Monday 9 February 2009

Rowing practice in 1902

Intheboatshed.net points today to a fabulous bit of film from the British Film Institute showing Kingston Rowing Club practicing in 1902.
There is no indication as to the standard of the crews on film, but some are clearly novices judging by the number of clashes and even a lost oar. A sculler does a spectacular roll into the water after catching a crab.
Scullers seem to have their handles overlapping by a huge amount. One guy, right at the end of the film, is glimpsed casually sculling cross-handed with a pipe in his mouth, something you don't see today. Another big difference: back in 1902 there are no women in the boats.

No comments: