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Coxing


The coxswain is the only person in the boat without an oar. She faces towards the bow (forward) while all the rowers are sitting backwards and are unable to see where they are going.

The basic role of a coxswain is:

  • to be responsible for the safety of the crew

  • to steer the boat

  • to give commands to the rowers so they know what

  • to do and when to do it


 
Over time, calls (what they say while in the boat) become more advanced. The coxswain should be able to spot problems with the rowers' technique and provide them with information on how to correct the problem. Also their motivational calls start to become more advanced and they are able to apply clever tactics to any race situation, which will result in their crew being successful.

Club membership is free for coxes who do not row.  Coxes are typically women under 120 pounds or men under 130 pounds, but we can be flexible about that.  Call us - we need you on our team!  Contact us via email using this form.

Outside the world of rowing, few people really understand the role of a coxswain on a rowing team. Most people just think that the coxswain is the tiny person sitting in the boat who yells "stroke, stroke, stroke". While the coxswain may be little and may yell a lot, the words go beyond "stroke, stroke, stroke".

Coxing is considered an art. It takes experience, intelligence, and common sense to become a master.  The coxswain is the glue that holds the boat together.

As coxswains gain enough experience their role involves:

  • advising the rowers on how to row better

  • working with the coach

  • running practices on their own



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