The first week of college rowing destroyed my hands. Blisters on blisters, some filled with blood, all of them screaming every stroke. I wondered if I'd made a terrible mistake.
"Everyone's hands look like that in September," my coxswain said. "By November, you won't feel a thing."
The Adaptation
She was right. With consistent rowing, my hands transformed. Soft skin became callused. Blisters became tough spots. By winter training, I could row for hours without thinking about my hands.
But getting there required protection. Tape on the worst blisters. Rest when needed. Patience with the process.
Four Years Later
Now I'm the one telling freshmen their hands will adapt. I show them how to tape, when to rest, how to build rowing hands the smart way. Some things you have to learn from those who've been through it.