Rowing Tasmania is excited to introduce the inaugural Head of the Huon to the 2024-2025 rowing calendar. This new 8km long-distance head race will be rowed on Sunday, 20 October 2024.

The event, which begins at Franklin and ends at the Huonville bridge, marks the first time a head race will be held in the Huon Valley and adds to long-distance rowing events in Tasmania’s southern region in a spectacular fashion.

Sunday's Head of the Huon will be both a national and international event, with 23 crews competing across a variety of boat classes, from quads to the big boat eights. Entries have been received from across the state, featuring athletes aged 15 to 75. Entries also include competitors from interstate and the Netherlands.

Rowing Tasmania welcomes Jitske Weersma from the Netherlands, who recently represented her country at the U23 World Championships, who is competing with the North Esk Rowing Club while she completes a research paper at the Australian Maritime College.

With the finish line visible from the Huonville bridge, we anticipate a great turnout of spectators and rowing fans on Sunday. The event is open to all registered rowers, offering a fantastic opportunity for competitors of all ages - from school-aged rowers to senior masters - to showcase their talent and passion for the sport.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce the Head of the Huon as one of our premier racing events of the season,” Rowing Tasmania's General Manager of Operations, Sarah Black, said.

 “We’re confident this event will become an annual tradition in the Huon Valley, drawing in rowers and supporters from across Tasmania, interstate, and internationally.”

Join Rowing Tasmania on Sunday for an exciting day of competition. The first boat is scheduled to start at 8am.

You can find the race schedule, video of the course and other information for the event here.

Rowing Tasmania encourages anyone considering returning to the sport to take the opportunity to do so. For more information on membership and training opportunities, contact Rowing Tasmania or your local rowing club.