Best tape for blisters

[GrahamC]

On long paddles I sometimes get blisters. During last year's Cheshire ring race I tried a few types of tape (medical tape not duck - yet) to prevent and cover them. However, all tapes finally peeled and made a sticky mess on the paddleshaft. Has anyone got any recomendations or experience of tapes that can be used on cold wet hands, that stay in place and that still permit the paddle to be controlled?

Graham

[JasonA]

I use electrical insulation tape, you just need to get the tension right so it doesn't cut off your circulation. You could also put a small dressing underneath if you have a blister or cut already

[banburypaddler]

Thin cotton gloves.

[Roebuck]

Gloves might not suit you - but I find they make all the difference. I don't get blisters and in cold weather you won't suffer with cold hands either. Did 12 miles today - no gloves and got a beaut of a blister. Won't do that again!

[CaptHook]

I found tape to be a bad idea altogether
- no matter what combination I tried (plasters on their own, plasters plus tape, tape, surgical tape, micropore tape) I would always end up with either the adhesive sticking to the shaft, the tape wrinkling and causing a blister anyway or the whole thing falling off...

I even had a case where the tape protected the blister/broken skin itself but then pulled the skin at the edges of the tape and caused a new blister

I paddled 125 miles with 'cheap' rugby gloves, thin material that has a slight non-slip rubber "picture" on the palm. 125 miles later - no blisters :) I would also try the 'thin cotton gloves' option - like the cotton gardening gloves you can get.
Martin

[robertm]

There's some spray on blister stuff that you can get from outdoor stores (no idea if its any good or will stick to the paddle shaft! sorry) or try cycle mitts, padded protection and not too thick to wear.

[GrahamC]

Thanks for the suggestions. Thin gloves sound like the best prospect - thick gloves will be too hot. I don't even like wearing pogies in icey water in winter so gloves in the summer are going to have to be very very thin. I intend to paddle about 40 miles on Sunday so I'll give gloves a go if I can find some - I presume we are not talking elbow length evening wear for ladies!

Graham

[Vulch]

Prevention: Gloves, or electrical tape on small problem areas. Tape only works AROUND fingers. It won't help anywhere on the palm of the hand. The thumb can be a bit tricky too.

Treatment: Micropore/zinc oxide tape/surgical tape(don't know if this is available in shops)/compeed (the toe version) covered with electrical tape.

IMPORTANT: Electrical tape will cause blisters elsewhere because it is usually too wide. Cut a strip off the edge of it to make a narrower strip. This works.

HTH

Vulch