Abstract: Rowing apparatus for propelling an oar driven watercraft in a direction in which the oarsman is facing. The apparatus includes a handle portion, a blade portion, and a transmission mechanism interconnecting the handle and blade portions. Through the transmission mechanism, rearward movement of the handle portion causes corresponding rearward movement of the blade portion to propel the watercraft in the forward direction. Likewise forward movement of the handle portion, as during the stroke recovery, causes corresponding forward movement of the blade portion. Rotation of the handle portion about its longitudinal axis is transmitted via the transmission mechanism to cause a corresponding rotation of the blade portion so that the blade may be axially rotated.