Harry Clasper

Clasper in 1862

Henry (Harry) Clasper (5 July 1812 – 12 July 1870) was a professional rower and boat builder from Tyneside in England. He was an innovative boat designer who pioneered the development of the racing shell and the use of outriggers. He is said to have invented spoon-shaped oars.[citation needed]

He was the first of three well-known Tyneside oarsmen, the other two being Robert Chambers and James Renforth.