Where do you grip the Model D handle?

[trailrunner]

I've been having problems with blisters and soreness under callouses with the most problems on outermost (ring and pinky fingers). I've always tended to grip the handle outboard, with little finger right at the end or even hanging off the end.

Yesterday I held my hands much closer to the center, to where my index fingers were on the angle transition of the handle. It seemed to take some of the pressure of the spots that have been giving me problems.

I'm interested in hearing about your thoughts and strategy on hand position.

Some of this (I think) was triggered by hand washing dishes (dishwasher broke a few weeks ago) which softened up some callouses. I ended up pulling off parts of the callouses. I ended up with soft skin next to parts of callouses.

I have one of early D's and wore out the handle early, I think because of rings (which I have stopped wearing). The replacement handle has a harder covering. I wish they would offer the old softer covering as an option. I'm going to try to cover the old handle with Cinneli Cork Ribbon (bike handlebar tape) although it may be difficult to get a clean end because there is no hole with plug like on a bike handlebar.

[johnlvs2run]

I've always kept my hands closer to the center but am keeping them on the ends for now, to focus on more use of my back.

Try reverse wrapping the handle with thin nylon socks. I've been doing this for years and it works very well. Kmart has them for around $1 a pair. Here is a thread with more information and a photo. As you can see this was on a model B, but I have since done the same with the model C and now with the new model D.

http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?p= ... ylon#75896

Avoid linen or anything else with cotton as those hold moisture, cause blisters and can cause the skin to peel off your hands.

[kmjo59@yahoo.com]

Trailrunner,
As a fellow cyclist, here in Southern California, I use a pair of "Performance Gel Mtn. Gloves' bought through Performance Bike.com.
Long fingered gloves, just strap them on, and row away. I grip the end of the handle, with my pinkies hanging over the edge. The grip fits well in my fingertips, and I've acquired the callouses, but have experienced no blisters. Cost of the gloves currently is 19.95, and they last. I've just ordered a second back up pair. Hope this helps!
Kevin O'Bryan
So. Cal. /6.3 million and counting

[MastahPat]

I think it also depends on how you hold the handle. Do you grip it so your thumb is in contact with the handle, or do you have on with just your finger tips? I find that using just your finger tips feels much better on the hands. It will take some time to get used to because your forearms will be doing a little more work, but it doesnt hurt your hands.

[TabbRows]

I agree with MastahPat. If you grip the handle more with thethe finger tips and middle part of the fingers toward the outside ends, similar to how you'd handle a sculling oar, except that the thumbs may rest on the back of the handle, you'll find that you can essentially relax your grip on the recovery and let the chain "pull" you back to the catch. And you won't be gripping too tight to get blisters. This helps otw to get you use to relaxing your hands on the recovery as well.

[rkbagley]

I had a similar problem a few months ago - had some major callous buildup, then developed a blood blister near my wedding band (been married 27 years - it's practically attached

The only way I could continue to row afterwards was to wear Harbinger weight training gloves (fingerless). Been using them ever since, and haven't had any more problems.

The gloves can be thrown in the wash every couple of weeks. I think they costed me ~$20, and I've had them for several months now.

Part of my erg'ing ritual now - when I strap the gloves on, I feel like I've got my game face on