GWC Community Membership

The Genesee Waterways Center actively supports the growth of canoeing, paddling, rowing, and all other human-powered watercraft sports throughout the Genesee Region.

The Center has a membership base of rowers and paddlers that take advantage of our facilities and equipment, as we are conveniently located on the waterways of the Genesee Region and centrally located within the Rochester area. 

We have collaborated with local paddling and rowing clubs, community organizations, and other non-profit organizations to increase awareness and participation in these water sports as well as helping these organizations to raise funds so that they can better serve their members and communities at large.

As a GWC member, you will be able to take advantage of all the courses and programs located at either the Genesee Valley Park Boathouse or at the Lock 32 Whitewater Park in Pittsford. We have a variety of rowing and whitewater kayaking equipment available for individuals who do not have their own. Secure indoor storage is currently available at the GWC Boathouse, 149 Elmwood Ave and storage lockers will be available at the Whitewater Kayaking Park, 2797 Clover St, in July.

As a member of the Genesee Waterways Center, you will help us continue to support the following community based programs and activities:

• Adult Kayaking and Rowing
• Annual Rochester River Challenge, A Wounded Warriors Disabled Sports Event
• Armond Bassett Canoe & Kayak Race
• At risk-youth programs
• Free Taste of Kayaking and Taste of Rowing Classes
• Flower City Challenge
• Local and regional rowing regattas
• Local school outings
• Summer Employment for Youth
• USRowing Diversity Invitational Regatta
• Whitewater Kayaking Festival
• YMCA Kayak Summer Camp
• Youth Whitewater Kayaking

In addition, members receive:

• 10% discount on GWC courses and clinics
• Access to the GWC facility for rowing or kayaking
• Free on-site flatwater kayak or canoe rental at both facilities
• Two free guest passes for canoe or kayak rental
• Limit two guest visits for rowing center & equipment use per member; $15 to be paid at time of visit
• Limit two guest visits for Kayaking Park & equipment use per member; $15 to be paid at time of visit
• Ability to register for regattas with GWC affiliation
• Affiliate Club member of American Whitewater
• Ability to reserve the conference room at a discounted rate
• Volunteer opportunities
• Social events and activities

All memberships are based on a calendar year.
Discounted memberships will be available starting August 1st of each year. 

In Genesee Valley Park, our boathouses are home to the dedicated rowers and scullers that are up at the crack of dawn on the waters of the Genesee River and Erie Canal.  They are also home to the crews of the University of Rochester Crew Club, Mercy Crew, Friends of Scholastic Crew and Pittsford Crew in the spring.  Throughout the year our members and the crew clubs bring excitement to our community through their energy and the various regattas and events that are hosted at our facility. 

At Lock 32 Whitewater Park, paddlers of all ages come to practice their kayaking skills and play in the holes, making them better paddlers on the river.  Through our kayaking courses, our instructors have established a junior boating community in Rochester that is one of the best in the nation.  Kayaking offers an alternative to traditional team sports; it is a lifetime sport and Lock 32 Whitewater Park gives boaters the opportunity to paddle right in their backyard throughout the season. 

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Genesee Waterways Center, click on the following:

• Rowing – GWC Boathouse
• Kayaking – Lock 32

Our rental facility gives people access to canoes, flatwater kayaks, and outrigger canoes … you can walk or bike along the many green trails that connect right from our doorstep.

GWC promotes the lifetime sports of canoeing, kayaking, and rowing that benefit the mind, body, and spirit—we hope to see you on the water!