Slalom competitions
Canoe slalom is at the heart of Canolfan Tryweryn’s mission. The 1981 World Championships were held on the river, and for more than 40 years, the Tryweryn has been host to international competitions, and provided world-class training facilities for canoe slalom athletes.
The Welsh squad train here regularly and the facility helps to hone their skills, so that they can compete on an international stage. We have welcomed many Olympians and Olympic-hopefuls to the Tryweryn. In fact, many of our coaches and raft guides are high ranking competitors in slalom or freestyle kayaking.
Slalom events make fantastic spectator sports. Competitors must navigate a complex course of hanging gates, and must pass through them without making contact, in various directions according to the colour of the gate.
Our next slalom events are:
- Chapel Falls 28/29 June 2025
- Graveyard 13/14 Sept 2025
See CanoeSlalom.co.uk for more details.
Slalom training information for coaches
Signing in
Everyone paddling must sign in at reception and pay the facility fee. Anyone under the age of 18 must be signed in
by a parent or guardian.
Slalom gate rules
The slalom gates along the river may be used for training purposes until 10.30am. Please make sure the gates are
returned to eddies at the end of your training session. NWWC staff reserve the right to move slalom gates after
10.30am. Any gates left in the main flow may be damaged during NWWC operations.
Respect our environment
The NWWC is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a crucial environment for wildlife and plants. Please leave
the site as you found it and do not cut down any trees or break any branches.
Litter
Please do not leave your litter around the site. There are many bins and recycling points around the Centre, please
be considerate to our environment and put your litter in the bins provided or take it home with you.
Paddle Cymru squad info
If you would like to use the changing rooms in the middle centre, you’ll need to book this in advance (so that we can
organise cleaning of the centre as appropriate). This is only available for the Paddle Cymru squad.
If you’d like to use the middle car park, please ask at reception. We may ask that you keep the gate shut and locked
whilst you’re using this car park.
We will have a list of Paddle Cymru squad members at reception. Anyone whose name is not on this list will have to pay the
facility fee. It is Paddle Cymru's responsibility to keep this list up to date.
Graveyard slalom competition code of conduct
It is the event organiser’s responsibility to ensure that everyone involved in the Canoe Slalom competition (officials,
competitors, spectators) adhere to this Code of Conduct.
Parking
Up on arrival, please park in the agreed car park(s) leaving access routes clear. There will be a lot of competitors so
please park efficiently so that we can fit everyone in the car park. There will be a charge for parking which is £3 per
car, per day. NWWC operations will still be running throughout the competition beginning at Ski Slope. As such, the
rafting buses and trailers will be driving through the car park and around the building to make drop offs, please keep
these routes clear of people, boats and cars at all times. There is to be no overnight camping at the NWWC.
Litter
Please do not leave your litter around the site. There are many bins and recycling points around the Centre, please
be considerate to our environment and put your litter in the bins provided or take it home with you.
Toilets
The toilets are located in the middle building. If the toilet roll runs out, speak to the event organiser who will have
spare toilet rolls and toilet roll holder keys.
Boats and equipment
Please do not leave your boat anywhere except for the agreed holding bay. Any boats in footpaths, access routes
and roads will be moved by Centre staff. Please do not dry your equipment in the classrooms.
Respect our environment
The NWWC is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a crucial environment for wildlife and plants. Please leave
the site as you found it and do not cut down any trees or break any branches.
Site access
Some areas of riverbank are within our grounds and other areas are not. Please do not base officials or spectators in any area which is not within our grounds. We have no access arrangement for the river right bank along the Graveyard, this is private land.
Chapel falls slalom competition code of conduct
It is the event organiser’s responsibility to ensure that everyone involved in the Canoe Slalom competition (officials,
competitors, spectators) adhere to this Code of Conduct.
Parking
Up on arrival, please park in the agreed car park(s) leaving access routes clear. There will be a lot of competitors so
please park efficiently so that we can fit everyone in the car park. There will be a charge for parking which is £3 per
car, per day. There is to be no overnight camping at the NWWC.
Litter
Please do not leave your litter around the site. There are many bins and recycling points around the Centre, please
be considerate to our environment and put your litter in the bins provided or take it home with you.
Toilets
The toilets are located in the main centre.
Boats and equipment
Please do not leave your boat anywhere except for the agreed holding bay. Any boats in footpaths, access routes
and roads will be moved by Centre staff.
Respect our environment
The NWWC is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a crucial environment for wildlife and plants. Please leave
the site as you found it and do not cut down any trees or break any branches.
Site access
Some areas of riverbank are within our grounds and other areas are not. Please do not base officials or spectators in any area which is not
within our grounds.
Canolfan Tryweryn, Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU | Company No. 8282630. VAT No. 115151262