SkiErg blisters: solutions ?

[HornetMaX]

Hi all,

after 1.5yr with a RowErg I added a SkiErg last summer. For a while I used it only as warm-up/cool-down (so short 10min sessions) but now I'm moving into longer sessions (30min, 1h).

The combined usage of the RowErg and SkiErg has given me some new blisters (I initially had blisters with the RowErg but lately I was mostly OK).
I usually row and ski with a pair of CrewStop scullers gloves. I tried to strap some tape but it only helped marginally.

Question: any magical remedy (tape on the handles ? different handles ?) or I have to just endure them and they will settle ?

P.S.
I've ordered a pair of CrewStop paddlers gloves (4 fingers instead of 3, longer) so I'll try them soon (well, they sent me a pair of scullers again so I have to send back and wait a bit more but ).

[gvcormac]

2nd gen SkiErg with the green handles and flared bottoms? If you have a first gen, you might consider the second gen handles.

If your problem is with the second gen, you might try gripping lower so more of your weight is on the flares. I haven't experienced the problem so your mileage may vary. Blisters are generally the result of movement, so you want to suppress that.

[HornetMaX]

2nd gen yes,I'm griping as low as possible (I do feel the hands pushing on the handles flared bottoms).

Yeah, movement seem the issue but at the same time if I try to grip harder, I feel the blisters (almost healed) waking up ...
Maybe I'll try without gloves, hoping it will just work or at least give me some clue on what to do differently.

[gvcormac]

I don't use gloves for the SkiErg or the RowErg.

I've experimented with them for the RowErg and found that cotton T-shirt material works better than any glove. For the rower I just drape a square of it over each end of the handle. I suppose you could make a mitten, either for the handle or for your hand.

But I found that necessary only when doing 30km rows. For 10km or less, bare hands.

[DavidA]

Hi all,

after 1.5yr with a RowErg I added a SkiErg last summer. For a while I used it only as warm-up/cool-down (so short 10min sessions) but now I'm moving into longer sessions (30min, 1h).

The combined usage of the RowErg and SkiErg has given me some new blisters (I initially had blisters with the RowErg but lately I was mostly OK).
I usually row and ski with a pair of CrewStop scullers gloves. I tried to strap some tape but it only helped marginally.

Question: any magical remedy (tape on the handles ? different handles ?) or I have to just endure them and they will settle ?

P.S.
I've ordered a pair of CrewStop paddlers gloves (4 fingers instead of 3, longer) so I'll try them soon (well, they sent me a pair of scullers again so I have to send back and wait a bit more but ).

I do get them a little, but that seemed to be when I used the handles with my bare hands. I think there is more movement when my hands gets slippery. I usually wear on old pair of cycling gloves, as they were already in the house, and that seems to help a lot.

David

[HornetMaX]

I tried on silly thing and, well it worked beyond expectations.

I cut 2x 12cm off the sleeves of an old sweatshirt and slid them on the skierg handles, wrapping them around (as their hole is of course much wider than the handles diameter).

I did 2 sessions (one week apart) of 2x30min each (and during the week i had my usual 10' skierg warmupo for each of my rowing sessions. ~1h-1h30 each). Issue solved, I don't even need the gloves any more (maybe when it's hotter, just to keep the sweat at bay).

I'd like to find something a bit more polished, that can stay in place by itself (but that can still be easily removed, for a wash). I'll try some ideas next week.

BTW, I also tried the same approach on the rowerg and ... well, it worked there too.
Initially I used 2 large wrist bands (tennis stuff): despite the fact they are too big for the rower handle (so you need to wrap them a bit, avoid the "ridge" where they overlap and manage the fact they may slide bot laterally and around the handle), the comfort was good.
So I improved by simply using a small cotton towel laid on top of the rowerg handle, kept in place with two velcro strips in the middle part of the handle (wrap the strips tight on the towel). That worked really well, no more discomfort (that lately was from calluses due to pinching more than moving/friction). Still need the gloves when I sweat, but after 9 days and 6 sessions my hands are (and feel) way better.

[jelekan]

I've had similar experiences I ordered a Gripcure, it's a callus remover that is perfect for repairing hands. The design replicates holding barbells, dumbbells, Kettlebells and pull up bars. Similar to the rower handle. Its solid wood handle fits comfortably in the hand offering ultimate pressure control.

You can order them here: https://gripcure.com.

I am not affiliated to Gripcure, just a happy customer.

[HornetMaX]

I've been using a Scholl electric foot file (abducted from my wife's drawer) and yeah, it helps but it's kinda curative.

From what I'm seeing after 3 weeks, soft fabric (e.g. bath towel, thick socks or similar) just does the trick for me on both RowErg and SkiErg: my calluses are almost fully gone.