What is the role of a coxswain?
The coxswain, or cox, keeps the boat going straight and the oars swinging in sync and lets the crew know who’s ahead and who’s behind and by how much. If done right, the cox’s commands help the rowers push past the pain barrier and keep pulling those oars when every muscle fiber tells them to stop.
Is a coxswain an athlete?
Coxswains are athletes mentally, and you cannot be an athlete mentally unless you are one physically.” Besides the hectic schedule of school and doing the work of a coxswain, there is a kind of attitude that accompanies coxswain behavior.
What does a coxswain say?
“Bow four raise your hands; stern four lower them”: translation: “I am a novice coxswain.” “Weigh” and “Way”: “Weigh oars” is an archaic English command meaning to lift the oars out of the water, while the command “Give Way” originally meant to start rowing, because “way” means movement (as in “steerageway”).
What makes a great coxswain?
Through hard work and practice, a great coxswain builds themselves so that: They can communicate clearly with purpose and authority. They can steer and maneuver a shell like an extension of their own person. They have a strong understanding of the mechanics of the rowing stroke and the propulsion of a shell.
What is a Coxman?
1 : a sailor who has charge of a ship’s boat and its crew and who usually steers. 2 : a steersman of a racing shell who usually directs the rowers.
What skills does a coxswain need?
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.
Is being a coxswain easy?
The responsibilities they have are important and they are not easy to do.” At practice, coxswains work just as hard as on race day. They help to record data on what exercises the rowers are doing and how long it takes them to complete these workouts, Dethlefs said.
Can coxswains get recruited?
First, to address the initial question – yes, coxswains are recruited. The volume of coxswains recruited is much smaller than that of rowing athletes – however, we estimate 100 or more coxswains are supported through the admissions process each year nationally.
How much do you have to weigh to be a cox?
The World Rowing Federation minimum weight for coxswains is 55 kilograms (121.25 pounds) in racing uniform. If a cox is underweight they are required to make up the weight with a deadweight up to a maximum of 15 kg, and the deadweight must be carried as close as possible to the cox.
Is it hard to become a coxswain?
The coxswain holds the most challenging job in a boat, therefore making them incredibly important. I’ve seen coxswains make and break races and have never envied them one bit. They face challenges every time they go on the water that rowers never even consider in their entire careers.