Racing Calendar

In a typical season ASRA will take part in a number of races across the country.  For most of these we have a simple system of sign-up sheets and everyone in the club is invited to take part if they are available.  The coaching team decides the events and crews to enter and ASRA takes care of the logistics (travel, accommodation etc).  Some races are for specific age groups and members will be asked if they are available rather than signing up.  If they are intending to watch, parents may be asked if they are able to drive a minibus or help out in some other way.

In the first half of the season, October to March, the athletes race over longer distances (mostly ~3000-4500m depending on the rowable stretch of water) in a time trial format.  These are called Head races.  In the second half of the season, April to July, the races switch to a side-by-side format and these are called regattas.  On a multi-lane rowing lake the races are normally over 2000m if you are J16 or above and 1000m or 1500m if you are J15 or below.  If the races are on a river, it will depend on how long the river has a straight line. 

To give you a flavour of what’s on offer, for the 2025/26 season we have attended, or will attend, the following:

We mostly attend the same regattas each year and they tend to be on similar dates.

The cost of attending each regatta is spread across those athletes taking part and covers travel (for athletes and boats), entry fees, accommodation and sometimes breakfast (depending on whether the hotel does something early enough for our racing schedule).  Other meals are usually in addition.  The sign-up sheets will usually have a cost estimate.  We’ve gained a lot of experience over the years with planning the travel and accommodation, and costs are always kept as low as possible.