On 12 March, the club took part in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race for the very first time. The club’s women have entered the race twice before, but never made it onto the water as bad weather forced either complete cancellation or a reduction in the number of boats able to compete.

This year, finally, a crew comprising Kathi W. (Stroke), Kim G., Emma G., Laura F., Kate S.-C., Ania MacG., Swarnima S. and Lolly C., ably coxed by Darryl D., boated under sunny but windy skies.

Despite choppy conditions, and the fact that for many of the crew it was not only their first race on the Tideway but their first head race ever, the crew did the club proud and showed that the time they put into many training sessions before the race was worth it. Some of the crew even admitted that they enjoyed the race! It is now clear to the wider rowing community that the London Otters has a thriving women’s section and our presence at the race will have been invaluable in helping the club increase visibility on that front.

Congratulations to the whole crew, the club is incredibly proud!