Torpids is a bumps race that runs in Hilary (Spring) Term, normally in seventh week, though it is run in sixth week where this would clash with WeHORR. It is the major regatta of the college rowing calendar for its term.
Differences to Summer Eights
Though the format is mostly the same, there are a few notable differences between Torpids and Eights:
- There are only six divisions on each side;
- Bumped crews keep rowing;
- There are typically fewer supporters; and
- It’s colder.
Additionally, Torpids is frequently beset with conditions-related issues necessitating mitigations up to a full cancellation — Torpids 2024 was cancelled completely, Torpids 2025 only ran with half divisions, and Torpids 2026 was replaced with the inaugural TorpHeads. Eights pretty much never gets cancelled.