The present disclosure is directed to a gear system/reversing gearbox that allows reversing the direction of pivotal rotation between first and second shafts (i.e., about a pivot axis transverse to long axis of the shafts) while also translating at least some axial rotation between the shafts. In one exemplary application, the gear system is utilized in forward rowing system that allows a rowing motion substantially identical to a rearward rowing system.

A pair of rowing devices is installed on respective port (left) and starboard (right) sides of a watercraft such as a rowboat, kayak or canoe. Unlike in conventional rowing the operator sits forward facing the bow (front). By pulling the inboard portion of the oars towards the stern (back) while the blade is in the water, the watercraft is propelled forward. The system described herein reverses the direction of the blades motion through the water using a gearbox. The gearbox also allows for feathering of the paddles, that is, changing the angle of the paddle in relation to the water. This is done by turning the handle throughout the movement of the oars as done with traditional oars.

The gears for reversing the rowing motion for oars is a gearing mechanism configured for use with an oar. The gears for reversing the rowing motion for oars reverses the pulling motion associated with the oar. This reversal of the pulling motion allows the oar to be used normally while the rower faces the bow of a boat. The gears for reversing the rowing motion for oars comprises a drive gear mechanism, a rotation gear mechanism a handle mechanism, an oar mechanism, and a gunwale mount. The drive gear mechanism transfers power from the handle mechanism to the oar mechanism. The gunwale mount attaches the gears for reversing the rowing motion for oars to the gunwale of a boat. The rotation gear mechanism raises and lowers the oar into the water.

The present disclosure is directed to a gear system/reversing gearbox that allows reversing the direction of pivotal rotation between first and second shafts (i.e., about a pivot axis transverse to long axis of the shafts) while also translating at least some axial rotation between the shafts. In one exemplary application, the gear system is utilized in forward rowing system that allows a rowing motion substantially identical to a rearward rowing system.