Head race boating

Permission To Boat

Before you put on BROE that you intend to boat from the Civil Service Boat House for a Head Race, you should request permission from the Boating Co-ordinator via the Boating Request Form below.

For Schools Head boating do not contact Cygnet or BBLRC nor use the form below. Instead contact Emanuel School Boat House 

Boating Diagram

Steers and coaches from non-tideway club, your crews must familiarise themselves with the Tideway Code before going afloat.

Please click on the diagram below to enlarge for detailed instructions on parking, rigging and boating

Traffic Management

Please note that the Local Authority are increasingly strict about traffic and parking on Dukes Meadows during Head Races. 

Marshals are in place to help so please obey their instructions: they are not trying to be obstructive but are trying to ensure that Dukes Meadows remains open for Head Race boating by meeting the council's requirements. You cooperation and understanding is much appreciated. 

Full Traffic Management Plan (pdf)

Important Information

• Please read this excellent article on what to expect from the Tideway.
• Bring wellies (and ideally a wallah) if you don't want cold, wet feet.
• Please boat promptly when instructed – there are a lot of boats to get afloat.
• Join the boating queue with your bows facing forward (i.e. towards Barnes Bridge), unless otherwise instructed.
• Please don't cover the hard in blades, it slows down boating and they may get damaged. They may also float away on a flood tide!
• Portable toilets are provided on Dukes Meadows for most big Head Races. 
• Further toilets facilities as well as showers are available in the boat house
• Refreshments are available from the stall in front of the boat house. 
• Please use the litter bins provided – or take your litter home.

Boating fees and limits

For most heads we charge a small boating fee – to cover costs.
This fee is not a deposit and should be paid in cash or by card when collecting your race numbers. No boating fee, no number.

Once the boat limit is reached the hard will be closed for boating: