Types of Competition

Regatta


The regatta season begins in April and is much more rewarding for spectators as this is side-by-side racing. There are often several heats in what can be a long day's racing. A heat might be first thing in the morning and if successful the final may not be until late afternoon. Regattas taking place on rivers will probably only have two or three racing lanes. The river course is unlikely to be straight and there will be other challenges to negotiate such as the bank. The larger regattas are often held on purpose built courses on lakes and allow for six lane racing.



Head Races

Head races are generally run between September and March. Each boat is sent down the course, one after another, and timed between the start and the finish line. Competitors will be divided into racing categories which might be determined by age, gender, experience. As a spectator you are unlikely to know who has won until the results are published on the race organiser's website. Heads are raced over a longer course than regattas, with the younger rowers sometimes rowing a 'short course'. More...



Coastal

In complete contrast, the flat waters of the inland lakes hold no attraction for the coastal rowers. The FISA competition course is an offshore triangle with no lanes, representing a total distance of 6 kilometres. Women race the course once and men go round twice. In 2009 the World Rowing Coastal Challenge came to the UK, hosted in Plymouth.



Bumps

The 'Bumps' evolved on rivers too narrow for side-by-side racing. Crews progress up a division by bumping the boat in front of them without being hit by the boat behind. 'Blades' are awarded to the successful crews. Normally associated with Oxford and Cambridge universities but also run by some British Rowing clubs.



Indoor

Competitions on indoor rowing machines range from 2k time trials for individuals to knockout competitions between teams of athletes. Competitions run all year round and a number of inter-school competitions are held as well as races for veterans.


From: britishrowing.org