How to Set Up a Canoe With Oars
- 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.
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