DB oar setup

[ewhitaker75]

Just purchased my first driftboat and was curious as to how close the grips should be at the end of the stroke. My grips are hitting each other, but was curious if I should move them out or if another type of adjustment ( oarlock position, seat position, etc.) would be more beneficial overall?


Cheers
EW

[TrappedinCO]

Adjust the seat and oarlocks so that you are in a comfortable position throughout the stroke. The oar handles should be spaced about 6-inches apart when the oars are straight out. Most folks have their oars spread too far apart, but again, do what is comfortable and what works for you.

[tomc]

No, your oars should not cross each other on a stroke. I am trying some new oars on my new-old driftboat and I set my stops based on the amount of stroke (dig) that I am comfortable with (and I like my oars set different than the next rower). What I do is take the boat out on a lake and row for a good long while so that I can get used to the position. The reason I use a lake is because I can get in a cadence without worrying about current, log jams and sorts of distractions while I am setting my oar stops. Last Saturday I took a friend and his 8 year old son out for some trout fishing on a local lake. They thought it was a great treat to be able to fish, while I just needed some live weight to balance my oars. Allen wrench in hand I tuned the oar stops to a point that I was comfortable with. Now I can take my boat out on the river with the confidence that I have the oars set and only minor adjustment will need to be made.
Tom C.

[Jerry Daschofsky]

You want those oars to be in your maximum powerstroke without having to worry about killing yourself if you stick an oar (which will happen). I like them to barely hit my ribs when the oar handles are at my side. This will give you the maximum pull for the strength of your arms. You want to get the maximum pull from your muscles as you make the oar stroke. Basically, you want the oar handle to be in your powerzone. The further in or out you go, the more your muscles have to work to compensate.