The first Small Boats Rowing Head in the country still busy, bustling and bitterly cold.
Walton Small Boats Head is a rowing race that first started in 1974. It is home to the first ever multi-division small boats head in the country which attracts over 650 competitors each winter. Walton Rowing Club has formed the foundations for many GB athletes including double world champion, Matt Tarrant and Rio Olympian, Angus Groom. These successful athletes still often come to host training sessions and give inspirational talks to the budding junior rowers.
The Head consists of a 3000m course downstream from d’Oyly Carte Island, Weybridge, to Miskins Wharf, which is just upstream of Walton Rowing Club. Walton Small Boats Head provides an opportunity for smaller boats to race longer distances than they would usually at regattas in the summer, hence the name. The great success and evident popularity of the race prompted the rising of many other multi division heads across the country including Hampton, Kingston and Burway.
The race is open to people of all ages and of different levels of experience from as young as 13 up to the veterans’ category. Even my parents, who only started rowing this summer, took part and it was their first ever race. They said;
“The initial nerves quickly turned to excitement and energy and we were helped along by the fantastic support of Walton Rowing Club.”
I also spoke to other members of Walton Rowing Club about what they love most about racing. One boy said;
“I love racing because we don’t have to wake up as early as we usually do for training! Also, the social atmosphere and friendly competitiveness makes the day really exciting.”
Walton Rowing Club was founded in 1927 along the river Thames (just downstream of Walton bridge) and they first appeared at Henley just 3 years later in 1930 in the Thames Cup. Walton are also friendly with their neighbouring rowing club, Weybridge (where I row) and they collaborate on several events during the year, most notably the Walton and Weybridge Regatta in the summer. Despite the bitterly cold conditions of December, the beautiful stretch of the river by Walton Rowing Club makes the day enjoyable for all competitors as well as the spectators.
The popularity of the Walton Small Boats Head will no doubt continue to rise as the years go on. It not only marks the end of the calendar year, as the rowers retire to some well-deserved rest after a year of intensive training; but it also provides excitement for the year of rowing to come.
By Emanuela Nigrelli
