How to Set Up a Canoe With Oars

Rigging a canoe with oars increases leverage and speed. The canoe hull design is suited for traveling a straight line with small adjustments. Controlling the canoe with oars requires even strokes and the ability to make short strokes for corrections. Oars are easy to overpower and an aggressive rowing style quickly leads to a wobbling canoe. Rigging the oars is easy with a temporary and removable oar lock system. The removable oar locks are important because they will interfere with traditional paddling techniques when the oars are not in use.

Things You'll Need

  • Masking tape
  • Clamping oar locks
  • 7 ft. oars (2)
  • Black pen
  • Oar stops
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sit in the seat that is designated as the rowing position. The seat closest to the center of the canoe is best. Slide the seat to the center for canoe models with a sliding seat system installed.

    • 2

      Sit in the seat and reach your arms forward. Mark the position matching your hand positions with masking tape. Place one clamping oar lock on each piece of masking tape. Screw the clamp on the ridge in a counterclockwise direction until it is tight. Apply pressure on each clamp to test the stability. Tighten as necessary.

    • 3

      Slide a 7 ft. oar through each oar lock. Hold each oar handle and adjust until the handles are centered in front of your chest with three inches of separation. Use a black pen to mark the position where each oar meets the oar lock.

    • 4

      Slide an oar stop over each oar shaft. Align the bottom of the oar stop with the black mark. Use a flat head screw driver to tighten the oar stop on the oar shaft.

    • 5

      Row the canoe on calm water and test the comfort level of the oar position. Make small adjustments to the oar sleeve and oar lock position to achieve the best fit for you rowing stroke.