The Bear's Head

Instructions & start order

Rules & regulations

Bear's Head is a private race for Lea RC members, but it broadly follows the same procedures as any British Rowing head race.
If you're new to head racing, or haven't raced recently, we recommend you read British Rowing's beginner's guide.
Note that you must follow the usual rules of the river at all times. The river is not closed to other users during the race please respect their right to enjoy the river just as much as you do.
In addition, you must follow the instructions below, and any directions given by marshals on the day.

Safety

Safety is the priority for all race officials and competitors. Follow the club's Safety Policy & Documents, as you would in any session on the river. Our risk assessment for the event is here.
In the event of an emergency, alert control (David Porter, 07876 540914). If necessary, call 999 and direct emergency services to the river, using the course map as a guide. Marshals may call for racing to stop – competitors must comply immediately.
All equipment must comply to the safety requirements in RowSafe (secure bowball, heel restraints secured so shoe cannot go above horizontal, suitable buoyancy, boat identification code, cox lifejacket, etc.) Take sufficient kit and water with you for an outing of 1½ hours' duration.

Course map

The race course is from the Gate to Lathams footbridge (c2700m).

Registration

On arrival at the club, you must report to Crew Registration (in the bar). Please do this as early as possible.
A paper race number will be issued to you. Pin the number securely to the back of the racing kit of the bow rower (one pin in each corner). If your race number is not visible you will not receive a time for the race.
Note that if you have not paid for your crew by Saturday afternoon, you will not be able to register.

Boating

You will need to be on the water some time before your race, as outlined below. (Check the Start Order to find out which Division you are in.) Don't be late: time penalties will be applied, and you may not be allowed to boat!
- Division 1: Boating 08:00 to 08:30. Race starts at 08:45.
- Division 2: Boating 09:15 to 09:45. Race starts at 10:00
- Division 3: Boating 10:20 to 10:45. Race starts at 11:00.
Marshals will be on the landing stage to help you boat in a safe and quick manner, please listen to their instructions.
You will boat with bows facing upstream towards Tottenham (the other way round to normal).
Push off quickly and make adjustments to equipment and footplates on the water, rather than blocking the landing stage.

Getting to the start & marshalling

Once boated, paddle efficiently upstream. Normal river navigation rules apply at all times. Hence you must proceed upstream on the cox's right / rower's left, keeping a good look out for other river users. Note that the river is not closed to other traffic.
Avoid blocking the river by doing exercises or stopping in the middle of the river. If you need to stop, find a place that will not obstruct other crews.
You must arrive in the marshalling area (upstream of the Gate) at least 5 minutes before your division's Start Time. Don't be late: time penalties will be applied, and racing may start without you!
Once in the marshalling area, spin and line up in number order, with the first crew in the division nearest the Gate. Tuck into the towpath side, leaving the other side of the river clear for crews arriving.
Listen to instructions from marshals. They will not be using megaphones (in order to be considerate to residents) so you must listen carefully.
You are likely to sit around for some time waiting for your turn to race. Please bring plenty of layers to keep warm.

The start

Once all boats have reached the marshalling area, the marshals will instruct crews to remove excess kit and move up towards the Start. Please listen for and react immediately to any instructions.
The starter will set crews off at 10 to 20 second intervals. Your time will be taken from when you cross the Start line, which is about 30m downstream of the Gate.

During the race

Normal river navigation rules apply at all times. Throughout the race you must keep to the towpath side of the river.
The river is not closed to other users. Keep a proper lookout for other boats and river users, and communicate clearly to others.
Slower crews must give way to faster crews. However, it remains the responsibility of the overtaking crew to do so safely.
Do not overtake if you cannot see that it is safe to do so. Take special care near corners, particularly Novice Bend and near the Canoe Club.
If it is necessary to stop, do so immediately and communicate clearly to others.
If in any doubt, err on the side of caution. Those who race in an unsafe manner will be given a time penalty or disqualified.

The finish

Your finish time will be taken just before Lathams footbridge.
After the finish, keep paddling at light pressure. Do not block the finish.
You must wait downstream of Lathams until the division has finished. Listen to marshals' instructions about where to wait. Paddle sufficiently downstream to allow space for later crews. You must wait in single file.
Once the last crew has finished, marshals will instruct crews to turn and proceed back upstream. Paddle efficiently back to the club. Normal river navigation rules apply at all times.
You will come into the landing stage facing towards Tottenham (the other way round to normal).

Time penalties

You will be given time penalties for failing to comply with a marshal's instructions, for being late to boat or arrive at the start, for failing to give way to a faster overtaking boat and/or for any use of language or gestures likely to bring the sport into disrepute.
Remember that this event is held in a public place and that there will be spectators who have no connection with rowing.
We expect the highest standards of sportsmanship from everyone. In extreme cases a crew may be disqualified.

Results

The start order will appear here in the days preceding the race.