Long before Canadians participated in the Olympics, Canada's professional
scullers dominated the international scene. Ned Hanlan, World Champion
in the single scull from 1880 to 1884, was a small sinewy man whose
ability to out-perform many larger opponents gained admiration around
the world. His coach, also a Canadian, developed the original sliding
seat. A long list of prominent Canadian scullers followed Hanlan,
including Jake Gaudaur and Lou Scholes.
Until recently, amateur rowing has maintained a relatively low profile. Canada's success at the 1984 Olympics increased interest in the sport and resulted in the introduction of learn-to-row and recreational rowing programs at many clubs. These programs have enjoyed a great deal of success over the years as more people have become captivated by the sport. Recent outstanding performances of Silken Laumann, Marnie McBean, Kathleen Heddle, the Canadian rowing team's gold medals in the men's and women's eights at the 1992 Olympic Games, has done a great deal to increase awareness and create excitement for the sport.
Marnie McBean has won World or Olympic medals in every boat class open to heavyweight women. She and her rowing partner, Kathleen Heddle, were the first Canadians to win three gold medals at summer Olympic Games; two in 1992 and one in 1996.
Canada has ten provinces, nine of which have club rowing programs and provincial associations. British Columbia has the mildest climate and therefore the longest rowing season. In most other regions, rowing is mainly confined to the spring, summer and fall seasons.
NATIONAL FEDERATION Rowing Canada
NOTC Venture PO Box 17 000\
STN Forces
Victoria, BC V9A 7N2
Tel: (250) 361-4222
Fax: (250) 361-4211
Email: comm@rowingcanada.org www.rowingcanada.org
