[Ironsides]

My first kayak trip produced a beautiful blister on the inside of my left thumb, and it hurts like hell.
Can any body recommend suitable gloves/mittens. :?:

Ian

 

[Daveyak]

Ian, I've been using UVeto fingerless (cut off at about 1st knuckle) gloves for about a year now & very happy with'em for paddling & handling fish. You'll also find that you'll develop thicker skin (callouses?) on inside of thumbs.

 

[Dodge]

Ian maybe those sun protection gloves may assist, but ease up on your grip and and I'm sure your hands will would be OK after a couple of outings.

Perhaps you over exerted in the enjoyment of the first trip

 

[spooled1]

Hi Ian,

With more time on the water you'll naturally adjust your paddle stroke and the blisters will be a distant memory. As Dodge said, Back off the grip.

A trick I learnt early on was to drive the paddle. This is when you use the heel of your hand to push the paddle on the high side and use the fingertips of the "immersed"" side to gently control the blade while it's in the water. With practice you can paddle your yak using your lilttle finger and the heel of your hand.

Driving the paddle saves heaps of energy because you are pushing a lever against the water rather than pulling the blade through it. Your top hand is located about 1.2 metres above the blade during a paddlestroke - That's a lot of leverage. Also a top way to prevent blisters.

 

[Phoenix]

I got mine off ebay from Russian Warfie - cost about $25 - these gloves are the heat.

 

[HiRAEdd]

Uveto sun gloves are the best.

 

[Ironsides]

Thanks guys, where do you buy the Uveto fingerless sun gloves?
The blister is a pain because it catches when using my manual wheelchair.
Didnt want you all to think I'm a wuss :!: :lol: :lol:

Ian

 

[Dodge]

Ian this link may help you to dealers

http://www.uveto.com/products.asp

 

[Davey G]

I use neoprene fingerless gloves in winter, but have now started wearing a golf glove on my left hand. This is mainly for helping to grab slimy fish , and preventing getting spiked, but would also stop blisters and prevent sun damage.

They are skin tight, so you dont even know you are wearing them, and they also help give you a bit of added grip on the paddle. any golf shop or sporting section of chain stores should sell them

pic attached

 

[Flump]

Ian,

Another option is to buy some tennis raquet grip and wind this onto your paddle. It will have two effects, firstly give you a nicer grip and secondly give you something a bit thicker to hold on to. Both should help you correct your grip. Gloves should help too .
Cheers....Nick