head of the
NIAGARA
The Head of the Niagara Regatta is an annual head race race held at West Side on the Black Rock Canal. The Fall head race will occur on Sunday, October 12th, 2025.
This race is open to juniors, seniors, collegiate, para, and masters athletes.
CATEGORIES
AND EVENTS
Junior Teams- U17 and U19 boats accepted.
Senior Teams- U23 boats are accepted.
Open- Open boats are accepted.
Masters- Masters boats are accepted.
Para- Para boats are accepted.
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
The regatta is a great volunteer opportunity as many people are needed to ensure the safety of participants. West Side is willing and able to sign any documents to attest to the completion of community service hours for a school or other organization.
There are many different types of roles that need to be filled at the West Side Invite. Click below to join our volunteer email list!
SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
If you or your business are interested in sponsoring the West Side Invite, please email Kirk Lang for opportunities.
We offer many different sponsorship tiers and work with any budget to accommodate potential sponsors.
RACE DAY INFORMATION:
All regularly scheduled practices will be canceled on the day of the Regatta. No programs will take place.
The WSRC parking lot will be CLOSED on race day to ALL CARS. Only boat trailers will be allowed in.
No athlete or spectator drop off in front of WSRC. Please drop off athletes and/or spectators at the entrance to our driveway on Porter Ave. This is a quick and safe walk to the regatta grounds.
Food and regatta merchandise are available.
Medals are assigned to 1st place crews ONLY.
Packet pick-up occurs before the coaches and coxswains meeting the morning of the race.
Local Hotels
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Buffalo Downtown
Address: 601 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203