Skateboard / BMX Action photo's help please

This weekend I have managed to get myself the opportunity to get into the LG Action Sports event held in Manchester with a press pass (United Kingdom), the event features all the big named sports stars in Skateboarding, Inline Skating, BMX and Freestyle Moto Cross. Does anyone have any tips to give me on shooting techniques and anything else that might be relevant such as what shutter speed will I need to use to freeze the skaters/bikes in the air and should they all be crisply frozen?

Kit I have available to use:
Canon EOS 300D incl. Battery Grip
EF-S 18-55mm f3.5/5.6 USM
EF 75-300mm f4/5.6 Mk III USM
Manfrotto 630B Monopod + Ballhead RC424
Basic Flash gun with a guide No. of 28

+ Possibly from a good friend to borrow
EF 14mm f2.8 L USM
EF 16-35mm f2.8 USM

I understand that my 300D works to a magnification of x1.6 which is great when using the long end of my lens but would I be correct in saying that the 14mm lens will end up being the equivalent of 22.4mm and ending up only giving me a 112 degree view?

I may also get the chance to interview a star also so anyone got any advice on who to go for? A new upcoming youngster or a veteran? Bearing in mind this is the sort of imagery I love shooting although never quite delved into the action sports quite like this before! Space of shooting is not a concern as I will be carrying my PSD (Nexto CF2500 with 80Gb drive).

Many Thanks

Pal

I'd just bring the lenses from a friend. Anything above 1/500 should be good for freezing. I'd go for wide open on the aperature. Unless it's cloudy, I'd leave the flash at home. If there's a possibility for night shots, bring the flash obviously. I'd also shoot in raw since you have the space.

Thanks for the advice :0)

Generally only shoot in RAW these days although I know write times ae kinda suckie and just to note the event is indoors, will I not need flash for fill in or is this generally a no go - I don't get briefed on do's and don'ts until tommorow...

Cheers

If it's indoor you may be struggling without flash. If you can use flash, make sure you've got plenty of batteries!
Get the f2.8s anyway.

Andy

Its a huge ceiling lit arena (one of the biggest in the UK - hence the decision to use this one for such a big event) presumably the flash is for fill in flash?

Should get access to everywhere in the areana which includes all VIP access to the pro's taking part, anyone know before I get briefed tommorow what the stance is on selling these shots at a later date as I have stated I am a freelance photographer?

Cheers

Pal

Damnit, would have liked to have come to that, but can't make it this weekend. Good luck and I look forward to seeing the shots. As despot said, definately use the flash, if you can borrow a better one, do that too... ideally one that does high speed sync, if you're shooting at 1/500...otherwise with the flash on you might find yourself limited to a lower shutter speed. (Dunno what that is on the 300D, but I know its 1/250 on the 20D)

James

Edit: You replied the same time as me, as for selling them, look in the Cornering a Pro section... theres all sorts of advice in there about selling photos

you will need the 75-300 for the freestyle motocross .