2023 Head and Tail of the Gorge Regattas

Updated on March 25, 2025

2023 INFO

The Head and Tail of the Gorge 2023 was held on the weekend of October 14-15. We had 522 athletes from 22 clubs. Great weather. Amazing costumes. See you all next year!

Details and race results at RegattaCentral.

Our event logo was designed by Darlene Gait, a Coast Salish First Nation's artist.

ABOUT THIS REGATTA

The Head & Tail of the Gorge regattas are an iconic BC event, featuring exciting racing and spectacular viewing opportunities, in the heart of beautiful Victoria BC. Teams attend from across BC, Alberta, and the Pacific Northwest, with some coming from as far away as the Maritimes or Europe. By participating, you are contributing to the mythical story of rowing the Gorge and conquering it. Have fun and enjoy the challenge! Gorge Narrows Rowing Club is proud to have taken over hosting this regatta, with its focus on community and bringing together athletes, volunteers and community members to share an appreciation for the gorge waterway and the sport of rowing.

Good spectator viewing locations include: Johnson Street Bridge, Selkirk Trestle Bridge, under the Tillicum bridge, and Saanich side of the Gorge Walkway.

One of the highlights of the course is passing through the Tillicum Narrows. Here's how it works:

Video: The "Angel of the Narrows" guides crews through the narrows as they row from the launch site to the Head of the Gorge starting line, or from the Tail of the Gorge finish line back to the launch site.
Video: Shooting the rapids during the actual race.

We give thanks to the Lekwungen People of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, whose traditional lands and waterways we share daily.

Costume Challenge

Regatta Chair's Choice - Oarca Coastal Rowing Club, with a costume that spanned 2 boats. A boat of orca killer whales chasing down a boat of salmon.

Best overall Club effort - University of Calgary for multiple costumed boats

Best Morning flight costume - Vancouver Rowing Club - Harry Potter

Best Afternoon flight costume - Victoria City Rowing Club - Noah's Ark

Most entertaining in the warmup area - University of British Columbia Women's 2x - the cops