Five AM practice. Cold water. Thousands of strokes before breakfast. Rowing destroys hands like no other sport. Blisters form, tear, bleed — then you row through it because there's no alternative. Except there is: tape before the damage happens.
Rowers have used self-adhering tape for decades because it solves the unique problems of the sport: wet conditions, repetitive grip, and sessions too long to stop for hand care.
Why Rowing Blisters Are Different
Unlike calluses that form from weight training, rowing blisters come from rotation. The oar handle moves in your hands with each stroke. Wet conditions soften skin. Hour-long sessions don't let damaged skin rest. The result: blisters that tear open before they can heal.
The worst hand damage happens when training volume suddenly increases — spring racing season, 2K test prep, head race training blocks. Tape during these periods even if you don't normally need it.
Taping Technique
Cover the base of the fingers where blisters typically form. Wrap in a spiral pattern that allows full finger flexion. Use thin layers — bulk changes your grip. The tape will stay put even when soaked; it bonds to itself, not to moisture.