He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and his father Hugh rowed for England at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze medal in the eight-oared race.

Prior to the 1992 Olympics, Porter had rowed in the Canadian men's eight at the 1990 and 1991 World Championships, finishing second to Germany each time.

In 1993, he won the Single Scull event at the World Rowing Championships, and was one of the favorites at the 1996 Summer Olympics; Porter led most of the race, only to be passed by Xeno Müller in the last 500 meters.

Porter held on to win the silver medal ahead of two-time defending Olympic champion Thomas Lange, who finished third.

In 1999, Porter devoted more practice time to rowing and would go on to place third at the 1999 World Championship in the single scull behind Muller and Rob Waddell.