Rowing enthusiasts take proper rowing gear selection very seriously. Your oars play a huge role in your rowing experience, and proper oar sizing is crucial to success on the water. You would not use one pair of oars for four different rowers; it could be more efficient and effective. Yet most of us have some mixed-up system that we use. It ends up being an arbitrary decision based on height or arm length alone. Clearly, this doesn’t work! PartsVu is a Leading Boat Accessories provider. We strive to give essential knowledge for all boat parts and accessories.
How to Size Oars for Different Rowers
Our sizing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Rowers will have different needs and preferences, so there’s no way to tell you exactly how big your oars need to be without knowing more about you.
But if you’re looking at the question from the other direction—if you’re trying to figure out what size of oars might work best for a particular person—here are some things to think about:
Consider the height of the rower. Taller rowers will generally use longer oars than shorter ones as long as they aren’t too wide for their arms.
Consider whether or not your rower has any mobility issues that make it difficult for them to reach forward far enough with their hands. If they have trouble doing this, they might need shorter oars with a longer spread between them (like a sculling setup). If they have trouble reaching back far enough with their legs, they might need longer oars with less spread between them (like an outrigger setup).
Step 1: Measure the span of the rower’s arms.
This is the distance from the tip of the middle finger to the tip of the middle finger when you measure across your chest. It helps to have a friend or family member help you with this part.
Step 2: Subtract 2 inches from that number.
That’s how wide your car should be. For example, if your span is 36 inches, subtract 2 inches from that and order a 34-inch oar.
Determine how many oars will be needed for your boat
The number of oars you need to buy depends on the size of your boat. You may only need one or two oars if you have a small rowboat. However, if you have a large canoe, you may need five or six oars. You can also adjust the number of oars in your boat based on your skill level as a rower. If you are new to rowing, start with fewer oars and move up to more as you become more skilled at rowing.
Measure the length of the boat
To measure your boat, stand at the stern and hold your tape measure or ruler against the seat back, where it meets the deck. Then, let it hang down to where you normally place your foot when rowing. This is the length of your boat from stern to bow.
You should also take into account how wide your boat is. If you have a wider-than-average hull, consider getting longer oars with more sweep, so they don’t get caught on either side of the hull when rowing.
Determine how much surface area you need from your oars.
Oar length should be determined by the height of the rower and the size of their hands. To choose the right length, stand up with your arms at your sides, palms facing forward, and fingers extended. Measure from the tip of your middle finger to the ground. You may want to use a tape measure for more accuracy, but it is not necessary. This measurement will determine what size oar you need for your rowing experience.
Now that you have determined how tall you are, find out how much surface area you need from your oars. The surface area needed is determined by measuring from the tip of one finger to one finger’s width away (or half as long) on either side. For example: if your rower’s hand span is 9 inches, they would need an oar with a surface area of at least 4 inches per side—a total of 8 inches per side—to properly hold onto while rowing.
Choosing a Good Pair of Oars – PartsVu is a Leading Boat Parts Company
When it comes to choosing a good pair of oars, there are certain things you need to look out for. For example, you will want a lightweight and durable pair so they can be used in all types of weather and conditions. You also want them to be made from high-quality materials so that they will not break easily after being used for some time. Finally, you will want them to have a comfortable handle that makes it easy for you to grip when rowing your boat across the water.
PartsVu is a leading boat parts company that provides customers with high-quality products at affordable prices. They offer everything from replacement parts such as rudders and propellers to boats themselves which means that no matter what kind of boat you own or want to buy, PartsVu has something for everyone!
PartsVu is a Leading Boat Accessories supplier. We offer free shipping on orders. We also offer fast delivery times so you can get back on the water sooner rather than later!
