PSA Head of the River

The PSA was formed in 1905 by the Headmasters of Christian Brothers College, Guildford Grammar School, Perth High School, and Scotch College. Wesley College was admitted in December 1951, Christ Church Grammar School in October 1956 and Trinity College in 1968.

Perth High School was re-named Hale School in December 1929. In 1938 the Boarders and some day students from CBC moved to Mount Henry to commence Aquinas College. The College colours and membership of the PSA was also transferred to Aquinas College. CBC continued with the remaining day students. In 1962 CBC Moved to East Perth site and was re-named Trinity College.

PSA Head of the River winners

Hamer Cup summary

Head of the River scene at Champion Lakes in 2017

Photo: Piotr Dancewicz

The first Public School Boat Race of Western Australia was rowed on the Swan on Saturday, the 28th June, 1899 (Coronation Day), the starting point being the Bent Tree (a familiar landmark in those days), a position practically opposite the present Tearooms adjoining King’s Park, and finishing in a direct line with the Royal Perth Yacht Club, a distance of little over half a mile.

The race was the outcome of negotiations between the Headmasters, and a meeting which was held the 3rd March 1899, the following gentlemen were present: Mr. H. Speight (Scotch College) , Rev. Bro. M. P. Nunan (CBC) , Mr. F. D. Stevenson (Hale School), Mr. A. O. McClenaghan (St.Peter’s College), and members of the W.A. Rowing Association, the following conditions were approved of:-

That any bona fide scholar from The High School, CBC, Scotch College, Guildford Grammar School, St. Peter’s and Mr. Howard’s (the latter two being Fremantle Schools) be eligible to compete, (St. Peter’s competed in 1899 and 1900, and Mr. Howard’s School did not compete).
That the race be rowed for the Headmasters’ Cup (presented by the Headmasters) and gig boats be used (1899).
The Housing of College Crews: CBC, Hale School (W.A. Rowing Club), Scotch College (Swan Rowing Club), St Peters (Fremantle Rowing Club), and coaching be given by senior oarsmen.

Lead researcher for this chapter in David Colvin.

Index to Years

PSA Head of the River Timeline

1899	Head of the River rowed in gigs
1900-1902	Rowed in heats using W.A.R.C. practice boats.
1903-1909	Rowed in specially built School Fours, thus enabling all crews to be started together. The selection of new course, starting from Crawley side of the Brewery and finishing at the Narrows (Mill Point). In 1903 and 1904 it was 7 furlongs (approx. 1400M). In 1905 the new one mile course was introduced over the same area of the river.
1905	Foundation of the Associated Public Schools’ Associations. All Athletic contests and records start from 1905.
1912	Introduction of College Eights. This event was contested only by CBC and Scotch College, and carried the Lapsley Challenge Cup. The race was abandoned in 1916. CBC won the first race and Scotch College the other four.
1929	Introduction of Second Four-oared Crews.
1935	Introduction Third Crews Invitation Race over half-mile course.
1938	Introduction of Eights for Head of River Race. Won by Scotch College.
1942	Second Crews changed to Eights, but race abandoned. Third Crews in Fours.
1947	Alternative One Mile Course, using last mile of King’s Cup Course, finishing at the Black Spit South of Mill Point.
1952	Wesley College became one of the Associated Public Schools.
1953	All races rowed over last portion of King’s Cup Course.
1955	New Starting and Finishing Line approximately 115 yards South of Old Line.
1957	Christ Church Grammar School became one of the Associated Public Schools.
1958	Introduction of Fourth Crews in Fours
1962	Introduction of Fifth Crews in Fours
1968	Trinity College becomes a member of the Associated Public Schools
1983	Introduction of the Hamer Cup
1986	Introduction of Third Four
1987	Head of River held at Canning Bridge due to bad weather. Introduction of Year 9 VIII.
1988	Regatta shifted to Canning Bridge
1992	Introduction of Third Eight, replacing Third Four.
1993	Introduction of Year 10A and Year 10B Eights, replacing Year 10 Eights.
1995	Introduction of Year 9A and Year 9B Eights, replacing Year 9 Eight.
1996	Introduction of Year 10 Quad Sculls, replacing Year 10 Fours.
1997	Introduction of Senior Quad Sculls, replacing Second Four.
2001	Introduction of Year 9A, B and C Quad Sculls, replacing Year 9B Eights.
2002	Introduction of Year 9D and E Quad Sculls, replacing Year 9A Eights.
2009	Regatta shifted to Champion Lakes course.

Sources

Regatta programs

> next to 1899

top of page

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors may exist. Please send advice of any errors or inaccuracies by email to:

Also your comments, suggestions and photos are sought to enhance this site.

The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
These contents of this history are copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. However given that the purpose of the history is to assist rowers and rowing clubs, written permission is not required for non-commercial usage by rowers and rowing clubs provided acknowledgement is made.

Disclaimer: Whilst extensive efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied, the editors take no responsibility for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from inaccuracies contained in this work.