For each PRO Rig that you are renting, you will need to specify the oar setup preferred by the boatman. Redundancy is a good thing in this case; if you have several boats with the same kind of setups, parts are interchangeable.
Open Oarlocks with Stops
Most veteran canyon boatmen prefer this set up because the oars can be feathered into the wind. It is easy to ship the oars but requires more grip & forearm strength than the other two options. The advantage of feathering applies in the water too; you can slice your blade forward or back to get it, for example, out from under another boat.
Open Oarlocks with Rights
Oar rights are black plastic sheaths that clamp to the oar shaft using a screwdriver. Each right has a plastic lobe which nests in the opening of the oarlock, keeping the blades straight up and down so they can’t twist. This is the best choice if you are unsure whether you want open oarlocks or pins and clips. The rights when in place keep the oar in the “right” position, but they can also be removed – giving the option of open oarlocks.
Thole Pins & Clips
The California old school standard: the pins stand up from the frame, each with a ball on the end, the clip is a giant bobby-pin shaped thing that is clamped to the oar shaft. Check your balls every day to make sure they don’t pop off! Pins & Clips serve the same function as oar rights; the blade angle is set and can’t twist. It is harder to ship the oars and folks using these tend to break more oars.