by Clare Callow

Created on: February 17, 2009   Last Updated: February 21, 2009

In straightforward terms, the coxswain steers their boat in just the same way as anyone, by organising for harder paddling on one side of the boat or tilting the tiller. However, the real work during the race involves the extensive, and far more subtle, manoeuvrings of the coxswain from the very start of training.

The coxswain is the pivotal part of any rowing team, guiding the team throughout the race much like a conductor guides an orchestra. During an event, the coxswain issues constant commands to conduct the boat along the best course, using his/her thorough knowledge of each team member to detect and correct faults on the run. In this, a coxswain has the same sort of duties as a coach, except they get to occupy a position any coach would kill for during the event: giving the team instructions, steering the best and fastest course and providing updates on placing as the race progresses.

Coxswains are, in very real terms, in charge of their rowing team. Although rowing teams are coached, the coxswain's role is to provide coaching when the coach is not present and instruct the team at all times, including when unloading and packing the boat. A coxswain is also responsible for fine-tuning the team's technique according the conditions: using judgments on the stream (the flow of the water), wind, and conditions on the river's surface to alter the team's stroke speed and power. The duties of a coxswain include taking the team through a physical warm-up and technical check of equipment, presenting the team ready for work during coaching sessions, and interpreting the coach's thoughts to present to the team as a clear set of physical instructions.

To steer the boat, the coxswain uses the tiller, a rudder located at the stern of the boat. For boats without a tiller the coxswain will call for increased pressure from one side or the other of rowers. Although they may look graceful, rowing boats are about as manoeuvrable as a drunk elephant, and bad decisions can lead to the boat capsizing. Turns that are too sharp or come at the wrong section of the stroke also cost the team precious seconds due to the extra drag on the boat. Coxswains issue their orders through a megaphone or, if their team's funding can stretch to it, a microphone system called a cox box.* The latter not only amplifies the coxswain's instructions through speakers located throughout the boat, but also relays speed information to the coxswain through a headset/microphone.

Although it is the team's physical force that drives the boat over the finish line, the coxswain is the key member that can give them the winning edge. Coxswains must be intuitive yet practical, authoritative yet subservient, and strong yet subtle; one misjudgement of a rower's stress levels or the angle to turn the tiller, and the whole team could end up in the water.

*after the first product of such a type, released by Neilsen Kellerman. The name Cox-Box is a registered trademark of the company.

Learn more about this author, Clare Callow.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.