Soft hands: As we continue to find efficiency while we row, begin with ‘soft hands.’ What do I mean by this? It is common for rowers to apply a death grip while they are indoor rowing. As one coach once told me, “hold the handle as though you are holding a bird. Tight enough so that you don’t let it fly away, but soft enough so you don’t kill it.”
Try pulling on the oar as if you are hanging from a bar with just the fingers. Do not grip it tight like a fist. This will help alleviate tension in the forearms and help loosen the arms.
Duncan