The Isis Winter League is a series of rowing races in Oxford running through the Michaelmas and Hilary terms. These races are open to OURC-affiliated crews as well as other rowing clubs based on the Isis. Organised by the Oxford University Rowing Clubs, these races provide a competitive platform for college crews and local rowing clubs to test their skills in time trial format races.
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How Does the Isis Winter League Work?
The Isis Winter League is a head race. Head races are races that take place in autumn and winter. In them, boats race not against each other but against the clock (which measures when teams pass the start line and then cross the finish line). The ones with the fastest times win a prize, and there are different categories.
The Isis Winter League is a dynamic and integral part of Oxford’s rowing culture, providing a structured and competitive environment for rowers to hone their skills and prepare for the spring racing season.
The Format
Unlike the traditional bumping races seen in events like Torpids and Summer Eights, the Isis Winter League features head races. In head races, crews are timed over a set course rather than racing side by side. Each boat starts separately and aims to complete the course in the shortest possible time.
Crews accumulate points based on their performance in each race, and overall league standings are determined by the cumulative results. Awards and recognition are given to the top-performing crews at the end of the league, celebrating their success and dedication.
The Course
The races usually take place over a course that runs along a stretch of the Isis, typically from the start line near Donnington Bridge to the finish line at the University College Boathouse. This course tests the rowers’ endurance and skill in navigating the river’s bends and currents.
The Participants
The Isis Winter League is open to college crews from the University of Oxford, as well as local rowing clubs. It provides an opportunity for rowers to compete and maintain their fitness during the off-season. Both men’s and women’s teams participate in various categories, including eights and fours.
How Can You Join the Winter League?
The Isis Winter League is an important event in the Oxford rowing calendar. It ensures that rowers stay active and competitive even during the colder months, contributing to their overall development and readiness for major regattas. The head race format challenges rowers differently from side-by-side racing, emphasizing precision, pacing, and strategic navigation of the river.
To join the Isis Winter League, you need to make your entry online using the OURC system. Entry fees are betwen £10 (x1) and £20 (x8) and scratching closes at 23:59 the Wednesday before the event.
