Endwater Lock Jousting

Original art found here: https://www.antiquemapsandprints.com/medieval-water-sportsjoustingold-antique-print-1889-135559-p.asp

Lock Jousting is a long running tradition here in Endwater. Each feast day, teams of people gather on the shores of the lock, carrying long poles and row boats... It's quite a sight! The teams fight for bragging rights, but that doesn't make the competition any less fierce." - Endwater local

History

Started nearly 200 years ago (89 CE) , this tradition began as a dispute by local fishermen airing a grievance. But over the centuries it became more of a festival tradition.

Execution

Any number of teams may join in the tournament, but they must provide their tools for inspection before they compete, to disuade cheating (such as sharpened lances rather than the intended blunt, etc.).
Each team consists of 5 people.

•  3 members remain on the shore of the lock, 2 pulling the boat forward for speed, another pushing it with a pole to force it closer to the enemy boat as they close in on each other.
•  1 member sits in the back of the boat, paddling for speed and steering the boat.
•  1 stands at the front of the boat, wielding the lance and a shield, trying to knock the other teams lancer into the water.

Each team participating jousts, those who are knocked into the water are removed, disqualified, while ties and victorious teams move on in the competition.
At the start of each match, the boats start at opposing ends of the lock, 120 feet apart. When the signal is given, each team begins to "charge" at the enemy, pulling, pushing and rowing the boat forward for maximum speed.

When the boats close in on each other, each teams lancer uses their 12 foot pole, a blunted lance, to try and knock the opposing lancer into the lock water below. If neither lancer manages to dismount his opponent they are re-set and given a second chance, starting from the opposite ends again. However if neither team again manages to knock down their opponent both teams lose and are disqualified. If both lancers are knocked down, it is a tie and both teams advance.

Components and tools

Rowboats, rope (2 lengths of 25 feet), guide poles, blunt lances, shields.

Participants

Puller - 2 team members use rope to pull the boat forward at speed. Rodder - 1 member uses a long wooden pole to push the boat towards the center of the lock, and closer to the opposing boat. Oarsman - Steers the boat, and rows at the start to help gain momentum. Lancer, armed with a 12 foot 'lance' and a shield, tried to knock the opposing lancer into the water.

Observance

Observed periodically on Feast Days and End of Month festivals.

Primary Related Location

Endwater