Argentina's rowing history was strongly influenced by modern European rowing that began in the 1800's. The earliest boats in Argentina were imported from England in 1856. Evidence dating from 1870 mentions the christening of the rowing boat Lalas; the first boat to race the distance between Tigre and Buenos Aires in an astonishing record time of 2 hours and 50 minutes. This event marked the beginning of a period of great popularity among rowing enthusiasts and the creation of rowing clubs in Argentina.

The first official rowing regatta in Argentina was held on the Rio Lujan, February 12, 1871. Between 1873 and 1890 rowing clubs quickly sprouted up throughout the country. The Buenos Aires Rowing Club was the first club to open its doors in 1873. On September 21, 1893, representatives from the most prominent clubs at that time formed the Union de Regatas del Rio de la Plata.

The association was responsible for the organization and development of the sport in addition to the administration of regattas. Over the next few years, as rowing gained in popularity and the association attracted more members, the Union de Regatas del Rio de la Plata became what is known today as the Argentine Rowing Association.