Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Microfiber Suede Grips Help India’s Rowers Fight Blisters
Rowers pull oars again and again for several hours.
The rubbing between their hands and rubber grips can cause blisters and thick skin.
These injuries can make it harder to row efficiently.
Concept2 created softer microfiber suede grips to reduce the problem.
The grips do not remove every blister, but they can help protect the skin.
Coaches also change the oars depending on the rower, weather and water.
India’s boats and oars use modern materials such as carbon fibre.
Indian rowers are preparing to compete for gold in major Asian competition events.
India’s top men’s rowers often come from a belt spanning Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Long training sessions with rubber oar grips caused painful blisters and reduced stroke efficiency.
Concept2 developed adjustable microfiber suede grips around 2018–19 to make rowing more skin-friendly.
Coaches adjust oar length, blade angle, shaft stiffness and rowlock position according to conditions and athletes.
Indian contenders for the Lightweight Doubles and Quadruple Sculls are targeting gold with upgraded equipment and psychological preparation.
- Who
- India’s elite men’s rowers, coaches and equipment makers including Concept2 are involved.
- What
- Microfiber suede oar grips and other equipment upgrades are helping rowers manage hand blisters and improve stroke efficiency.
- When
- Concept2 researched the grips around 2018–19; the equipment is being used in preparations for the upcoming Asian competition.
- Where
- The rowers largely come from towns between Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh; equipment is made or developed in places including Vermont and Livorno.
- Why
- Repeated friction from rowing can cause blisters and reduce stroke efficiency, so softer grips and carefully adjusted equipment are used to support performance.
- Main equipment change
- Microfiber suede grips replaced traditional rubber grips in an effort to reduce hand irritation.
- Research period
- Concept2 began researching adjustable composite grips around 2018–19.
- Training impact
- Blisters could reduce rowing stroke efficiency during long sessions.
- Boat cost
- The article places Fillipi boats at around Rs 19 lakh.
- Oar material
- Modern carbon-fibre Ultralight oars offer greater elasticity than traditional wooden oars.
- Target events
- India’s rowers are aiming for gold in men’s Lightweight Doubles Sculls and Quadruple Sculls.
- Preparation
- Elite psychologists are helping rowers remain calm during physically demanding strokes.