Length of oar

Study to compare stroke-length with oar length for conventionally rigged surf boat. The same rower was used in each seat position

Note that the Bow and the stoke, With shorter oars still row longer in the water because the smaller inboard results in considerably more degrees swept. We believe that the shorter oar is better because:
-Shorter inboard gives longer stroke
-Shorter inboard allows quicker entry into the water
-Shorter inboards brings seats closer to the centreline for better balance.
-Shorter oars are stiffer and easier to accelerate, producing more explosive power

It is important that each rower regardless of height finish in the same position. Move the front stretcher or rowlock , using this drawing as a guide to get all four rowers in a similar finish position.

Check the Pitch of the Blade at the catch and finish positions.

Bend the Pin at No.2 point using a Rigga Jigga (see below) to get the amount of pitch required. After the pitch has been set you need to make sure that their is enough free space to allow the oar to release easily out of the gate

Bend the Pin at No 3 point to allow the oar to spin freely

If the oar can come out of the rowlock when located as per drawing. Then the gap was set correctly. This will enable oar to pop out at times of undue pressure and help prevent damage to oar and injury to crew

How to set the correct gap in the rowlock

Dimensions for the bending tool