And just like that, head racing season has begun! It’s been a sharp start to the rowing year so far and the racing that took place at Weybridge Silver Sculls was a prime example. The race itself has been running since 1956, having hosted many famous rowers including the legend Sir Steve Redgrave – it’s one that holds great value to the local community. 

 

This year, after a long summer with little racing, rowers from clubs all around Greater London gathered to take on the mighty 3,300m course. It begins 200m below Walton Rowing club, with many unfamiliar bends to be tackled by racers, and finishes at Elmbridge Canoe Club. The course also makes for a lovely walking route!

 

Racing started early on Saturday morning. As crews began to rig boats and get ready for racing, heavy rainfall took place for well over an hour. Kit now wet, and dry spares used much earlier than anticipated, racers remained in a strong mind.  I spoke to Wimbledon High School Boat Club Vice Captain, Olivia Fairhurst and she agreed: “When I arrived to rig up the boats the rain was unforgiving but we got the job done as fast as possible so we could shelter inside.”

 

Depending on the weather and water conditions, the time taken to complete the course inevitably varies. This year it took competitors between 12 and 21 minutes complete, depending on individual boat category and age. Thanks to the help of supporters, volunteers and race marshals, racing stayed safe and in control. 

 

To give readers a greater understanding of the race, Olivia talked to me about her personal race experience: 

 

“My first race was in a double and I was bow seat, so in charge of steering the boat. The course has a very big bend which was very difficult to manoeuvre and we lost quite a bit of time here as I didn’t take the best line. Although we we had some issues with the course itself, it was a good learning experience. I then raced in a single later that afternoon so made sure to refuel and stay in the warmth for a few hours. Having learnt how difficult the course was in the double, I knew which areas I needed to focus on second time round. This time-trial went far better than the double because I had learnt from my mistakes! My experience of Weybridge Silver Sculls was multi-faceted and gave me more racing experience, my first head race in over 18 months.” 

 

Olivia finished 3rd in the WJ18 1x race, a fantastic result.

 

Training for these athletes will only continue to intensify with Kingston Head and Fours Head of the River Race approaching. Fours Head of the River Race is most definitely worth a watch for readers near the Tideway section of the Thames – a lengthy race where rowers must bring their toughest mental strength.