Modern rowing in France can trace its origins to the rowing known as canotage. Canotage, the French equivalent of the word for English pleasure rowing, began on the Seine River in Paris and spread rapidly throughout France at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It is estimated that there were over 2,000 boats in the Paris area by the 1830's. The French so much enjoyed their weekend boating tours and the social events that accompanied these outings to the Paris outskirts, that it became trendy for all social classes. Through the 1800's, French artists included views of rowing and boating in their depictions of French social gatherings. Given the distances involved, was natural that the French were among the first to hold head races as the winner secured the best picnic area and restaurant table. The first rowing race was organized in 1834 on the canals in Paris.

Before football, cycling and motor racing, rowing was the derrigure pastime. By the 1840's rowing had become one of France's first public sports attracting many spectators with prizes and betting. The Paris newspapers promoted the sport by announcing matches between crews and reporting on the most popular teams. At the same time, modern competitive rowing began to take shape. French high society did not appreciate what they perceived as the loose morals of the pleasure rowers. Soon society-sponsored clubs were created to exclusively support racing and disciplined rowing. It is these clubs that began to transform the cantonage boats into the sleek racing shells we recognize today. Sadly, as these clubs began to champion the sport, women were forbidden in boats though they were allowed in the grandstands. The Societe des Regates Parisiennes (the Society of Parisian Regattas) was created in 1853. Over the next fifteen years at least thirty clubs were established in Paris and the larger cities. One of the first international rowing events was held at the Paris World Exposition in 1867 where crews from England, Belgium, Germany and Canada were represented. The French clubs became regular participants in all international regattas from that time forward. A unique event provided the next major catalyst to the development of rowing in France. After the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, the new French republic sought to shape-up French youth through the encouragement of sports. Fifty more clubs opened their doors between 1872 and 1882. Many of these athletic clubs often included several different sports such as fencing, gymnastics, tennis and cycling.

During this time rowing became one of the most popular sports in France, but the multitude of clubs also gave rise to infighting between the leading clubs. Many cities saw their clubs uniting to form regional federations; each with their own rules, boat types and competitive categories. Many vain attempts were made to create a national federation as it appeared impossible to achieve consensus between the regional organizations, particularly on the issue of prize money. In 1890, the leading three regional bodies finally decided on a diplomatic truce and the national federation was created. The establishment of the French Federation of Rowing Clubs facilitated the organization of the first national championship.

Even though some French clubs were still hesitant to join the French Rowing Federation, France was among the founding members of the International Rowing Federation, FISA, in 1892. Soon after, the European Championships were created to address the need for an international competition for those continental rowers who could not compete in the Royal Henley Regatta in England because of the regulations on amateurism. In 1899, the French Rowing Federation adopted new rules to promote amateurs and more French rowers began to appear at this now, historic regatta.

The French clubs, rather than universities, have been the champions of the sport of rowing in France. The model of club rowing as a system that could produce world champions was proven with the famous successes of Frenchman, Gaston Delapane. Delapane won over fifty important races including the European Championship in the single scull on four occasions before 1914.

Through the years France has maintained its position as a leading rowing nation. France has been the host to numerous international competitions including the European Championships, the World Cup and two Olympics.

ROWING PERSONALITIES

Henri Barrelet : The first French Olympic champion in the single scull at the Paris Games in 1900.

Jean Sepheriades : The first French winner of the Diamond Sculls at the Royal Henley Regatta in 1946.

REGIONS