21 - Rowing / Podoscaphe / Cambes / Gironde / Oudiné / Paddle

Rowing / Podoscaphe / Cambes / Gironde / Oudiné / Paddle Second Empire bronze medal with a brown patina. Diameter: 5 cm Obverse: laureated head of Napoleon III, “Napoleon III, Emperor”; signed Oudiné (1810–1887) / Reverse: “Regattas at Cambes, September 10, 1865, Podoscaphe, 2nd prize.” During the Second Empire, Bordeaux was one of the capitals of French sports, and rowing reigned supreme before being dethroned by the bicycle. On September 10, 1865, in Cambes, about 15 km from Bordeaux, the village was preparing for the grape harvest. Six races took place in succession: sailing yoles, perissoires, and two- and four-oared boats, contested by rowers from Bordeaux, Arcachon, La Réole, and Quinsac, including Messrs. Barreyre, Brassens, Coisplet, Paul d’Hughet, and Noyalet. The locals saved face right from the first race, which was won by Mr. Teycheney in the “Chinoise” yole. The most spectacular event was the podoscaph race: equipped with two floats, the competitor propelled himself forward while standing and wielding a double-bladed paddle. This was the direct predecessor of stand-up paddleboarding. Victory went to Mr. Fowler, in “Stard.” This American dentist played an important role in the development of the podoscaphe as well as in the rise of water sports in Bordeaux. Our medal honors the runner-up, Mr. Albert, in “Mohican.” Perhaps one of the last of these regattas, this medal is above all one of the very earliest French sporting mementos and a rare testament to the origins of paddleboarding, more than 160 years ago. We thank Francis Gonzalez for his research.