FAQs

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

West Side offers learn to row courses for all ages. Our middle school program begins with 6th grade (age 11), our high school novice program is open to anyone in 9th-12th grade, and our adult program includes both competitive and learn to row groups. 

If you’re an experienced rower looking to use equipment, we offer different program types.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? 

Different programs cost different amounts based on several factors such as how many practices there are in a season, whether or not it is a competitive racing team, how many coaches are required for that particular program, etc. Financial Aid information can be found here.

WILL I GET WET?

It is likely a rower will be splashed while in a boat, though unlikely that the boat will ever tip. Rowing is still a water sport and electronics such as cellphones or smart watches are not recommended while on the water accompanied by a coach.

DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?

It is recommended that all participants should know how to swim. If a minor does not know how to swim they will be required to wear a life jacket until they can pass a swim test monitored by a lifeguard.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Rowers are usually most comfortable in spandex. Tighter fitting clothing is less likely to get caught on the rigging of the boat.

The waterfront in Buffalo is generally cooler than the mainland. On a warm day in the Fall or Spring it is still likely to be cooler on the water. An athlete should bring extra layers that can be added if it gets colder.

ARE THERE SHOWER/LOCKER ROOMS AT West Side?

Yes, both our Doc Schaab and Fontana boathouses offer locker rooms with showers. 

ARE MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS SECURE?

We recommend you store any belongings in the locker rooms inside of a locker with a lock secured. Locks cannot be kept on lockers overnight and will be cut off. The West Side Rowing Club is not responsible for any stolen or missing personal items.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCULLING, ROWING AND SWEEPING?

Rowing is the general term to describe sculling or sweep rowing. 

According to USRowing: "Athletes with two oars – one in each hand – are scullers. There are three sculling events: the single – 1x (one person), the double – 2x (two people) and the quad – 4x (four people).

Athletes with only one oar are sweep rowers. Sweep boats may or may not carry a coxswain (pronounced cox-n) to steer and be the on-the-water coach. In boats without coxswains, one of the rowers steers by moving the rudder with his or her foot. Sweep rowers come in pairs with a coxswain (2+) and pairs without (2-), fours with a coxswain (4+) and fours without (4-) and the eight (8+), which always carries a coxswain. The eight is the fastest boat on the water. A world-level men's eight is capable of moving almost 14 miles per hour.