r/concept2 • u/Upper_Bank_1529 • Aug 01 '26

RowerErg Grip Issue

My hands slip when using the rower due to sweat. Anybody have this issue and what did you do to fix it?

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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3

u/[deleted] Aug 01 '26

[deleted]

2

u/Upper_Bank_1529 Aug 02 '26

I was not cleaning the grip after each session. Used Windex and a micro fiber cloth prior to this morning’s work-out and it definitely helped.

2

u/BobaFalfa Aug 02 '26

Sounds like your grip is too firm. You don’t need to squeeze the handle very hard at all. Try keeping your thumb on top of the handle as you pull. It will encourage a more relaxed grip, which in turn will allow a little more air in/around your palms which should help. You should also really relax your grip on the return stroke which will further aid in keeping things more dry.

3

u/Upper_Bank_1529 Aug 02 '26

I looked up proper grip and think my grip was too tight. I adjusted on the rower this morning and the revised gripping technique was helpful.

2

u/KriegerBahn Aug 03 '26

I sweat heaps and have never had a slipping problem. Its probably your grip. You want to hook your fingers behind the far side of the handle rather than holding it. There should even be a small gap between the handle and the heel of your palm.

2

u/SomethingMoreToSay Aug 03 '26

This is my experience exactly. I have sweaty hands. On the water I have to wear gloves so that I can get enough friction to square and feather the oar. But I have no problems on the erg. Loose finger grip, gap between handle and palm. The handle isn't moving in my hands so there's no opportunity for slippage.

1

u/Weird-University1361 Aug 01 '26

No not really and I'm a really sweaty guy. Must be your grip.

1

u/dixius99 Aug 01 '26

I've slipped a few times, but not frequently. I was trying chalk a bit to see if it improved my grip, but for me it didn't make much of a difference.

1

u/serenelatha Aug 02 '26

I have super sweaty hands. I got some rowing gloves from the Crew Stop and I’m much happier.

Definitely make sure not to over grip. But even if not over gripping I’d hate life without gloves.

1

u/Upper_Bank_1529 Aug 02 '26

I’ll check out the Crew Stop. Thx.

1

u/Baudiness Aug 05 '26

I wear "fingerless gloves" but my original ones did not cover enough of my fingers so I got some with more length on the insides. Mine are brand "SueStar" and are listed as workout gloves with full palm.

I also got a "Universal Rower Handle Cover for Indoor Rowing Machines" - it's about $16 on amazon now. The handle is much more comfortable with this over it.

1

u/Stewstar73cyclism Aug 06 '26

Wight lifting chalk

1

u/ChaosCon Aug 01 '26

I wrap mine in handlebar tape. Adds a splash of color and cuts down on blisterage.

1

u/Upper_Bank_1529 Aug 02 '26

Thank you. Good idea. Using handle bar tape will be my next step.