As the Pairs Head of the River draws nearer, hundreds of rowers are preparing for the 4.5km time trial along the iconic Tideway. For many, this will be their first race of the 2024/2025 season, raising the possibility of a shift in the composition of top crews for the new year. Despite the forecast of rain, the PLA Ebb Tide Flag displays green, signalling favourable conditions along the river.
Bewl Bridge Rowing Club
With a reputation for strong technical sculling, Bewl Bridge Rowing Club will be the first to race the time trial. Being the first to set off, the Bewl Bridge RC crew may have a strategic advantage, allowing them to break away from their competition rather than play a game of chasing. After finishing sixth at the British Rowing Junior and Senior Club Championships in their double near the end of last season, this crew is certainly one to watch and undoubtedly a top contender for victory this weekend.
Westminster School Boat Club
As a Tideway-based boathouse, Westminster School Boat Club is likely to benefit from racing on its home turf. The school’s first eight finished seventh at the National Schools’ Regatta, proving it has a strong contingent of sweep rowers. Many will watch closely to see if their strength translates well to smaller boats, in addition to sculling. With three crews entered in this year’s Pairs Head, much attention will be paid to how this team navigates the challenging conditions that the river presents.
Walton Rowing Club
Located between Molesey and Weybridge, Walton Rowing Club is accustomed to more tranquil conditions than the boys will face this weekend. However, unlike some of their competitors, Walton RC is a crew experienced in sculling, with their quad finishing 16th at the National Schools’ Regatta. Although they may not have the competitive record of other teams, their familiarity with sculling will undoubtedly make for an exciting weekend of racing.
Barn Elms Rowing Club
As another Tideway-based crew, Barn Elms Rowing Club will be familiar with the harsh conditions of the river. However, their 34th-place finish at the National Schools’ Regatta suggests they may not be as formidable as some of their competition. This will be the debut of Barn Elms’ J16 double, and it will be interesting to see how this new crew performs against some of the more familiar crews.
Emanuel School Boat Club
Emanuel School Boat Club, with recent successes at Henley Royal Regatta, will also be in contention for a top spot. Last year, these rowers focused on sculling, with their quad finishing fifth at the National Schools’ Regatta. Additionally, the school has incorporated singles into their training over the summer, which may give them an advantage, having trained in small boats on their Tideway home stretch. With new coaching leadership and the experience of training in singles, Emanuel School BC’s rowers are poised for strong finishes in this year’s Pairs Head, with four crews entered.
Prediction
The Pairs Head of the River is shaping up to be another thrilling competition, with a variety of clubs and schools competing for victory. As this is an early-season event, many crews are still working to establish themselves as top contenders. That being said, the Bewl Bridge RC’s previous successes in their double set them apart from their peers. The real battle for second and third places is likely to be between Westminster School BC and Emanuel School BC, where these two neighbours will race for the podium.
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