Attaching Oars To A Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Rowing is an intimidating activity for beginners, but with practice, it can be an enjoyable way to get fit or travel through water. Before you start rowing, you'll need to set up your boat with the right oars. Oars are available in different materials, such as aluminium, wood, and plastic, and can be purchased at various price points from specialist stores or online. The correct oar length for your boat can be determined by measuring the distance between the port and starboard oar sockets and applying a formula to achieve the ideal 7:18 leverage ratio. The oars should be positioned for comfort and power, with the handles close but not touching.

How to size oars for your boat

When sizing oars for your boat, it's important to consider the following factors: the type of rowing, the length of the oars, the location of the rowing seat, the height of the rowing seat, the height and span of the oarlocks, and the position of the oar collar. Here are some detailed instructions on how to size oars for your boat:

Fixed Seat Rowing Geometry

The geometry of fixed-seat rowing differs from that of sliding seat rowing, but both are important for performance and comfort. The location of the rowing seat is typically in the centre of the boat, but can be adjusted to balance the load of passengers, cargo, the rower, and gear. The height of the rowing seat from the lowest point of the bilge should be between 5.5 and 8 inches, with a lower seat providing greater stability.

Height and Span of Oarlocks

The oarlocks are positioned at the gunwales, and this distance is determined by the height of the gunwales. The oarlocks should be at least 8 inches higher than the seat, with a maximum difference of 11.5 inches. The oarlocks should be placed approximately 13 inches back from the aft edge of the rowing seat, and this distance can be adjusted for taller or shorter rowers. The span of the oarlocks, or the distance between them, is typically dictated by the beam or width of the boat at the location of the oarlocks. A wider span requires longer oars, while a narrower span can result in an awkward and inefficient stroke.

Oar Length

The length of the oars is dictated by the spread of the oarlocks, with a wider spread requiring longer oars. The formula provided by Shaw and Tenney, which has been used since 1858, can help determine the correct oar length:

• Measure the distance between the centre of the port and starboard oar sockets (the "span" between the oarlocks) and divide this by 2, then add 2 to get the "inboard loom length".
• Multiply the loom length by 25, then divide by 7 to get the proper oar length in inches.
• Round the final number up or down to the closest 6-inch increment.

Oar Collar Position

The oar collar, or button, keeps the oar from sliding through the oarlock. Its position can be adjusted based on personal preference, with some rowers preferring their handles to have some crossover during the stroke, while others prefer no contact between the handles. Experimentation can help determine the optimal position for the individual rower and their boat.

How to position oars in the water

To position oars in the water, you must first be seated in the correct position. The rowing seat is typically located in the centre of the boat, but this can vary depending on the load of the boat. The objective is to have the centre of gravity in the middle or just aft of the middle.

Once seated, you can adjust the oars. The oars should be positioned for comfort and power. Generally, the handles of the oars should be close but not touching, with the ends of the handles around 3-6 inches apart. This enables the rower to push the handle forward with a punching motion, rather than pushing from the shoulder. The oars should be positioned so that you can comfortably use your body to manoeuvre them.

The next step is to place the oars in the water. The blades should be just underneath the surface, not buried deep into the water, as this will make rowing more difficult. The blades should be perpendicular to the surface of the water.

To begin rowing, you will start in the 'catch' position. This is when the blades rest above the water, perpendicular to the surface. You will then move to the 'drive' position, where the blades enter the water and move towards the stern of the boat. As you move, pull the handles of the oars towards you, while also allowing your upper body to fall back and your legs to straighten.

The final phase is the 'recovery' phase. This is when you lift the blades out of the water and bring yourself back to the 'catch' position. As you take the blade out of the water, bring your upper body forward and begin to straighten your arms. This will cause the handles of the oars to separate, and the blades will be pointed towards the bow of the boat.

How to hold oars

Holding oars correctly is important to ensure that you can deliver power efficiently and avoid injury. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hold oars:

The Grip

The way you grip the oar is crucial. A common mistake novices make is gripping the oar too tightly, which can lead to blisters and calluses. Hold the oar loosely but comfortably, with your thumbs over the edge of the oar handle. Your fingers should be wrapped around the handle, with your fingertips touching. This grip allows you to control the oar without exerting excessive force.

