Choosing The Right Oar

All oars at Croker Oars are custom made to order. Each shaft is individually tested for strength and agility. They are made to suit each individual and each individual has different needs.

Gathering information on each individual is the key to the perfect oar. There are many factors to be considered when ordering oars.

Things to Consider

The type of oar

  • Rowing
  • Sculling
  • Surf or Ocean

Side of Oar Blade

  • Bow Side
  • Stroke Side

Croker oars bow side andstroke side

Your physique

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Weight
  • Height

Your skill level

  • Beginner
  • Leisure
  • Competitive
  • Professional

Customise your oar

  • Choose your oar shaft
  • Choose your oar blade
  • Choose your oar handle & Grip???

Deflection (Flex)

Which flex-weight is for you?


Soft Deflection

Soft shafts are ideal for juniors, women at all levels, and masters men. Soft flex shafts are also a popular choice for elite open-weight women racing the single scull or small team boats.

The soft shafts are well matched to scullers with 2000m erg scores slower than 7:00, water times in the 1x around 7:45 or slower for 2000m, or for those who desire a slightly more forgiving feel at the catch. Soft shafts are also recommended for rowers with a history of recurrent injuries. Soft shafts may also be a reasonable selection for rowers lighter than 65kg.


Standard Deflection

Regular shafts are ideal for senior and elite men in all boat classes, as well as world-class elite women in team boats. The recommended 2000m erg score is 6:45 or faster.

The appropriate 2000m water time in ideal conditions is 7:30 and faster. Rowers or crews not meeting this threshold may encounter rigging and comfort challenges and may be more effectively served with softer shafts. Regular shafts are also recommended for rowers heavier than 90kg with no history of injuries.


Things to Consider When Selecting a Surf Oar

Features when selecting a surf Oar


Length of Oar

Study to compare stroke length with oar length for conventionally rigged surf boat. The same rower was used in each position.

Oar stroke lengths

Note that the Bow and the stoke, with shorter oars still row longer in the water because the smaller inboard results in considerably more degrees swept. We believe that the shorter oar is better because:

  • Shorter inboard gives longer stroke.
  • Shorter inboard allows quicker entry into the water.
  • Shorter inboards brings seats closer to the centreline for better balance.
  • Shorter oars are stiffer and easier to accelerate, producing more explosive power

This is a comparison of oar length and inboards can be used for even rigged boats:

Oar Length 14’9″ 15’2″ 15’2″ 14’9″
Inboard 4’8″ 4’10” 4’10” 4’8″
Stroke Length 60deg 56deg 56deg 60deg
Length 4496mm (14’9″) 4623mm (15’2″)
Inboard 1423mm (4’8″) 1473mm (4’10”)
Spread 1118mm (3’8″) 1168mm (3’10”)
Arc Length 3188mm (10’5″) 3051mm (9’10”)

How to measure the correct length of a Surf Oar

When ordering or repairing a surf oar you will need the correct measurement for “Overall Length” and “Inboard Length”. See diagram below for instructions. Please contact us if you are not sure.

Measuring an oar


Talk to us about your rowing needs

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