Rowing is perhaps unique as a sport because rowers move forward in the water while they look back at the wake left by the passing of their boat. The sport itself, then, is a suitable metaphor for viewing history, which can only be understood in retrospect as time continues to move forward.

Moving Forward . . . Looking Back: Saskatchewan Rowing in the 20th Century, presents the history of the sport in a province at a time when athletes such as Saskatoon rower Tracy Duncan, have just recently gone forward to compete for Canada in Sydney, Australia. The book also looks back to the contributions of people like Regina's Harry Duckett, whose own Olympic dreams evaporated when war led to the cancellation of the 1940 Games.

In a province more known for its lack of water, rowing has thrived in Saskatchewan. The sport witnessed the destruction wrought by the 1912 Regina Cyclone, which mangled the premises of the Regina Boat Club (RBC), the province's original rowing club situated on Wascana Lake. Rowing survived two wars, drought and the Great Depression, but its future was threatened again in 1964 when the RBC disbanded after a weed-choked Wascana Lake was closed to boats.

The sport was revived with the formation of the Saskatoon Rowing Club in 1973, with a mandate to develop a Saskatchewan team for the Canada Games. Since then, rowing has taken on a truly provincial nature; a new Regina club was incorporated in 1975 and clubs were founded in more recent years in Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.

As the Saskatchewan rowing community moves forward into the 21st century, it is looking back at the wake it has left: provincial rowing teams have become a powerful competitive force at regional, national and international regattas; Saskatchewan rowers have raced for Canada on our national teams; Saskatchewan volunteers, coaches and officials have contributed to the sport at all levels in the country. All this from people in a landlocked province more known for its oats than oars

$20.00 (including all taxes) Add $5.00 shipping and handling for 1 book or $8.00 for 2 or more books. Make cheques payable to Saskatchewan Rowing Association

Saskatchewan Rowing Association
2205 Victoria Avenue         Phone: (306) 780-9295
Regina, Saskatchewan         Fax: (306) 525-4009
S4P 0S4                               Email: saskrowing@sk.sympatico.ca

Copyright ©2000 Saskatoon Rowing Club