Checking & Setting Oar Length
Oar length has a very significant impact on loading. In general, the longer the oar, the heavier the load will be. To determine the optimal oar length for your crew, it is important to consider blade type, overall rig, rowing style, and size and speed of crew. If a crew (or sculler) is rigged too heavily, the crew will be forced to row at a lower rate, shorten the stroke length, rush the slide, or compensate with a combination of all three.
Follow these general guidelines to determine optimal oar length:
- The faster the crew, the heavier the load can be.
- The higher the stroke rate you expect from your crew, the lighter the load should be.
- Increasing the catch angle (moving athletes further through the pin) requires a shorter oar length.
- The narrower the spread, the shorter the oar should be.
- Fat Blades should be rowed with shorter overall length than Smoothies and Big Blades. Try 5cm shorter and adjust from there as needed.
If you are not sure what oar length to set, we recommend starting in the middle of the range on your oars and applying the guidelines above to fine tune your length setting.
Recommended Oar Length
| Fat/Fat2 | Smoothie | Big Blade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collegiate Women | 362–367 cm | 367–372 cm | 367–372 cm |
| Collegiate Men | 365–370 cm | 370–375 cm | 370–375 cm |
| Elite Women | 365–370 cm | 370–375 cm | 370–375 cm |
| Elite Men | 368–373 cm | 373–378 cm | 373–378 cm |
| Master Sculler | 278–283 cm | 284–289 cm | 284–289 cm |
| Senior Sculler, double | 280–285 cm | 287–292 cm | 287–292 cm |
Checking Oar Length
Check the overall length of your oars by measuring the oar from the end of the grip to the end of the blade, as shown below. If you have a hatchet-shaped blade (that is, a Fat Smoothie, a Smoothie, or a Big Blade) take your measurement by continuing the center line of the oar through the blade, as shown on the first oar below.
Setting Your Adjustable Handles
For ease of packaging, adjustable handles are shipped in the shortest position of their range. This length is indicated on the invoice packed with the oars. The steps for adjusting the handles to your desired oar length are below.
Important! Make sure you have the right tools on hand before attempting to adjust your handles:
- The grips on adjustable handles shipped in the US or Canada on or after 4/18/2011 (4/21/2011 or later globally) use size T20 6-Lobe fasteners for both the clamping and the adjustment screws. You will need a T20 6-Lobe driver (available at hardware stores) to adjust your handles.
- To set older adjustable handles, you will need a Phillips head or flat blade screwdriver to adjust the clamping screw, and a 6mm (or ¼ inch) socket wrench/nut for setting the adjustment screw.
Procedure
Using the appropriate tool for your grip (see above):
- Loosen the clamping screw at the shaft end of the grip. Do not remove it; just loosen it by several turns.
- Turn the adjusting screw at the very end of the grip until you reach your desired length. Apply a little forward pressure on the screw as you turn it. Turn clockwise to shorten the oar; counterclockwise to lengthen it. It takes approximately four turns to move one centimeter.
- Tighten the clamping screw until snug to lock the handle into position. Do not over tighten.
