The ZRC came into existence in 1873, the fourth of four rowing clubs founded around that time at Redhouse. It is the second oldest surviving rowing club in South Africa.

The club’s first building was a boathouse erected in a hurry to house the brand new four-oar arriving from England at a cost of £67 4s 8d, approximately £7333 or R164738 in today’s money.

The first clubhouse was rented from a member of the original committee, Mr Fred Levick, and was situated somewhere in the vicinity of 36 and 38 Towpath. In 1896 it was uprooted and re-erected in its present position. Several alterations have been carried out on the ancient structure and no doubt more will happen in the future.