the water got the better of things. In particular, some of the boils made it hard to stay controlled through gates, and a couple of moves needed a bit more commitment.

“I think I should have believed in myself more.”

That’s probably the biggest takeaway from the weekend. The ability is there. It’s about trusting it and going for it for the first time.

Day two brought a different kind of challenge. The conditions on parts of the course made paddling tricky, and Freddie picked up multiple 50-second penalties.

One moment stood out in particular. He fought hard through a cross, certain he hadn’t touched the pole, but unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be.

“I was fighting so hard not to touch a pole”

Seven 50s is tough to take for anyone. But to his credit, he didn’t let it ruin the weekend. He stayed level-headed and took it for what it was.

That resilience is just as important as the paddling.

What is the location like?

This is where Shepperton really shines.

Everything is right there. You get on, you get off, and you’re back with everyone else straight away. No long walks, no disappearing off somewhere between runs.

“You don’t have to walk far… You can see everything.”

The island setting gives it a relaxed feel. You can sit by the water, watch racing, eat, chat, and just enjoy being there.

Freddie mentioned how nice it was to just hang out between runs. There was always something going on, whether that was watching others, chatting, or getting involved in a game of football.

“There would always be a ball, and people would just join in.”

The scenery stood out too. The Thames flows past, plenty of green space, and even parakeets flying around, which added something a bit different to the weekend.

What did you enjoy about Shepperton Slalom overall?

For Freddie, it wasn’t just about the racing. It was everything around it.

The atmosphere. The people. The balance between competing and just enjoying the day.

“It’s a really nice community.”

There was time to paddle, time to relax, and time to just be part of it all. That’s what makes these weekends memorable.

And yes, the food got a mention. The local pub in particular got a strong recommendation, especially for the halloumi fries.

Why it’s worth going

Shepperton Slalom Canoe Club have created something that’s hard to beat.

A course that challenges you and helps you improve. Organisers who make you feel welcome and a setting that makes you want to stay all day.

Freddie gave the weekend a 9.5 out of 10, only knocking off half a point for the unpredictable water at times, which probably says it all. And one final thing… don’t let the bigger, pushy water put you off.

Shepperton also runs a Div 2/3 and Div 3/4 course which is much gentler, with smaller features and a more forgiving feel. So whether you’re building confidence or stepping up, there’s something here for you.

If you’re looking for a race that gives you good experience, good people and a genuinely enjoyable weekend… this is one to get in the calendar.

Many Thanks to Shepperton Canoe Club for a wonderful weekend.