To the spectator, the general perception of a coxswain and their roll in a rowing crew, is that they are the small person at the back of the boat who steers and shouts. While this is partly true, coxswains do sit at the back of the boat and they do shout and steer, however they are much more than this!
A good coxswain is very valuable to their crew and make the rowing as easy as possible for their rowers.
Qualities of a good coxswain:
- Good Sense of Judgment
- Cool head under pressure
- Confidence
- Patience
- Encourage, motivate and unit the crew
- Steer straight and efficient courses
- Keep their crew and their equipment safe
- Provide valuable technical feedback to the coach and crew
- Assist the coach and crew both on and off the waterto achieve the best possible result for their crew
- Always look for opportunities to learn in order to gain their crew the edge
- Lead and sets a good example for both their crew and other coxswains.
Resources for Coxswains
Coxmate - a website dedicated to all things regarding coxswains. A definte bookmark for any aspiring coxswain!
NK Sports - a website which contains all electronic devices available for coxswains.
Coxswains Handbook - This provides beginner level information to coaches or coxswains looking to teach or learn the ropes respectively. Split into handy sized sections the handbook covers a wide variety of topics relevant to novice coxswains including; Steering, safety procedures, navigation, general calls, fault correction and equipment.
The handbook can be ordered online through Rowing Australia.
The Rowing Cox - A blog developed with the coxswain in mind
Ready 2 Row - A US coxswain focus blog with lots of good tips
Interesting Coxing Youtube Clips
Inspirational interview by Australia's Teesaan Koo the coxswain for the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four at the 2022 World Rowing Championships. He has also been coxing for over 25 years, his first World Championships being in 1995.
Coxswain of the 2008 Olympic Champion Men's Eight, people always ask me....what do you do? >
Australian LW Mens 8+ Coxswain Call from 2011 Gold Medal Winning crew at World Championships >