ZLAC was founded in 1892 by four young women with a love of water and whose names formed the acronym for the club name: Zulette, Lena, Agnes and Caroline (ZLAC). During that era, there were several other women’s rowing societies in San Diego – at both San Diego High School and San Diego State University – yet ZLAC is the only club that still exists today. The reason is member involvement. As the oldest women’s rowing club in the world, ZLAC has a proud history due to our members’ contributions to its success. 

ZLAC provides its members both social and recreational activities. ZLAC was formed as a rowing club by friends who enjoyed the social aspect of the club as well as their time on the water. This is true today as it was when the club was founded over 125 years ago. 

 The ZLAC social organization is based upon numbered crews: Crew VIII, Crew IX, Crew X, Crew XI, Crew XII, Crew XIII, Crew XIV, Crew XV, Collegiates, and Juniors. Crews are roughly based on age group, so that each crew’s members can support each other through shared stages of life. The founders started Crew I in 1892, and the oldest women in ZLAC are now in Crew VIII. Many of the women in Crew VIII joined as Juniors and learned to row from one of the founders, Lena Crouse. We encourage our members to host, propose, and sponsor friends into their numbered crew.

Becoming a member of the ZLAC Rowing Club is a formal process, by invitation. Two current members need to propose and sponsor a candidate for membership. You will work with one or more members to learn about our organization, our values and the many wonderful things ZLAC has to offer. 

If you are interested in membership but do not know any current Club members, please contact the Membership Chair at membership@zlac.org for assistance. A member of the Membership Committee will meet with you and facilitate introduction to potential sponsors who can then guide you through the membership process.

ZLAC Rowing Club is a volunteer non-profit organization with over 400 members and an elected board of directors.