Canoeing Racing has been part of
the Balmy
Beach Club since 1905 when the Club held its first regatta, but it
was 1907 before Balmy Beach joined the Canadian Canoe Association
(CCA).
In 1924 canoeing was accepted as
an Exhibition event at the 1924 Paris Olympics and it was Balmy Beach’s
Roy Nurse that led the way with 2 Gold and 4 Bronze medals. Since
then, several Beach paddlers have represented Canada at the Olympics. In
1936, at the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, Harvey Charters and Warren
Saker in C-2 won Silver and Bronze medals. Team mate Bill Williamson was
also selected to race in Double Blade singles (Kayaks were not used at this
time) Norm Lane, paddling in C-1, won a Bronze medal at the 1948 Games in
London, England and brother Ken Lane with Don
Hawgood, in C-2 won silver medals at the 1952 Games in Helsinki, Finland.
Jim Mossman, head coach of the Canoe
Club for over 25 years was selected to coach Canada’s National Canoe Team
at the 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics. Balmy Beach has won the overall
National Championships (the coveted "Burgee") in 1915, 1919, 1927, 1951 and 1955.
The Balmy Beach Canoe Club is celebrating
its 100th anniversary in 2005. Interested parties should
stay in touch for information on planned celebrations.