Bumping along the Bottom or Bouncing on the Top

by Duncan Holland on 23 Jun 2006 Rowing at Cambridge University is mostly known for the exploits of the men’s Blue Boat; leader in the 175 year old Boat Race series against Oxford, internationally successful, stuffed full of World Championship medallists.

There is another side. The Bumps races held on the tiny and twisty Cam are a different world.

This is sport as it used to be, village against village, or more precisely, College against College. The crews have a maximum available training period of 24 weeks, they can only recruit from within the bounds of their own College, and they still have to pass their exams. Give the restraints on training and membership, entry to Cambridge University is on academic merit, not sporting prowess, I think the College crews do a fantastic job.

The rowing is not of a particularly high standard, particularly the lower divisions, but the top boats are of reasonable club standard and they all fulfil the requirements of village sport; healthy activity, fun and friendship, bitter rivalries over intrinsically meaningless trophies, and a chance to have a good party afterwards. My previous article explained a little of the way the races are held but, in essence it is the old idea of a ladder as seen in sculling ladders or tennis ladders. The main difference is that all the matches are held at once!

The partying starts early. Today is the last day of the four of the May Bumps and in addition to the over 10% of the student population who are involved in the racing there must be another 5000 people out enjoying a warm summer day and a chance to behave in some very English ways. The three pubs on the course, the Green Dragon, the Penny Ferry and the Plough, all of which have gardens on the river, do a roaring trade. Beer and Pimm’s, an Alco pop from before there were Alco pops, are served by the pint, and the more modern of the bars have discovered the idea of serving beer by the jug. The landowners of various prime river meadows have exclusive parties with shiny cars disgorging picnics based around Champagne and strawberries, with the appropriate accessories of straw boaters and blazers and pretty girls in light dresses.

On the common land and the towpath the common people revel. Sweaty joggers, inebriated students, harassed officials and just plain ordinary people mix and watch the crews attempting to touch (ram?) each other.

The big question of the day is whether Caius College (pronounced keys) can retain the men’s Headship. They have been untouched so far and look good but some local experts are backing St Catharine’s to get them, my money is on Caius. The women’s division one looks to be sorted, Pembroke went head on Wednesday and I don’t think Jesus College will have a chance to get to them.

After the rowing is over the crews will head to their Colleges for the Bumps Supper. (Dinner in my version of English). Cool drinks in the shade of ancient cloisters followed by a formal dinner in the dining hall all hung about with portraits of former Masters of the College and illustrious fellows and members. This all while wearing dinner suit or the female equivalent.

All very different from any other rowing event I have taken part in, but, in it’s own way, very impressive. Lots of people having lots of fun and the whole thing anchoring a world class high performance programme to it’s roots in the home town.