Spectators

We are thrilled to invite our Hackney neighbours, friends, and families to join us for a fantastic day by the River Lea. You do not need to know a single thing about rowing to enjoy the day. It is fast, loud, and a great excuse to grab a drink and enjoy the atmosphere!

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What you'll see

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A "regatta" is a festival of boat races. The racing works like a knockout tournament. Two boats line up side-by-side and race in a straight line down a 650 metre stretch of the canal. The winner moves on to the next round, eventually leading to a final champion.

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You'll see a variety of boats racing. Some will have just one person, and the biggest will have four. Some rowers will hold one oar ("sweep"), others will hold two ("sculling"). And some boats will have a person sitting at the back or front who isn't rowing. That's the "cox", whose job is to steer and motivate their crew.

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Because the distance is relatively short, a race takes less than three minutes from start to finish. The boats will be moving incredibly fast, and finishes are often neck and neck!

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You can find out more about the history of our regatta here.

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​Where to watch

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The Lea Rowing Club boathouse is the hub of racing, and a good place to start your visit. Head upstairs to the balcony for an elevated, unobstructed view of the finish line. If you want to see who crosses the line first to win the race, this is the best spot!

 

The flat path next to the canal (the "towpath") runs the entire length of the race. It is completely open to the public and allows you to walk right alongside the water, just a few feet away from the action. If you walk up far enough, you can watch the races being started.

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Cheering on your rower

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If your child, family member, or friend has recently taken up rowing, welcome to the club! We know the sport can seem a bit mysterious at first. Here are a few tips for supporting them on race day:

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• Identifying your crew: With so many boats looking similar, it can be hard to spot your rower. Every club has its own unique colours - for example, Lea Rowing Club members race in orange kits, and use orange oars. In addition, every crew has a unique racing number, which will be pinned on one of the rower's backs - ask them beforehand which is theirs!

• Prep takes time: You might notice your rower disappears for a long time before their race. They need to get the boat ready, launch onto the water, row up to the start line, and warm up. This often takes 45-60 minutes for a race that lasts less than three.

• What to shout: When they row past, they are working incredibly hard and probably cannot hear much over the splashing and their cox shouting. A loud "Go <club>!" or simply cheering their name as they approach the finish line is exactly what they need to hear.

• After the race: Whether they win or lose, they will need to row the boat back, lift it out of the water, and wash it down before they can come and see you. Grab a coffee, be patient (and have a congratulatory slice of cake ready for them when they are finished!)​

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Food and drink

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Come hungry! We have plenty of options to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

• The world-famous cake stall: featuring sweet and savoury treats baked and donated by club members (many of whom take their baking as seriously as their sport). Located on the ground level, outside the boathouse.

• The café: Located right next door to where the boats are stored and run by a wonderful local family. Stop by for hot bacon rolls, all-day breakfasts, and homemade flapjacks. It is excellent food that is well worth the queue.

• The bar: Opening around midday, our barman JC will be serving up good beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks at very reasonable prices. Located upstairs in the boathouse.​

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Facilities​

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• Toilets: Restrooms and baby changing facilities are available upstairs in the clubhouse (just follow the signs).

• Accessibility: We have accessible facilities on both floors of the clubhouse, and a lift is available. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask one of our friendly volunteer helpers (look for the people in bright orange kit!)

• First Aid: First aid facilities are located near the main registration desk, and a defibrillator is available at the back of the ground-floor boat storage area, above the sinks.

• Note: Please keep an eye on your valuables, as our facilities are open to the public during the event.

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Getting here

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Because it is a busy event day (and it's London!), we strongly recommend using public transport, walking, or cycling if possible. Our address is Lea Rowing Club, Spring Hill, E5 9BL.

• By public transport: Nearby stations include Finsbury Park, Manor House, Seven Sisters and Clapton, which can be reached by bus 253/254 from Clapton Common at the top of Spring Hill.

• By Bicycle: The towapath runs right past the club and is an excellent, flat cycling route (though for safety reasons, please don't follow the races on your bike!)

• By car: While there are usually no street parking restrictions on Sundays in the immediate area, space is incredibly limited on regatta day due to visiting boat trailers. There is a paid car park behind the rowing club, but it may be closed or full. If you must drive, please leave extra time as you will likely need to park a fair distance away and walk the rest of the way to the boathouse.

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Map of the site