The annual rowing event brings “a lot of encouragement” to Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 26th annual Head of the South Fall regatta took place on Saturday.

We spoke with the organizers about the participants, the improving economy and how they have recovered to be ready after Helene arrived in our area.

It is one of the largest major races in the Southeast.

“I think they’re having a good time. I see a lot of smiles over there at the trailer,” said Kirsten Aylward, president of the Augusta Rowing Club.

Rowers from all over the state travel to CSRA to compete.

“We have over 40 teams this year, about 1,100 athletes from all over the Southeast, as far as Colorado and Pennsylvania,” Aylward said.

Rowers of any age can participate in the Regatta.

“This is the main race. So it’s 5000 meters. Our start line is at Hammonds Ferry Dock and our finish line is one of the houses on the River North. So it’s just over three miles in total,” she said.

Aylward says they weren’t sure if they would be able to hold the event this year after Hurricane Helen.

“That would have resulted in the flooding that happened at Augusta on the Savannah River, but we were very fortunate that the boathouse held up well. The river has recovered well,” she said.

She says the only obstacle now is the course itself.

“They go over four different bridges and have to go over some supports and obstacles in the river,” Aylward said.

But the course is not the only challenge.

“The wind and waves on the river present some challenges for the paddlers, but they seem to handle it pretty well,” Aylward said.

Aylward says they’re just happy to leave it all on the water.

“So there’s a lot to do, a lot to see, a lot to be excited about. Lots of cheering, as you can hear in the background, for their teams, and just a great event,” she said.

Economic figures from the Augusta Sports Council show the regatta brought in more than $1 million for the CSRA last year, so the event is a boost to the region.