What does the West Side Rowing Club (WSRC) do during the offseason, when the waters are frozen and it’s too cold be outside training? They hold a cool indoor event known as the Shuffle Off to Buffalo ‘Ergatta”.
For those people who are unsure about the function of an ergometer (hence ergatta), it is essentially a rowing machine. Fortunately for the WSRC, they have access to a bunch of ergometers, which means that they have the ability to host an indoor regatta… er… ergatta.
On Sunday, February 15, beginning at 9:00 am, rowers will compete against each other in this unusual rowing race, which is held at the club. Throughout the day, different skill and age levels will compete, including Masters, Adaptive, Open (Collegiate), Under 19, and Under 17. The race stretch is 2,000 meters, although there will also be a 500-meter dash for coxswain and modified rowers (6th-8th grade). Overall the ergatta will feature 23 events, making for a super fun day at the rowing club.
Spectators are invited to come and check out the event for free, and food and concessions will be available throughout the day.
West Side Rowing Club | 48 Porter Ave | Buffalo, New York | (716) 881-9797
Check out the WSRC on Facebook (click here) for more information about all of the regattas and ergattas held throughout the year.
Photo: Junior women competing in the 2014 Shuffle Off to Buffalo