Shaw and Tenney - Maine Crafted Since 1858

Win a Limited Edition Signed Print and Custom S&T Frame

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Win a Limited Edition Signed Print and Custom S&T Frame

Shaw & Tenney Ambassador Lee Crosson has paddled all over the world, capturing the true essence of his trips through exceptional photography.

This contest features a beautiful signed print, by Lee, that was taken in July of 2016 on his trip to Second Machias Lake in our home state of Maine. 

Lee’s S&T paddle of choice for this trip was our classic Maine Guide with a custom handle made to Lee’s spec. His Sassafras paddle and Mad River canoe are beautifully silhouetted against the lake and setting sun in this stunning limited edition print.

To match the beauty of the print, the craftsman at Shaw & Tenney handcrafted a frame from the historic reclaimed timber of Quakish Lake in Maine.  The sunken wood, from log drives of yesteryear, provides an amazing story along with the stunning color of the wood.   The harvested wood derives it rich and varied colors from the 100 – 400+ years spent in the cold dark Maine waters absorbing minerals and pigments below the water's surface.

 

Quakish Lake Riverwood Picture Frame

 

For as long as we can remember, customers have been displaying their Shaw & Tenney oars and paddles in their homes. And while every oar and paddle is crafted and designed for life on the water, as craftsmen, we're honored that our customers appreciate our craft enough to consider it art.

The contest runs until Wednesday, September 7. Good luck!

Enter Here »

 

If you'd like to see more products like this from Shaw & Tenney in the future, please let us know.

 

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How to Size Your Oars

To determine the correct length oar for your boat measure the distance between the port and starboard oar sockets. Then apply the Shaw and Tenney oar length formula to determine the oar length that will provide the correct 7:18 leverage ratio. This length will provide an oar where 7/25 the length is inboard of the oarlocks and 18/25 of the oar is outboard of the oarlocks. It is the ideal ratio to row almost all boats. Sized correctly, when rowing your hands will be 1 to 3 inches apart and you will be pulling directly towards your abdomen. If you are popping out of your oarlocks when rowing your oars are far too short. If you prefer an overlapping grip, add 6” to the calculated oar length. If you have more than one rowing station in your boat, measure both. Typically they will require two different length oars which is fine if you’re going to be rowing tandem and need two sets. Otherwise you’ll need to compromise the correct length to work properly in both stations. If you are rowing more than 75% in one station size the oar to that length. As always feel free to call us and were happy to help you select the correct oar length and blade style for your boat.

The Original Shaw & Tenney Oar Length Formula

To help our customers size their oars correctly, we’ve been using the same formula since 1858: Measure the distance between the center of the port and starboard oar sockets, which hold the oar locks on each gunnel. This is called the “span” between the oarlocks. Divide the span by 2, and then add 2 to this number. The result is called the “inboard loom length” of the oar. Multiply the loom length by 25, and then divide that number by 7. The result is the proper oar length in inches. Round up or down to the closest 6” increment.

How to Size Your Paddle

For traditional wooden paddles the ideal length for the Stern paddler is the bridge of your nose or 6 inches less than your height. For the bow paddler the paddle reaching the cleft of your chin or 9 inches less than your height is correct.

For our Racine paddle if you are over 5’6” tall select the 63-1/2” length and the shorter paddle if you are under5’-6”tall.

When paddling solo we typically recommend a bow length paddle. For Canadian style solo most paddlers prefer an even shorter paddle.

For paddling canoes when standing (yes our mother let us do this) a 69 inch or 72 inch paddle is usually about right.

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