Concept2 Forum

I started rowing Sept 2021 an went through the usual process regarding blisters: no blisters, some blisters, try gloves (CrewStop scullers and more recently paddlers too) and think you're ok, get some different blisters, accept them as basically inevitable.

Then I also started using a SkiErg and got some new blisters: some SKiErg-specific, some others more like new RowErg ones, in particular calluses due to pinching of your skin right below the articulation of the last phalange of most of the fingers.

Recently I wrapped some soft fabric (sweatshirt sleeves cuts) around the skierg handles and that worked nicely, so I decided to try the same thing on the rowerg. I put a small cotton towel on the handle, secured it with two velcro strips (wound tights around the handle+towel, towards the middle part of the handle) so that the towel doesn't move around too much (both laterally and around the handle).

It works like a charm (for me, YMMV). I still need to put gloves on when I sweat a lot (intense sessions in winter, all the time in spring/summer/autumn probably) but after 9 days and 6 sessions my hand are (and feel) much better.

P.S.
On Amazon US I've found this (link): guess it works as well. But if a friend sees you with it, you'd be hard pressed to explain what it is before he/she starts reaching strange conclusions

Before I rowed I was a cyclist, so my first idea was to use cycling gloves, but found that I would get some blisters after several rows. I switched to a pair of heavier fingerless weight lifting gloves and have never had any issues. I also use these gloves to lift weights, so they get a lot of use.

I have found foam cycling handlebar wrap to work very well. Wrap it around the handles from outside to in with a 50% overlap. Cut and tape the end.

I use thin leather pads for this. They connect very well to the fingers, but can slide a bit on the handle, so you don't get any friction and no blisters or calluses build up (or existing can heal).
Best thing is, they are portable, as I use the rower in the gym as well and can take them with me.

For me the answer is ankle socks. I throw one of those on each handle, and I barely get calluses, and never blisters. This is with near-daily rowing (2 million meters goal this season).

As a beginner rower, I’ve dealt with calluses and blisters too, and your towel-and-velcro trick sounds like a great fix! I’ve tried using gloves, but even with them, sweaty hands make it tricky sometimes. I recently bought some rowing accessories from https://www.dealsandstealstoday.com/view-your-deal/ that have helped with grip and hand comfort, but your DIY method seems like a nice, simple solution. I’ll definitely give it a try thanks for sharing!