genesee waterways center

by Dennis Money

Located in Genesee Valley Park, the Genesee Waterways Center (GWC) is the “gateway” to outdoor activities on or near the water in Western New York. From kayaking, rowing, sculling, canoeing, and outrigger canoeing to hiking, biking, and snowshoeing, the GWC has programs for everyone. Their recreational facilities and year-round classes excite the young and the old, the enthusiast and the novice, the competitive and the nature lover, as well as people with physical disabilities.

The Genesee Waterways Center (GWC) was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation in 1996. Its mission is to bring people to the waters of Western New York State to enjoy the benefits of human-powered water sports, such as rowing, canoeing, sculling, and kayaking. Their headquarters is located in Genesee Valley Park, where they lease 3.5 acres of land and two large boathouses plus 600 feet of dockage on the Genesee River from the City of Rochester. The other location is near Lock 32 of the Erie Canal, where they have upstate New York’s only white water kayaking course. Lock 32 is known as one of the best white water training facilities in the nation. It offers top-notch instructors, stellar facilities, extensive rental equipment, and more to help you get the most out of your outdoor experience.

The GWC hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including regattas, races, and family programs. All the latest information can be found on their extensive and continually updated website, www. geneseewaterways.org. They can provide technical assistance and guidance to local schools and colleges who would like to begin rowing or kayaking programs. Their conference room is also available for small groups to meet, host events, or conduct team-building training. Becoming a member of the GWC safely gets you on the water earlier and lets you stay later than any other water-based organization in Monroe County. They also offer secure, year round storage for shells and kayaks as well as the ability to use the GWC boats. A total package awaits you at the GWC.

While the core of the GWC business will always be related to water sports, in 2005 the GWC will be expanding its menu of classes with hiking and biking programs. Due to the GWC’s unique location on the Genesee River and its close proximity to the Erie Canal, Red Creek, and the Greenway and Canalway trails, the GWC can truly be called “trails central.” There is no other location in Western New York with such an array of “blue and green trails” as the GWC location.

The Genesee Waterways Center is a one stop shop when it comes to hiking, biking, and boating!