S5E6 - How to Thrive: Lessons from ZLAC, the World's Oldest Women's Rowing Club

As part of our club spotlight series and in the lead-up to San Diego Crew Classic, we head to California to get to know ZLAC, the oldest women’s rowing club in the world.

Established in 1892, ZLAC's unique structure allows for both competitive and social memberships. You don't have to row. New members are added to generational Crews to bolster cross-program and boathouse interaction and provide personal connections to members in a similar age range for support. As far as we know, ZLAC is unique in this offering. Be prepared to take notes and consider what more your club could do to help build and sustain community.

Through the years, ZLAC programs have produced U.S. National Team members, Olympians, top college rowers, regional racers, and thousands of recreational rowers. The heart of ZLAC’s mission is to support all women and girls through the sport of rowing. 

We're joined by ZLAC's Masters Head Coach Chris Shannon, Athletic Chair Tanya Ferguson, and recent LTR grad Lee Copson.

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QUICK LOOK

00:00 - Episode lead-in
02:17 - The Huddle: Get to know Chris, Tanya, and Lee
02:54 - Rowing Week
05:39 - Hot Seat Q&A
09:56 - Chris got just one sculling lesson, then spent months flipping before being invited to a sweep team
14:49 - Lee was a social member since high school, and learned to row when she became an empty nester
17:38 - Tanya came to rowing after a soccer injury
20:52 - A brief look at ZLAC's 130+ year history
23:18 - ZLAC’s generational social crews and the bonds they help create among members
27:06 - Understanding the inner workings that make ZLAC so special 
27:55 - Joining, membership, and programs
30:18 - Lee describes San Diego Bay
30:59 - ZLAC’s decades-long involvement with San Diego Crew Classic
35:14 - Chris, Tanya, and Lee tell us what's ahead in 2024
41:39 - ZLAC’s Legacy

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To see photos of Chris, Tanya, Lee, and ZLAC founders, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.

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This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, Live2Row, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

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This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.