Summer Eight Bump Race

Today was the Summer Eight Race  -- a bump race that is Oxford University’s main intercollegiate rowing event of the year.  The race has been taking place since Wednesday and concluded today.  It is the strangest boat race I’ve ever seen.  Each crew attempts to progress up their division by bumping the boat in front, while avoiding being bumped by the boat behind.  Once a bump has taken place, both the crews involved stop racing and move to the side to allow the rest of the division to pass. It is possible to “over bump” if the 2 crews in front of your boat bump (and so drop out) and your boat can catch the boat that was in front of them.  They then swap places for the next day’s race, whether that is the next calendar day or the first day of racing in the next-year’s competition.

The ultimate aim of a crew is to become “Head of the River” (top of the first division) and stay there.  This entitles the winning crew to commission trophy oars in their college colors with the name and weights of the successful crew on them – commonly called the “winning blades”. 

The race takes place in May every year during the 5^th week of Trinity term.  This year, it has been gorgeous weather for the 4 days of the race.  This afternoon we rode our bikes up the Thames to watch the finals and it was so much fun to watch the last race of the best of the women’s and the best of the men’s crews.  I have to admit, the race didn’t make much sense to me until someone explained the rules. 

Women's crew warming up and getting into place.

Trying to pump the the boat in front...

...while not being bumped from behind.

Men's crew warming up.

The race is on!

The "Head of the River" gets the first slot.  Their aim is to defend their position.

Two boats,  one bumped, trying to get out of the way.

It's a close race.

About to be bumped.

Bumped!

Moving on to the finish line.