If you want to experience the Buffalo waterfront the way it is intended to be experienced, then there is no better way to do so than by attending a rowing event at the West Side Rowing Club (WSRC). Some people think that just because they never rowed, and/or don’t know anybody at the club, that these events are not open to them. Quite the contrary. The rowing club invites the entire community to enjoy a day by the lake, cheering on the Buffalo rowers, and enjoying the sights and the sounds of the waterfront.
On Sunday, May 3rd, 2015, bring a few friends along with you, and enjoy some time by the water’s edge. The annual John Bennett Regatta is the first race of the season, which means that there will be a lot of energy and excitement surrounding the event. This regatta also happens to be the largest regatta hosted by the West Side Rowing Club, and the most celebrated.
Unfortunately, last year, due to the late removal of the ice boom and flooding conditions, the race was cancelled. That only means that this year, the race has even more people talking about the 1,500-meter time trial on the Black Rock Channel. In 2013 over 200 US and Canadian teams competed in the regatta, drawing over 1000 spectators to observe the action. This year, the WSRC aims to break that attendance record.
*Crews will begin racing at the Ferry Street Lift Bridge and race south to the finish line in front of the West Side Rowing Club. The top 4 Varsity crews from each event’s time trial will advance to the finals, while the top 3 Novice crews from the time trial will advance to the finals. The winning crew in each event will receive medals. All West Side Rowing Club regattas are open to the public and free of charge, making it a great event to bring the whole family to! Handicap accessible facilities are available, as well as refreshment concessions and boathouse memorabilia. Time trials begin at 9 am and continue throughout the morning, with Finals beginning immediately after the last time trial.
For more information, call 716-881-9797 or visit WSRC.org. Also see Facebook.