FOCUS - JULY 2019 23 It’s easy to imagine rowing as one of mankind’s oldest sporting pursuits. Where the wheel had revolutionized land travel, the boat and paddle had a similar effect on seagoing mobility. History, of course, bears out this con- clusion with a wealth of seafaring stories, as the ancients set their sights on exploring far-off lands. And inevitably, competition would have developed – for diversion and bragging rights. To no one’s surprise, rowing has retained its follow- ing – for both enthusiastic participants and spectators – in modern times. It’s alive and well in Scugog through the Durham Rowing Club, which celebrates its 30th anniversa- ry this year. The Club, its current President Jenn Durward says, “had its beginnings in Oshawa’s McLaughlin Bay”. “There was no rowing club in this area until Rob Millikin, Mike Maher, and Scott Withers formed one,” says Jenn. “They met at McLaughlin Bay for four years, and moved to Port Perry in 1993.” With no formal facility, the newly-formed Club was forced to improvise. “They stored the boats on a trailer in a member’s driveway for a time. And in 1998, built a boat house to house boats and equipment.” Rowing, Jenn says, appeals to all ages and fitness levels. “We have teenagers in our Club as well as some mem- bers who are in their upper 60s. And we have some who join just for fun and fitness, while others prefer the com- petitive aspect. We offer both.” Water travel, everyone would agree, requires diligent attention to safety. So all newcomers, whether recreation- al or competitive, begin their membership by completing the Club’s “Learn to Row” program. “Our instructors cover safe handling, both of the boat and yourself in it. At the same time, we teach the funda- mentals of the sport: stroke and technique. There’s a defi- nite rhythm to it. Once you’ve mastered those basics, we’ll ask which you’d prefer – recreational or competitive.” The recreational program offers participants variety and numerous options. “Recreational members can row as many as four times a week. We’ll assign whoever’s signed up on a given day to a boat – perhaps singles, doubles, or team. This gives them a chance to meet everyone else in the program and try every kind of boat.” Not surprisingly, the competitive stream is more structured. “Our competitive teams train six days a week from 5:15 to 7 a.m., plus cross-training. The teams are selected strategically by the coaches.” The rowing season runs spring to fall, she says. “Our main competitive season runs May through August. We have an affiliation with Ontario Tech [for- merly UOIT]. So to accommodate the university partici- pants, we extended our season until November.” Races, typically, measure 2,000 metres (2 kms). “Tours,” which feature long distances in scenic locations, are an- other form of racing, with events held worldwide. “Rowing requires a balance between strength and en- durance,” Jenn explains. “But everyone can row.” Just like its founders, a background in rowing inspired her to seek out the Club. “I was athletic in high school, particularly volleyball. ...................... Please turn to page 25 RECREATIONAL ‘OAR’ COMPETITIVE, ROWING IS FOR EVERYONE Durham Rowing Club’s th Anniversary Year