As winter training gives way to the first tests of the new season, Durham Small Boats Head offers crews the perfect opportunity to emerge from the holiday period and put their speed to the test. Held annually on the River Wear in the first weekend of February, the event has become one of the North’s most popular head races, having attracted over 500 entries this year. The 1,800-meter course demands both power and precision, particularly for coxless crews, as rowers must steer a careful line through the arches of as Elvet Bridge whilst also maintaining intensity for this short but challenging race. This year, six crews in the senior women’s quad category will challenge for victory.
Tees Rowing Club
Tees Rowing Club, based, surprisingly enough, on the Tees, not far from Durham, will be the first to set off in this event. Although entered into the senior category, this crew and all others entered into the event are comprised of junior rowers. However, Tees have already proven their strength in 2025 by taking first place in Junior 18 quads at the Tyne New Year’s Head. With their recent success and strong form, Tees will be a crew to watch as they head down the course.
Yarm School Boat Club
Like Tees, Yarm School Boat Club are based on the Tees River and will make the one-hour drive up to Durham this weekend. The Yarm cohort had a strong end to 2024, with their A crew achieving a fast fourth-place finish in the Junior 18 quads at Rutherford Head, and a win in the same event at the York Head. Their depth and recent success could see them pushing hard for the top spots, making them one to watch.
St Leonards School
St Leonard’s School is the first crew to race on their home water, giving them a big advantage. While the school has a smaller programme, the familiarity with the tricky course on the Wear is invaluable. In a coxless boat, this local knowledge means fewer line corrections and less time spent looking for navigation, which could make a significant difference in their final time and position. I expect St Leonard’s to use this advantage to its fullest as they race on home turf.
George Heriots School
Venturing the furthest to compete, George Heriot’s School has yet to race so far in 2025. Their last competition, the Inverness Head in November, saw their Junior 18 cohort place well in the coxed fours and sculls. As they take on the much shorter course on the Wear, at less than half the length of the Caledonian Canal, it will be interesting to see how their skills transfer to the different demands of the race.
Durham ARC
Defending their club’s 2024 title, the young crew from Durham ARC have their work cut out for them. Just like St Leonard’s School, their home water advantage should give them a boost. With the added pressure of being the reigning champions, Durham ARC will be aiming to retain their title, and their local knowledge of the Wear may play a key factor in their performance.
Predictions
With storms raging up and down the UK and races getting cancelled left and right, it’s hard to say who’ll be firing on all cylinders this weekend. That being said, I foresee that Yarm’s strong end to head racing in 2024 and strong results at Rutherford and York will have sharpened their skills and prime them for the win. Similarly, I predict that Tees’ early start to racing in 2025 will help them climb up onto the podium and maybe even earn some silverware. Beyond that, it’s anyone’s game. Will the home advantage be the secret weapon? Will a rogue steering malfunction lead to a crash into Elvet Bridge? Will the weather throw a spanner in the works? Only time will tell…
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