REGINA, Saskatchewan — The Regina Rowing Club is one of Regina’s oldest clubs, with a rich history dating back 114 years ago. So it wasn’t surprising when the Club was given the go-ahead to host the North West International Rowing Association Championship in 2007. It also served as the venue for Jeux du Canada Games 2 years before that (2005). 

Upon its establishment on the 15th of June 1907, it was known as Regina Boat Club (RBC). However, in 1974, Harry Duckett, Jack Peart, and Al Kerr decided to change the name to the Regina Rowing Club to rebrand and get the Club ready for the Western Canada Summer Games of 1975 in Regina. 

The founding president of the Club was Charles E. Wood. Under his leadership in 1910, the first boathouse was built along the north side of the lake. Wood’s leadership saw the Club’s membership grow to over 180 registered members, making it the best and most populated rowing club in the west. 

The Regina Rowing club was one of the first rowing clubs that encouraged women rowing. In 1924 when women’s rowing was introduced, Harry Murray was made the first coach of the pioneer women. Rowing saw the women rowers travel to Minneapolis, Winnipeg, Duluth, and Thunder Bay to showcase their rowing skills.

In its over 100 year history, the Regina Rowing Club has made a name for itself, thanks to the diligent men and women who have been part of this history-making process. 

The year 1938 was one of those years that will never be forgotten in the Club’s history. Having entered the prestigious Henley Regatta for the first time in its history, people didn’t expect much from the Regina Rowing Club. Nevertheless, things changed to the surprise of many, and the proverbial ‘stone’ that the builders abandoned became the chief cornerstone. The 1938 team, which was made up of four rowers, namely: Jack Peart (stroke), Dick Priest (third), Newt Hughes (second), and Harry Duckett (bow), helped the Club become Saskatchewan’s First Canadian Rowing Champion that year despite all odds. 

They won both the junior and the senior four at the Royal Canadian Henley, bringing respect to the Regina Rowing Club. In addition, they were named the Canada Team for the 1940 Olympics, which was later canceled due to World War II. In 1971, the Regina four who brought this championship and made Saskatchewan proud were inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. 

Things haven’t always been rosy for the Regina Rowing Club, as they have had their share of ups and downs throughout their history. Fortunately, the Club has withstood them all and is still standing. For example, the Club saw most of its members enlisted to serve during World War I and II. 

During the construction of the Albert Street bridge, Willow Island, and Goose Island from 1931 to 1932, the Wascana Lake was drained. The draining of the lake halted rowing activities until 1933.

To crown it all, the year 1964 was the worst year for Regina and Regina Rowing Club. Rowing in Regina literally died; the Club was disbanded, and most of the equipment got rotten or sold. 

However, in 1974, the Regina Rowing Club was revived. 

The revived Club has been through it all, but it’s standing stronger today. Its vision is “To promote the pursuit of personal excellence by enabling all members to develop discipline, team spirit, physical fitness and proficiency in rowing.” This is what the Club stands for today. 

The Regina Rowing Club offers both competitive and non-competitive programs throughout the year. Also included are different summer programs, such as the annual Corporate Challenge and the Learn-to-Camp program.

Long live the Regina Rowing Club!

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