COXWAINS

Often pronounced cox’un, or just cox. The cox is a critical part of the rowing crew.

The cox usually acts as the crew director in consultation with the stroke and coach; organising launching the boats, directing the rowing, initiating the training plan, keeping the rowing crew focussed, getting crew and boats packed up, providing some debrief / review of the training session or race.

Cox’s role:
• to steer the boat,
• to set the rhythmic stroke rate,
• to motivate the rowers,
• to coach the rowers,
• to plan and call the race strategy.

Cox’s attributes:
• Clear thinking – watch the rowers, watch other boats and crews, plan
strategies, think ahead, to think how a rower thinks
• Decisive – must be able to react well to situations
• Sparkle – must be active and alert, to motivate cheerfully, to keep the rowers
on task
• Respect – earn respect for the job well done, show respect to the rowers –
appreciation for the hard work.
• Voice – sharp, clear and calm - forceful without yelling
• Seamanship – steer the boat by small adjustments (rather than by rapid gross
adjustments), observe sea and weather conditions
• Weight – clearly it is best to have a lighter cox – around 55kgs.