Former Rockie Hits the Water

Published: July 27, 2010 1:00 PM
When Patrick Dibb graduated from high school, he headed east to Massachusetts for the summer. But when the hockey options at Harvard were not what he was looking for, he decided to try out rowing instead - a choice that is proving to be a very good one.

He continued rowing through the school year at McGill University in Montreal and only a year after taking up the sport, Patrick has been chosen to row with the Calgary Rowing Club in one of the biggest regattas in the country against teams from Canada and abroad.

“Based on my fitness scores and my technical ability I was able to grab a spot, said Patrick, who is entered in three events - the under 23 lightweight men’s single, pair and double. As long as you have the base fitness, the technique is pretty simple to pick up.

He also admitted that he was lucky enough to be the perfect height to be a lightweight and not have to compete against competitors with a larger body type.

Patrick’s athletic prowess may come as little surprise to those who know his family.

His parents are both distance athletes, competing in marathons and triathlons, and his mother, Dr. Maria Dibb, said she had a feeling her son would take well to the endurance sport.

We were delighted. He’s just worked really hard at a new sport and it’s really amazing, said Maria, who admitted that she always secretly wanted to be a rower herself. He’s really good at listening to instruction. Rowing is extremely technical and you just need to be someone who can get up early and repeatedly try and keep your technique and just push yourself. He’s got huge work ethic.

She added that she is very proud of how well Patrick has done in such a short span of time. She is also excited to see how he will do in the upcoming event that will be taking place between August 3 and 8.

The event is called the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and will be happening in St. Catherines, Ont.

It has been run for more than a century and has grown to become one of the biggest in North America.

Last year, more than 2,800 competitors from 150 clubs competed.

Patrick is currently living in Calgary but plans to continue rowing at the University of Victoria next year and is excited about his rowing future.

Picture top right: Patrick Dibb (second from the left) was a member of the Calgary Mens 8 team who won the Alberta Rowing Championships in late June. He is going to be representing the Calgary Rowing Club at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in St. Catherines, Ont. in August and going to the University of Victoria next year to continue his training.

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