ZLAC is the oldest women's club in the world. ZLAC has a proud history due to more than 130 years of member contributions.

ZLAC was founded in 1892 by four young women with a love of water and whose names formed the acronym for the club's 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 commitment and involvement.

ZLAC Rowing Club is a volunteer non-profit organization with more than 300 members and an elected board of directors. The board provides the direction and guidance for the club so that membership is an enjoyable experience for all members, beginning in the ninth grade through the retirement years.

The ZLAC social organization is based upon numbered crews: Crew IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, Collegiate, and the Junior Crew. The founders started in Crew I in 1892. Many of the women in ZLAC crews joined as Juniors and learned how to row from coaches and master rowers.

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. It is inherent upon all members, old and new, to do whatever is necessary to enjoy and maintain the club so that it continues to be this special place now and in the years to come.