Any (boat) rowers out there?

[Madcats]

As if indoor and open-water swimming wasn't enough, DD(14) now wants to give rowing a go. Seemingly a lot of her ex swim buddies are in a local club and love it.

I've signed her up for a "learn to row" week in the school hols but I am completely clueless. Whilst she is fit and active should we be putting something on her hands to harden them?

Don't overthink it, there's nothing to prep for really.

Her hands will toughen up if she takes up rowing regularly.

I'm a former international rower. Only prep she needs is to work on her fitness (but if she's already indoor rowing and swimming, she'll be fine). Don't worry about her hands. She'll get some blisters to start with. It's normal. Rowers love showing off their blisters and/or callouses. Same with 'boat bite' on the back of their calves.

It's an addictive sport. It will most likely take over her life if she enjoys it and she's good at it (and she's tall).

Ex-club rower here.
I'd agree there's not much she can do about her hands, but I doubt they'll beast them too much!

It might be worth looking up the stroke sequence on British rowing or YouTube and for DD to have a go on an erg if she can.

Hope she enjoys it!

MagpiePi what is an erg?

A rowing machine. Usually a Concept II.

I don’t think so, no. I rowed competitively and never heard of anyone using anything on their hands.

If you do get blisters you can wear cycling gloves.

I'm no international level rower or swimmer, but the culture seems much kinder and healthier than swimming. You don't age out either and injuries seem less common

DS is a rower (and I was as a teen) and the blisters is def a mark of honour! They do toughen up quickly. Its a really nice sport imo and a great culture.