Leaderboard

I wonder if the forward facing position might influence the length? You know, the calculations may be different if you are at a different height and using a different stroke? Sitting on the thwart and really laying into them is different than sitting up on deck and chopping at it, you know? It seems all the forward rowers I've seen use longish oars, but I've only paddled facing forward,, never rowed that way. I would use a stick or pole or something to figure a good length to start. Pretend to row with it, or better them, while your boat is in the water. Better than guessing and cogitation, I think.

I made my cs 17 oars 10.5 feet. I did calculations based on Pete Culler articles I found, using the beam width you mentioned.. I rounded up where there was an option, resulting in adding about 6", because my personal preference is to have my hands overlap as I pull in for the stroke, rather than side by side. Plus I hate oars that are too short. And, finally, I went longer rather than shorter with the idea it would be useful to have a little added length for sculling over the stern. All this remains, alas, academic until launching. But that was my thought process.

the pictures look good...I know about the feeling about the painting though, we are our own worse critics...my kayak looks good-from about 30' away