Frequently Asked Questions

From the beginning of this project many questions have been asked about the Handle. This document will be updated whenever there are new questions. So, please check the Frequently Asked Questions from time to time to see any updates.

• What does the BalancePoint handle do?
• How does the BalancePoint handle work?
• How does the BalancePoint handle feather?
• How is squaring the blade with the BalancePoint handle done?
• Why is the grip spacing wider than typical sweep oars?
• What are the rigging recommendations?
• Can I add a BalancePoint handle to my current oars?
• Is the BalancePoint handle available to everyone?
• What rules are associated with the use of the BalancePoint?
• Is an oar with a BalancePoint handle still a second order lever?
• Is the BalancePoint handle patented?

What does the BalancePoint handle do?
The BalancePoint handle is designed to reduce the asymmetry of sweep rowing. This has benefits both in the athlete's health and rowing performance.

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How does the BalancePoint handle work?
At the catch, or beginning of the stroke, the BalancePoint handle enables the rower to have both arms fully extended just like sculling. When the rower is in this position, the load of the catch is more evenly distributed to each arm and thus the back and legs The load distribution benefit is most pronounced in the first 15 or so degrees of the stroke as well as the last 10 degrees of the stroke.

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How does the BalancePoint handle feather?
So far, explaining the feathering has been more difficult that just giving it a try. Typically, a rower will go through the motion a few times and feathering is obvious and easy. Even so, we will attempt to explain it here.

At the end of the stroke, the rower pushes down on the handle to extract the blade from the water. Once the blade is out of the water, the rigger side hand continues to push downward and the non-rigger side hand is held from pushing down. By doing this, the grips naturally will rotate the shaft of the oar, thus feather. During the initial part of the recovery the hands re-adjust to level. Then the oar comes away from the body.

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How is squaring the blade with the BalancePoint handle done?
This is a very simple motion. Most people, on their first try, are surprised to find that the motion is not at all cumbersome. To square up the blade, the rower simply straightens the rigger side arm prior to getting to the catch.

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Why is the grip spacing wider than typical sweep oars?
It is not necessarily correct to compare the hand spacing that is used on traditional straight handles and the BalancePoint handle. In the absence of any competing constraints, the natural position is near shoulder width.

With traditional handles, the constraints are comfort and power application. The further the hands are spread, the greater the inside arm is bent at the catch position. Conversely, the tighter the hands are together, the more cumbersome rowing is at higher stroke ratings. For most people the grip is narrower than shoulder width.

For the BalancePoint handle the constraints mentioned above are absent. So, like rowing an ergometer, the initial position for training is about shoulder width.

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“Rule 1- Rowing, Boats, Regattas, Rowers
Rowing is the propulsion of a displacement boat, with or without coxswain, by the muscular force of one or more rowers, using oars as simple levers of the second order and sitting with their backs to the direction of movement of the boat. Rowing on a machine or in a tank which simulates the action of rowing in a boat is also considered as rowing.”

The BalancePoint handle does not change the fundamental motion or leverage of a rowing stroke, it is merely an ergonomic device that helps the athlete transfer power to the water.

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Is an oar with a BalancePoint handle still a second order lever?
Yes. The BalancePoint handle does not change the relationship of the load (water), fulcrum (oar-lock), and force (rower), so it remains a second order lever.

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