Northampton High School InvenTeam

Northampton, Massachusetts
2014-2015

The Northampton High School InvenTeam invented Auto-Oar, a device that eliminates the need for wrist strength during the rowing motion. This will create a more efficient rowing stroke for adaptive rowers who lack wrist strength or have limited fine motor skills. Auto-Oar transfers linear motion into rotational motion to automatically rotate the oar from a perpendicular position relative to the water to a parallel position, called “feathering” —a motion traditionally generated by the rower’s wrist movement. The device is adjustable to accommodate different sized adults and stroke lengths. It is a lightweight and waterproof addition to an existing oarlock and oar. The initial cost for a set of two is approximately $250. Watch their 2015 EurekaFest Video