Berkshire Sculling Assn., Inc. - Rowing

Table
of
Contents:

About Lew Cuyler

Now What?

BRASS: Berkshire Rowing and Sculling Society

Berkshire Sculling Inc.: Sales

Buying a rowing shell?
Here's what to think about

Lew Cuyler’s biography of Ernestine Bayer

"There is nothing -
absolutely nothing -half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats...."

The Wind in the Willows

Originally called the Berkshire Sculling Association, the club expanded its progam to sweep rowing in 2000 and is now known as the Berkshire Rowing And Sculling Society, BRASS for short. It is an IRS approved non profit organization meaning gifts are tax exempt.

BRASS offers adult and youth programs in four-oared shell sweep rowing, daily sculling lessons for all ages and hourly rentals of single shells. The season is May 1-Oct. 31. The rowing base is a boathouse at Onota Lake, Burbank Park, Pittsfield, MA which offers a near two-mile stretch of water. The Taconic range of mountains frames the west shore; Burbank Park, a city-owned recreation area with beach, picnic tables, parking and a public boat launch takes up most of the eastern shore.

BRASS rowing activity takes place in the early morning when the water is quiet. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 413-442-7769. You may also call that number for a brochure.

BRASS emphasizes safety and accident prevention. We require rowers to wear supplied safety vests, and have swimming abilities. All rowers must sign a liability waiver.

All activities are by appointment.

Learn to scull: daily, 6-10am when the water is quiet and best for sculling. Lessons are approximately one hour, and usually private. Beginners use the more stable, wider shells; it takes an average of two lessons to learn the fundamentals.

Single scull rentals: rental periods of one hour, daily, 6-10am. Beginners are required to take lessons and become proficient before taking out rentals.

Learn to row: lessons to be part of a four-oared shell team. Program offered May - June and September - October. Other sessions arranged by appointment.

Sweep rowing: crew rowing in four-oared shells begins in May. BRASS offers scholastic and adult programs to train rowers for competition. Regattas (rowing races) run from spring through fall at various locations throughout New Englannd.

Visit the BRASS website for more informattion. www.berkshirerowing.com.