OARS

An oar is a rigid shaft with a broad blade at one end that is used to propel a boat by rowing. The rower grasps the handle and pushes the blade through the water, creating a forward thrust that moves the boat. Oars are distinguished from paddles by how they are braced and moved; oars are typically held in rowlocks or thole pins and operate in a defined arc.

A typical oar consists of the blade, the loom or shaft, and the handle. The blade engages the water to generate thrust, while the loom connects the blade to the handle and transmits force to the rower’s body. In rowing, each rower may use one oar in sweep rowing or two oars in sculling.

Materials and sizes vary. Oars have historically been made of wood, but modern versions commonly use lightweight composites such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, sometimes with aluminum components. Racing oars are typically about 2.7 to 3.0 meters long, while recreational oars are shorter on average. Blade shapes range from flat, rectangular designs to more streamlined or asymmetrical forms, and techniques such as feathering are used to reduce air resistance during the recovery.

Use and technique involve a sequence that includes the catch, drive, finish, and recovery. The oar is positioned in the oarlock or rowlock and moved in an arc that maximizes propulsion while maintaining balance and control of the boat.

History and variants: Oars have been used since ancient times for transport and sport. Over the centuries, advances in materials, fittings, and design have produced the modern range of oars used in competitive rowing and recreational boating.