The annual Women’s Head of the River Race (or WHORR) falls on the 17th March this year, starting at 2.30pm.
The Head of the River Race (Men’s head) takes place at 3.45pm on the 31st March following the exact same course.
This represents a fantastic opportunity to catch some rowing photography as each event attracts large entry numbers, [this year] ~290 for the women’s and ~420 in the men’s. Competitors may come from domestic and international rowing clubs to the banks of the river Thames on the two separate dates to race for the pennant in their chosen category, or win outright to become ‘Head of the River’. The race may last anything from 17 minutes for a fast [men's] crew over the 7km distance, at a grueling 34 to 36 strokes a minute. The river itself also presents some surprises, it is notorious for giving rowers changeable weather conditions from start to finish and thanks to the course the crews take their orientation, with reference to a wind direction, may alter making a perfectly row-able beginning become a complete wash-out in the closing stages of the race. It is a test of strength, endurance and skill to even reach the finish sometimes, let alone place high on a table of racing crews…

…if that sounds your cup of tea; you should try it in a single!