South Australian Schools Head of the River

A Brief History

This history is under construction

The first edition of school rowing in South Australia was contested in 1893 between two schools; St. Peter's College and Prince Alfred College. It was raced in fours on Port River, where St. Peter's won the race convincingly. This race was conducted annually for four years, with the last race in 1896.

The resumption of the SA Head of the River in 1922 was in the form of a challenge in eights between St. Peter's College and Adelaide High School. Despite being involved in the 1893-6 regattas, Prince Alfred College did not contest this race. Raced over a ½ mile, Adelaide High broke St. Peter's unbeaten streak in the schools regatta by just 3 feet.

In 1926, other races were introduced which commenced the gradual expansion of the regatta, including the introduction of Tub Fours and underage events. The regatta also was moved from Port River to Torrens Lake. 

From 1927-1931, there were two Head of the Rivers held in the same year in South Australia; one regatta was raced in April and the other in December. 

In 1932, alongside the return of just the one SA Head of the River regatta each year, the first perpetual trophy was introduced along with the Gosse Shield.

1937 saw the introduction of the Wallman Trophy, which was awarded to the winning Second Crews race. This was known as the Clinker Fours, which was previously an Old Boys' race. 

By 1938, all Tub Four crews are raced on Slides (rather than Fixed).

In 1977, the event moved to the new West Lakes course.

Even more momentous was the introduction of schoolgirls racing in 1978.

The ability of all South Australian schools to participate in this regatta is a great credit to the founding schools who allowed the entry of them into their historic event. It has increased the importance of this event enormously.

Key researcher for this chapter has been Alex Purnell.