Rowing Question: Single Scull?

Question

Why in single sculls do the rower's hands come to a point in the middle and one goes over the other rather than having them further apart so they would miss each other? Thanks.

Answer 1

I would say it has mostly to do with being able to set up the boat.  ...just think about it...if the oar handles didn't overlap then you wouldn't be able to let go of the oars period.  Having the oars overlap allows you to hold the oars with one hand (to set the boat) leaving your other hand to free to get a drink from your water bottle. etc.

Answer 2

I guess it's all about leverage.

The shorter the distance between the hand grip and the point at which the oar pivots the harder it is to row.

Answer 3

A critical factor might be the fact that sometimes in a scull you can only use one hand to control both oars, while the other hand is doing something else, and you want both oars pressed to the oarlocks so the oars won't slide.  If the handles did not overlap, you could not do this.

It is a good question, since to adjust those few inches would not change leverage very much on 3 meter sculling oars. If a hit too heavy a pull, one could order sculls those few inches shorter. It may just be an odd tradition, with carbon fiber oars and oarlocks that don't damage one another, it no longer is necessary.

Answer 4

Are you sure that is what happens?