Required Coxswain Rowing Skills

It is a position of leadership, trust, and bravery, which the coxswain accepts from the coach. His character must be impeccable, his judgment accurate, and his instinct above reproof. The role of the coxswain is imperative to the safety of the crew.

From his vantage point at the top of the stern, the coxswain sets the tone, observes the hazards, guides the crew, and communicates with the coach and other teams. The coxswain, whether male or female, must be able to anticipate the future, direct the present, and overcome the past, all in the matter of a few moments on the river.

Guiding the Team

The coxswain, called cox for short, guides the team with a gentle, but firm hand. He has created a relationship of trust with his teammates, and that is the foundation of his success. They rely on him to keep them safe, alerting them of dangers in their path. They expect him to communicate effectively, helping them work together as they travel down the river. When the team is tired, the cox provides that little bit of extra encouragement to keep them going strong. He is their leader. They depend on his skill and knowledge to do what must be done.

Directing the Boat

As the rowing team gets ready to race down the lane, the cox must be prepared. Any slip that misdirects their course could disqualify them, and prevent the team from finishing the race. He uses a rudder to steer the boat, while calling commands to the crew. The cox also watches for tactical errors so that he can keep the boat balanced. As he guides the ship, the cox communicates with the coach on shore. Together they direct the team, steer the boat, and avoid hazards in the water.

Setting the Pace

Each boat is equipped with a cox-box. This device provides the coxswain with crew statistics. It tells him the stroke count, enabling him to judge his next command. Through the information of the cox-box, the coxswain is able to determine where to set the pace for his crew members. He may need to slow them down, so they don't tire too early in the race. He may need to encourage them at the end of the race, commanding more strokes to secure a victory. It is a judgment call, and the crew respects his authority to make it.

The camaraderie of the team is certain. They have faith and trust in their cox. There is only one thing left to do at the end of a long day of rowing. The team must show their support to the leader of the pack. It is only right to do so by throwing him in the river, a sure sign of playful submission and appreciation for keeping them safe.