the problem Rowers get used to blisters; that comes with the territory. But why should that have to be the case?
When I started my GCSE in Design Technology project in 2004, just at the time I was becoming very committed to competitive rowing, this issue seemed the logical choice for my design brief.
It also became clear that while just about every aspect of rowing technique and technology had advanced significantly in recent years, there was one important feature that had received very little attention – the key interface: the oar handle.
early thinking My initial thoughts centred on what was literally a sticking-plaster solution for the discomfort caused by conventional handles, a micropore tape dispenser that could be used in the boat without interrupting the rowing. That wouldn't solve the problem, though; so what would?
what causes blisters In practice the solution has to lie in reducing the friction that results from moving the hands over the oar handles. It started to become clear that this would also have important effects on rowing performance and technique, benefits that quickly emerged as the major reasons for continuing development.
solution one The skin bunches as the hand grips the handle, increasing the likelihood of friction as the oar is moved. A larger surface area means that more skin remains in contact with the handle. An oval section rather than a conventional round one provides an answer.
solution two If the handle itself could rotate with the movement of the rower's hands, the opportunities for friction would be further reduced.
This required re-engineering the handle. Instead of a solid continuation of the oar, the Webb handle is split into two separate pieces joined by a rotating mechanism. All the rotation necessary for the stroke is actually done by the mechanism, thereby taking the repetitive motion away from the rower's wrist and hands.
This further reduces the likelihood of friction causes blisters. There's also an important added benefit — less chance of contracting the tendonitis which effects so many athletes.
the conventional handle
the Webb handle
patents Feedback from rowers and coaches has been universally positive. On the advice of my own rowing coaches and with the assistance of the Haberdashers Company (the founders of my school) I contacted a patent officer, James Bridge-Butler. He recommended that I apply for patents on the two separate aspects of my design. The applications have now been lodged with the Patent Office.