Four rowers with one oar each and a coxswain
*8+: Eight rowers with one oar each and a coxswain

To minimize collisions, boats are started at 10 to 15 second intervals and are usually seeded so that the fastest start earlier.

Races

The length of most head races is usually between 4 km and 10 km. Among the most well-known are the 4.25 mi Head of the River Race that takes