For over twelve years, I had been rowing a 14' x 24" cat with 9' composite oars. Last summer, I decided it was time for something smaller, something a little more lively and playful. The choice was an AIRE 13' x 19" Wildcat with a set of 8' Sawyer Lights Wood Oars.
What a difference wood makes! Well OK, the Wildcat, another story, is a big part of the difference, of course. The Sawyer Lights, though, are a total surprise! After so many years away from rowing wood oars, I'm happy to be back.
These oars are comfortable, light and lively!
Sawyer makes this happen -- first by laminating clear, straight grain ash and fir for strength and less weight. Second, Sawyer tapers the shafts' circumference from the handle, 5-7/8", to the blade, 4-7/8". That 1 inch difference gives the oars a marvelous counterbalanced feel, and great flex -- something you're not going to encounter in an 8' composite oar.
Oh by the way, did I mention they are LIGHT! Approximately 5.5lbs each -- including the factory installed black rope wrap and rubber stopper!
The handle is covered with a nice grippy material, has a comfortable circumference of 5-1/2'' from the crown, tapering away in both directions to 4-7/8". This little detail may not sound like much, but it feels very natural and tends to center my hand on the handle by feel alone -- something not found on my old set of composites with different dimensions (5-1/4" at the outside, tapering to 5").
The blade at first seems small, but these are for small boats. Who needs a 6.5” blade, let alone 8” on a 13’ cat! They have all the power I need for a fast nimble little playboat.
Before shipping, I had Sawyer factory install Pro Tips on the blades, and I highly recommend them. After all, the oars are made from natural material and not indestructible.
One last note: Being made of wood, these oars are just plain beautiful. A pleasure to row and nice to get back to something with some real soul and connection to being outside in the first place.
By Carl Ramstrom
2 comments:
I agree - Sawyer's wood oars are the way to go!
I totally agree about wood oars, although I have the 10' ash monsters that are quite heavy. But for my 16' Avon Pro they are just what I want, and you can stand up on them in the gnarliest rapid and they will never snap. Meanwhile, they still have that extra little flex that gives you a slight kick at the end of the stroke, which metal/plastic oars don't have.
I also agree that getting the blade protection is well worth it. I added rubber tips to my oars a while back, and I'm certain it has helped preserve them from chips if not worse.
I've had my current set for so long I can't remember when I got them, and they have been down The Canyon several times as well as many SOFAR trips and other rocky rivers. Go wood!
Post a Comment