Bumps racing

Bumps racing is a traditional rowing competition primarily in Oxford and Cambridge, where crews race along a narrow, straight course called the "Boathouse Wall." The goal is to catch and overtake the boat ahead without losing control. If a boat successfully catches and "bumps" the crew in front, both boats stop racing, and the bump is recorded. If no bump occurs, teams continue racing in an effort to catch up in subsequent rounds. The race emphasizes speed, strategy, and teamwork, often involving multiple heats, with the ultimate aim of finishing higher on the ladder based on accumulated bumps.