Welcome to Portage Lakes Rowing Association
Learn to Row – June 6, 2026Ready to try rowing? Join our Learn to Row class on June 6, 2026. You’ll get a friendly introduction to rowing techniques, equipment, and on‑water calls—no experience needed.Spots are limited. Click the Learn to Row link above to get details and sign up.
PLRA
Portage Lakes Rowing Association (PLRA), founded in 2005, is the only organized sweep rowing club in the Akron / Canton area. We offer amateur athletic programs for both competitive and recreational rowers of all skill levels. Rowing from April through November, PLRA offers the opportunity to be on the water multiple days a week in the club's fleet of 8's and 4's. PLRA rows out of Rex Lake with our boathouse located at Craftsman Park. When the weather is nice we race around Rex, Mud, and Turkeyfoot Lakes. If it's not, we train indoors. We also aim to attract new people by introducing them to the sport of rowing in our Learn to Row class. The Learn to Row class will be on June 6, 2026 and a Novice session will be offered. These classes are designed to be a basic introduction to the techniques, equipment, and calls used during rowing. More information can be found by clicking here or following the Learn to Row link above. We are a member-run club which means that we all pitch in and learn how to row, repair, maintain, and cox the boats. You can watch our "Learn to Coxswain" tutorials by clicking here. If you're interested in joining, want to visit, or just have questions, fill out the form on the Contact Us page.
“Rowing is the perfect balance of strength, rhythm, and trust. Alone we are strong, together we fly.”
– Portage Lakes Rowing Association