Getting a better grip

Today was time for new grips. 

We like the Stampfli grips which are a rather unfortunate pinky-orange in colour, but are nice pliable grips. They eventually fall to pieces so I have cut off the old ones and am applying the new ones here. 

The procedure is as follows. Place your index finger over the hole it the tip, fill the grip with water and line up against the end of the oar handle with the loom between your legs and the blade braced on the ground. Then pull the grip towards you swiftly. The water in the grip is forced down the sides of the blade handle, expanding the grip and acting as super-lubrication for the grip to slide all the way down into place. You have to get it right first time, otherwise it can be really difficult to get it back off again. Needless to say the water goes everywhere - mostly over you, and the whole process looks quite disgusting to any bystanders. If they are standing too close, then they'll get wet too.