Hand Placement

The placement of your hands on the oar handle is also important. The inside hand, which is closest to the oarlock, is responsible for feathering and squaring the oar. The outside hand should be at the end of the handle, as this provides the best mechanical leverage. The handles of the oars should be close but not touching, with a gap of about 3-6 inches, to allow for a comfortable rowing motion.

Body Position

When rowing, your body position is key. Start in a compressed position, with bent knees, straight arms, and a forward tilt. During the drive phase, drive out with your legs first while keeping your arms straight. Then, make a smooth motion by unwinding your body and extending your arm. Think of it as throwing a punch. Your body position should be relaxed and natural, allowing for a comfortable and efficient rowing stroke.

Common Mistakes

Be mindful of some common mistakes people make when holding oars. Avoid "death-gripping" the oar, as this can lead to fatigue and blisters. Also, ensure that your wrists remain flat and don't break during the recovery phase. Additionally, pay attention to the positioning of your elbows and shoulders to maintain proper form and avoid injuries.

Practicing

Practicing your rowing technique is essential. Use rowing machines or "Ergs" to get a feel for the basic rowing stroke. Then, move on to the water, preferably in a stable boat like the plastic Spirit Whitehalls, to perfect your technique. Remember that good rowing form takes time and practice, so be patient and keep working on your technique.

How to turn a boat with oars

Turning a boat with oars requires a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it's a very useful skill. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to turn a boat with oars:

Firstly, ensure you are sitting correctly in the boat. You should sit with your back to the bow (the front of the boat) and face the stern (the rear of the boat). Place your feet in the foot stretchers, if your boat has them, and adjust them so that when your legs are straight, the oar handles are almost touching your body.

Now, grasp the oars with an overhand grip, with your hands at the end of the oar and your thumbs on the tip. For turning, you will normally just use one oar, but you can also try using both oars for a sharper turn.

To turn the boat, simply use one oar to begin with. Pull on the left oar to turn the boat left, and the right oar to turn the boat right. The more force you apply, the sharper the turn will be.

If you want to turn on a smaller radius, try a more advanced technique: hold water with one oar and row with the opposite oar. For example, to turn right, place the left oar in the water and hold it there, while rowing with your right oar.

For an even tighter turn, take a normal stroke with one oar and a back stroke with the other. For example, to turn left, do a normal row with your left oar, and a backward row with your right oar. In a backward row, you bring the oar through the water towards the bow of the boat, rather than the stern.

With a little practice, you'll soon be able to turn your boat smoothly and effectively.

How to stop a boat with oars

To stop a boat with oars, you can use the same techniques as when rowing. The key is to use the right amount of power and the correct timing. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Start in the "catch" position, with your knees bent and your arms straight in front of you, holding the oars. The blades of the oars should be above the water, perpendicular to the surface.
• Move to the "drive" phase. Pull the oar handles towards you while straightening your legs and leaning your upper body back. The blades should be just under the water's surface, not buried too deeply, as this will make it harder to row.
• Proceed to the "finish" or "release" position. Here, your arms will be bent, your back straight and upright, and your legs straight out in front of you. The oar handles should be pulled towards your chest, and the blades will be in front of you, towards the stern of the boat.
• To stop the boat, you will need to dig the blades into the water at a slight angle, not fully parallel to the surface. Straighten your arms, and the boat should come to a stop.
• If you need to turn the boat while stopping, use one oar instead of two. For example, to turn left, use your left oar and pull it towards you with some force.
• For a tighter turn, hold the water with the oar on one side and row with the oar on the opposite side.
• To turn on an even smaller radius, combine a normal stroke on one side with a backstroke on the other. For instance, to turn left, do a normal row with your left oar and a backstroke with your right oar.

Remember, the key to stopping a boat with oars effectively is to maintain the correct rhythm and power distribution. Sixty per cent of the power should come from your legs, 20 per cent from your core, and 20 per cent from your arms.

Frequently asked questions