The Torpids is a series of bumping races held at Oxford University yearly. There are six men’s and five women’s divisions – almost 1,200 participants in total. Crews of eight rowers and a cox begin the race arrayed along the bank; then, all take off at once when signalled by a cannon.
The Torpids is one of Oxford University’s most exciting and traditional rowing events, held annually on the Isis, a stretch of the River Thames. This event takes place during the 7th week of Hilary, typically from Wednesday to Saturday in late February or early March. Torpids is particularly notable for its unique format, known as “bumps racing,” which adds an element of strategy and excitement that sets it apart from other rowing competitions.
Torpids is a four-day event that involves multiple rowing crews from Oxford’s various colleges. The races are structured around a series of “bumping” races, where crews start in a single file along the river, with the aim of catching (or “bumping”) the boat ahead of them without being caught by the boat behind.
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How Did the Torpids Begin?
Bumps racing was developed because the narrowness of the Isis made side-by-side racing impossible. The name Torpids derives from the event’s origins as a race for the second boats of the colleges. These boats were slower than the first. The status of the event – still adjudged below that of Summer Eights – only began to rise at the very end of the nineteenth century. Nowadays there is no limit on the number of boats a college may enter.
Torpids is deeply rooted in Oxford’s rowing tradition and is one of the two main intercollegiate rowing competitions, the other being Summer Eights, which takes place in Trinity Term. Torpids provide a chance for newer crews to gain experience and for colleges to showcase their rowing prowess. Success in Torpids is highly prestigious, and the event plays a significant role in the rowing culture at Oxford.
In summary, Torpids is not just about the physical challenge of rowing; it’s also about strategy, teamwork, and the fierce competition to earn the honour of being the top crew on the river. The combination of rowing skill and the unique bumps racing format makes it a must-see event for anyone interested in Oxford’s sporting traditions.
Who Participates in the Torpids?
Torpids is open to all teams not competing in the summer Boat Race. Over 130 teams, drawn from every college, take part each year.
Wednesday (Day 1): The event kicks off with each crew starting in the position they earned based on previous performances. The goal for each crew is to bump the boat in front or avoid being bumped by the boat behind, which will determine their position for the next day.
Thursday to Saturday (Days 2-4): The positions are adjusted based on the outcomes of the previous day’s races. Crews continue to race with the aim of improving their standings by bumping the boat in front. The ultimate goal for each crew is to climb up the rankings, with the leading boat at the end of the competition being crowned the “Head of the River.”
Who can Visit the Torpids Race?
The Torpids take place every year around the start of March on the stretch of the Isis from Iffley Lock to Folly Bridge. Each of the 11 divisions race at half-hour intervals from noon to 5.30pm.
Anyone can visit the event. Saturday is, of course, the busiest day because it’s the day of the Torpids finals.
