What do I do about blisters?
The key to happy hands is keeping them clean. Unfortunately, there are no magic cures for blisters. Some people put rubbing alcohol or peroxide on blisters immediately after rowing to avoid infection. Others simply wash with soap and water.
Putting clean tape over a blister wihle rowing sometimes helps, but tape can also cause new blisters. It is often best to simply ignore the blister while rowing and keep it clean and open to the air when off the water.
Whatever you do, stay away from moisturizers immediately before and after rowing. They make your hands slippery and will lead to worse blisters in the long run.
Finally, if you ever see bright red in the skin around the area of the blister, if you entire hand is in pain or especially if you see any kind of red streaks, you may have an infection and should immediately seek medical attention.
Rochester Rowing Club


