GB. England. Oxford. Summer Eights rowing competition. The Summer Eights are a huge event in the University calendar. Whichever crew becomes ‘ Head of the River’ (i.e. wins the 4 day race, by not being bumped off the number one slot) traditionally takes an old wooden boat, with the cox carried on the top, as they sing and parade their way back to their college. Oriel College in recent years has consistently won this competition. When the boat is back at the college, it is smashed and burned later that evening after the celebratory dinner. 2016.