The 2018 autumn heads season got underway on the Tideway with the Pairs Head on October 6th with 470 crews representing clubs from across the UK, and Juniors, Seniors and Masters rowers racing in pairs (sweep-oar) and doubles (sculling) in age categories ranging from J16 to Masters H (70+).
The race starts at The Boat Race finish post downstream of Chiswick Bridge and finishes at Harrods Wall downstream of Hammersmith Bridge, competitors being timed over the course of approximately 4.5km.
Blustery conditions played their part and a troublesome northerly breeze meant the race was in doubt until given the go-ahead only 2 hours before the scheduled 3pm start.
Durham ARC was represented by Kim Forster and David Muse, boating from Cygnet Rowing Club and putting in a great performance in challenging conditions on their first outing in the competition to finish second in their category in a Mixed Masters B/C double scull, and 223rd position overall in a time of 16m 26.9s, adjusted for masters handicap to 16m 18.56s.
The event is organised by Barnes Bridge Ladies Rowing Club (BBLRC). The final results are posted on the BBLRC website.
Photos are available from Ben Rodford Photography and AllMarkOne.
The Pairs Head is the first of several rowing events taking place on the Thames during the autumn months. The Head of the River Fours and Veteran Fours Head take place on November 3rd and 4th, followed by the Scullers Head on December 1st, before the focus shifts to eights heads after the New Year, including the Schools’ Head on March 15th, Women’s Eights Head of the River Race on March 16th, Head of the River Race and Veterans’ Head on March 30th and 31st 2019.