RegattaCentral

History of the Okie O'Connor Hot Head Regatta

This is the 11th annual event to bear the Hot Head name, the fifth year of the Tempe Rowers Association's involvement in the fall head race, and the organization's eighth overall regatta. The newly renamed Okie O'Connor Hot Head Regatta is the oldest boating event on Tempe Town Lake, the inaugural having been held in 2002.

Due in large part to Okie's influence, persistence, and love of all watersports, the lake now hosts events in rowing, dragon boating, outrigger canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and numerous triathlons—and the "anything you can row or paddle" race format is a testimony to his desire to get all groups involved and racing in the same regatta. If you don't see an event for your boat type, please contact the race committee; as long as we have two or more entries, we will do what we can to accommodate the event. 

The Tempe Rowers Association looks forward to your participation in the 2013 Okie O'Connor Hot Head Regatta.