If I am used to a shallow connection, would it be better to lower the washers on both sides and use an oar with a slightly higher gearing?

I suggest very large and strong scullers can afford to go particularly deep for optimum performance …. Lighter and more nimble folk can go shallow but well covered.

i am confused now, my coach tells me to not go deep, but bury the blade just below the water line.

Surely there's such a thing as too deep, you wanna be just below the surface no? Also for balance in sweep boats.

So from the comments and my own personal experience, there is such a thing as too deep and this video fails to discuss this problem. Also, it’s important to explain the way in which the blade should be buried. Ie avoiding tension in the shoulders and traps from digging too deep.