Persley

The Persley Slalom event is held on the River Don, at a Double Weir which was historically used for an old paper mill.  The Double Weir is a stretch of Grade 2/3 rapids suitable for division 2/3 events.  The course consists of a flat water section at the top for warm up, the first weir section which funnels the river water to a central channel followed by a 30m open water section with a main flow channel, before the second weir which is a 2m drop with small wave/stopper (river level dependant).  The second weir focuses the majority of the flow through a 4m channel creating a challenging flow channel to cross.  The river opens up and continues after the weir in a more gentil manner with slight right hand turn.


The Slalom course usually starts on the warm up pool, before proceeding to the first weir, where an eddy allows gates to be positioned.  In the area between the weirs, there are ample eddies to allow up right and up left gates.  A gate is usually positioned centrally prior to the second weir to ensure that the paddlers are in the correct position for the second weir drop.  Once the paddlers jump the small wave/stopper at the bottom of the second Weir, there is ample locations for up right and up left gates, crossing the fast flow path created by the second weir.  The finish line is usually 50m from the second weir.

Location:

OS Sheet 38: 904, 102

Nearby postcode: AB22 8AT

LOCAL MAP

Directions:

From the South:  Follow the A90 until Stonehaven (24km from Aberdeen), there you have two options, either take the A92 through the city or take the A90 to the Craibstone exit.  Drive to the Persley Bridge crossing on River Don at Danestone (Close to the Tesco Extra Store in Danestone).  At the A92 Persley roundabout, turn onto Granitehill Terrace.  Travel 450m West on this road, the car park shall be sign posted as Aberdeen Kayak Club Persley Event.

 JS Grading: C/D

C: Faster current, sharper eddy-lines, some drops that can be intimidating, possible to set crosses on small waves, often rocky.

D: ‘Real’ slalom water. Beginners will need some practise to handle this, and some bravery simply to paddle down it.

Even courses that are usually easy can become dangerous in exceptional high water conditions. If in doubt, seek advice or stay off the water.