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During the Fall, rowers usually compete in “head” races, such as the Head of the Charles regatta. Head races are generally 2.5 to 4 miles long and are run against the clock. As many as 80-90 boats may row in a single race. They start one after another and their finishes are clocked. The boat with the fastest time wins.

During the Spring, rowers will compete in side-by-side racing, such as the events shown at the Olympics. In these events, the boats race in lanes directly beside one another for approximately 2,000 meters with the goal to be the first crew to cross the finish line.