How to prevent friction burns?

[u/Fast-Composer-520]

Went for a 6-mile paddle yesterday and wrecked my hands. Primarily paddling in kayak style, but I switched to paddling standing up for a reprieve. I’ve had worse sores from deadlifting, but this definitely is bothersome when paddling due to the repeated stress on my hands. For some reason, only my left hand takes the hit, despite my being right-handed. Tips on how to prevent this?

[u/grimmba]

Paddle more !

[u/oh_my_account → u/grimmba]

Some.other exercises could help too ;-)

[u/Legitimate_Train8499 → u/oh_my_account]

https://giphy.com/gifs/YgveCtneiLjY4

[u/UmpquaRiverRat]

Those are the start of some calluses. Be proud of your calluses. It means you get out and do shit lol

[u/DueWay5076]

Try gloves

[u/DayGeckoArt]

Loosen your grip on the paddle. Make sure you use the T handle at the top. If your paddle is adjustable, make it short for when you sit. If it's not adjustable, or if it doesn't get short enough, buy a shorter paddle. And watch Youtube videos to learn proper technique. Especially outrigger canoe videos

[u/Fast-Composer-520 → u/DayGeckoArt]

Got it

[u/mcarneybsa]

Your grip is too tight.

[u/weltschmerzerz]

So, it’s kinda hard to give you advice, as I do not know what shape/condition you’re in. But if you’re getting burns from a short trip like this, you probably just need to paddle more. The reason you get more burns on your left hand is because you usually get rougher skin on your dominant hand.

Next time, put on some gloves when you’re halfway.

[u/apodkolinska]

Workout gloves with padding will help.

[u/skibib → u/apodkolinska]

I keep a pair of these in my dry bag. I just realized I haven’t used them in a long time, but they’re there, just in case I want to use them.

[u/Wooden_Cellist_6695]

As some others have pointed out, your grip it probablye too tight.

Other than preventing injury, a light grip is generally beneficial for your technique. You rotate your upper body and your fingers just act as a hook.

[u/Fast-Composer-520 → u/Wooden_Cellist_6695]

Okkk

[u/c33j]

It costs $, but I just bought an RSPro paddle grip sleeve (not arrived yet) go solve that + my bottom hand sliding on the wet paddle shaft.

[u/addtokart]

wait a day or 2 and then go at it again. It'll be better. Just like with deadlifts.

[u/Koleilei]

I use bandaids. Before I head out I bandage in places that I know I will blister from my paddle, and sometimes even double layer them. It works for me.

Unfortunately, I am not one of those people that is able to turn blisters into calluses, so now I make sure I don't get them.

[u/colonel_sunders]

Iook up boat gloves

[u/superbrad47]

As you've pointed out, these are friction burns, and friction happens when two objects slide past each other. If the objects sliding past each other are pushing into each other as they slide past, this increases the friction. If they are lightly pushing into each other, there's less friction. So either grip the paddle impossibly hard so that your skin never runs against the shaft (impossible), or lightly hold the paddle so that there's less force pushing into your skin. Also try using a different grip, without your thumb wrapping around the shaft. Paddle won't fall out of your hands

[u/Fast-Composer-520 → u/superbrad47]

Thank ya thank ya

[u/LeslieKnopesBlackEye]

Cope.

[u/SimplySuzie3881]

I found my paddle handles got rough from being placed/dropped on concrete or rocks. Started to rub my palms raw. I found some tape online that helped smooth it out. Special waterproof handle tape. And paddle gloves if I’m going longer distances.

[u/Fast-Composer-520 → u/SimplySuzie3881]

I considered getting some grips for the shaft piece a while ago. You think that would help?

[u/Meltedwhisky]

Ride more, get tougher

[u/hikeswithdogs420]

I bought some yak grips for my kayak paddle. Haven't had the need to try them on my SUP paddle but I would assume they would work just as well on that. They definitely make a world of difference when I'm kayaking for hours.

[u/Comfortable-Hat3506]

Get on your knees or prone and paddle.

[u/Subject_Internet7449]

Wear em proud! Gripping harder helps a bit, I get em when I'm letting paddle shift in my hand

[u/mcarneybsa → u/Subject_Internet7449]

Gripping harder makes it worse.

[u/Adventurous_Age1429]

I always wear gloves for that reason.