By eighteen years of age he stood six feet two inches tall and weighed thirteen and a half stone.
Felton was involved in the normal smaller regattas and match races that were the bread and butter of the professional scullers.
The delay allowed Felton to take advantage of the change in the tide and wind as he was heavier and able to make better progress than his opponent.
The very high stake for an ordinary sculler's match not involving any title was unusual and likely indicated that Felton was not all that keen on a race.
Once again Felton prevaricated at the start and nearly refused to race, disregarding the instructions of umpire Bill Beach.
When the race finally got underway Towns won and it was a popular win as it was felt that Felton had behaved badly.
By October 1915 Felton had joined the Engineers’ Division of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force and served in Europe until the end of the war.
There was some difficulty in Felton raising the stake and expenses but eventually the Australian Prime Minister and the general public who were both keen to see the title return to Australia came to his aide and provided the cash.
Felton chose the sheltered Middlesex shore side of the course which proved an advantage on a cold blustery day.
Felton easily won by about six lengths although he could have made it more had he been so inclined, in a time of 25m.40s and thus became the Sculling Champion of the World, the eighth Australian to hold the title.
Felton returned home to a hero's welcome and after the usual festivities found himself challenged by Jim Paddon for a race on the Parramatta.
The local rowing fraternity felt that Paddon had the right to a challenge but Felton declined and announced the agreement with Barry.
For example, motion picture rights, gate money, paid speaking engagements, and exhibitions were some of the ways the Champion and ex-Champion could reward themselves.
Felton stopped rowing believing he had won on the foul but the umpire, Bill Beach ordered the men to continue rather than making a ruling.
Felton did not continue to scull on at speed but Barry did and he crossed the line about twelve lengths ahead and thus regained the World Title.
Felton accused Beach of partiality and applied for a Supreme Court injunction to stop the stake money being paid to Barry.
Barry declined to race and because three months passed without him accepting the challenge Arnst claimed the title by forfeit.
Before having another chance at the world title Felton travelled to New Zealand after arranging a race with Pat Hannan which was billed as the Australasian Championship.
This argument was not accepted by many of the Sydney scullers and previously a number of world champions had simultaneously held national titles.
Paddon as Champion had the right to nominate most of the terms, but in order to secure the match agreed to Felton's demands and another umpire was found.
Felton had the reputation of a fast sprinter but he showed none of his old form when Paddon took the lead after only one hundred yards and the result was never in doubt.