Microfiber Suede Grips Help Indian Rowers Reduce Hand Blisters
· Sports · Indian Express
Microfiber suede grips have replaced traditional rubber handles on oars to help Indian rowers mitigate the physical toll of repetitive friction. The transition, initiated by American manufacturer Concept2 around 2018-19, provides a softer texture that reduces the severity of blisters during multi-hour training sessions. Rowers from India's northern belt, spanning from Punjab to Uttar Pradesh, have historically endured calloused and bleeding palms while training for international competitions. According to Subedar Tejas Shirke of the Army Rowing Node, the material change has improved stroke efficiency and overall race timings. While the grips do not eliminate blisters entirely, they provide a more skin-friendly interface for athletes.
Why it matters
This material upgrade improves the physical comfort and performance efficiency of Indian rowers, who often train for hours in a sport that demands intense manual endurance.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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