There were nearly 400 boats taking part throughout the day in this year’s Abingdon Spring Head of the River (or time trial). This is an early season event rowed upstream over 2000 M from Culham to Abingdon.
Boats came from all over England and Wales, but the vast majority came from places on the River Thames …
Oxford, Reading, Maidenhead, Wallingford, Henley, Marlow, Putney … even Abingdon.
The event is organised by Abingdon Rowing Club and so most of the Abingdon rowers are marshalling in one way or another.
Unlike the dragon boat racing, which will be on September 8th, the rowing crews dress in club kits, and have to carry their own boats.
There is some entertainment beyond the rowing: The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers were there for a second year. There was also a beer tent to keep them happy between dances.
One of the best things about living in South Abingdon is that we’re moments away from the river and can watch things like the rowing