On May 17, 1900, it was founded under the first club president, Franz Schnopfhagen, and the first boathouse in the winter harbor area was opened (one followed later in Puchenau). The influx of members was great, with the outbreak of the First World War the rowing business came to an abrupt end. With its end, the club’s activities revived, however, 1922 was a very special year with the first state championship in eighth place.
The first club president: Franz Schnopfhagen Photo: RV Wiking / private
The first boathouse in Linz (1900) Photo: RV Wiking / private
The boathouse in Puchenau (1942) Photo: RV Wiking / private
With the turmoil of the Second World War, many imponderables followed: confiscated boathouses, the cessation of rowing operations and only limited club life. In 1949 a new boathouse was finally opened in the winter harbor, which was severely affected by the floods in 1954, and it was ultimately abandoned. The boathouse in Puchenau was not returned to the association until 1955, and there is now one again in the Winterhafen.
1954 floods in the winter harbor Photo: RV Wiking / private
Since then, a lot has not only happened in terms of medals: An example of this is the expansion with the “tennis subdivision” that took place in 1971 and that from 2010 women’s racing rowing also became an integral part of the club. It was all supposed to be celebrated last year, but Corona made it just as impossible as it made training difficult. Despite all the restrictions, 2020 was a very successful one with 14 national championship titles, as Peter Bruckmüller, first club chairman, says. The club’s racing team, which combines competitive and popular sports, is 30 to 50 men or women.
With united forces for the rowing club Photo: RV Wiking / private
Peter Bruckmüller is currently in charge of the association. Image: Alexander Schwarzl
The athletes in action Photo: RV Wiking / private
Looking back, Bruckmüller pays tribute to the members from history: Because without their “uncanny commitment”, the club would not exist in its current form. But there is also no lack of commitment when looking ahead when it comes to inspiring young people.
The eighth title for the girls (2011) sparked cheers. Photo: RV Wiking / private
In 2020 the rowers won a total of 14 national championship titles. Photo: RV Wiking / private
The club is not only proud of the successful athletes, but also of the team spirit. Incidentally, the club members row between 100,000 and 140,000 kilometers per year as part of a team. Now it’s time to celebrate: The eighth sprint regatta in Ottensheim will kick off on August 28th, followed by a ceremony in Puchenau on Sunday.
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