Competing
Exeter Rowing Club regularly compete in the WEARA Regatta Championships as well as competitions around the country with members often competing at some of the best known events: Henley, Head of The River Race, Boston Marathon etc.
Rowing and sculling are classified separately and every competitor, whatever his or her age, weight, or gender, (except coxswains who are not generally classified), has a separate status in each of the two disciplines. This status, based on points won, determines where the individual fits in senior racing and the total of the points held by the crew as a whole (excluding the cox) determines their senior classification.
The file below is the Race entry form for ERC, and should be printed out, filled in and submitted to Eleanor Burke.
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'.
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.