Wakeboarding at Night (In a parking lot!)

I am attending a Rail Jam tomorrow night which is where people wakeboard from a temporary pool onto a rail and then into another pool while being pulled with a motorized spool.

I wasn't sure what lens would be best for this and how to use my new 580ex. I will paste the post I made on my wakeboarding discussion forum where I have not received any input yet.

"So I am wanting to get some good pics from the upcoming Rail Jam in Dallas tomorrow night. I have never done any action shooting at night and was hoping to get some suggestions. The area will be decently lit but I assume I'll need some extra light. I recently got a 580ex but was wondering if riders cringe on you putting a flash in their face when they are on a rail with concrete on either side?!

Here is what I have to work with:
300D
Kit Lens
50 f/1.8
70-200 f/4

Last year you could get as close as you wanted so I was thinking the 50 would give me some good shots. There is also a patio 15 feet from the rail so that is an option as well. Any tips on shooting angles, settings, use of my 580, etc. would be very helpful."

Thanks for any tips you guys can provide.

well, the riders should have some light so they can see where they are going try out the 50 1,8 at high iso, 800 or 1600. since i use the XT, does the 300D have servo focus? if so, perhaps it helps.

about the flash, i would only use it if i have to... perhaps go there before the show begins and have a talk to someone there if the flash is distracting the riders.

make lots of pics, so you'll at least have some keepers (thats the way i did- and still do with action shots) and the most important thing, HAVE FUN!

hope that helps!

Nyberg

http://eos.fotoblog.me.uk