There are generally 2 types of races that boats will take part in:

Sprint Race: Most races that are held in the spring and early summer feature side by side racing, or sprint racing. All the boats start at the same time from a stationary position and the winner is the boat that crosses the finish line first. The number of boats in a race typically varies between two (which is sometimes referred to as a dual race) to six, but any number of boats can start together if the course is wide enough. The standard length races for the Olympics and the World Rowing Championships is 2 kilometers (1.24 mi) long; 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mi) - 2 kilometers (1.24 mi) for US high school races on the east coast; and 1,000 meters for masters rowers (rowers older than 27). That translates for us to .62 miles and approximately 4 minutes of all out rowing.

Head Race: are typically held in the fall, winter and sometimes spring seasons. In this form of racing, boats race against the clock where the crew or rower completing the course in the shortest time in their age, ability and boat-class category is deemed the winner. Boats begin with a rolling start at intervals of 10 – 20 seconds, and are timed over a set distance. Faster boats often pass slower boats that started before them - called "walking" another boat. Head race courses usually vary in length from 2,000 meters (1.24 mi) to 12,000 meters (7.46 mi). Most Master's head race regattas are 5,000 meters. Again for us, approximately 3.11 miles and 20-25 minutes of non-stop rowing.