Coxswain crash course

Introduction to Coxing an Eight

Welcome to Coxswain Crash Course!

Becoming a coxswain is embarking on a journey of leadership, strategy, and precision. This course is designed to fast-track your understanding and skills needed to cox an eight effectively in the world of competitive rowing.

What is Coxing?
Coxing involves steering the boat, executing race strategies, and commanding the crew. As the “coach on the water,” a coxswain plays a pivotal role in the crew’s performance, safety, and morale, requiring a blend of technical knowledge, leadership, and communication skills.

The Role of the Coxswain in an Eight:

The coxswain in an eight operates as the central nervous system of the boat, seamlessly merging leadership, tactical acumen, and technical proficiency to navigate the waters, command the rowers, and optimize the boat’s performance. The role demands a deep understanding of:

• Rowing Dynamics

• Crew Management

• Navigation & Steering

• Race Strategy Execution

• Safety Protocols

The Eight Boat (8+):

An eight is one of the largest boats in rowing, consisting of eight rowers and a coxswain. Each rower has one oar, four on each side of the boat. The coxswain, positioned at the stern, is responsible for steering, issuing commands, and making tactical decisions.

Course Overview:

This crash course will guide you through the essentials of coxing an eight, including:

• Basic Rowing Terminology & Equipment

• Advanced Steering & Boat Handling

• Command & Communication

• Race Strategy & Execution

• Safety Protocols

• Physical and Mental Preparation

Getting Started with the Basics

Understanding the Boat:

Before diving into the intricacies of coxing, understanding the boat and its components is crucial.

• Shell: The main body of the boat.

• Seat: Where the rower sits; it moves forward and backward, allowing the rower to use their legs to drive the boat.

• Oar: Used by rowers to propel the boat forward.

• Rudder: A small fin at the boat's stern, which the coxswain uses to steer.

Rowing Terminology:

Familiarizing oneself with the language of rowing is a foundational step in becoming a coxswain.

• Stroke: The complete motion of rowing.

• Catch: The moment the oar blade enters the water.

• Drive: The propulsive phase of the stroke.

• Release: The point at which the oar blade leaves the water.

• Rate: The number of strokes taken per minute.

Beginning Your Journey:

• Learn the Basics: Start with acquiring basic knowledge about rowing equipment, terminology, and the different types of boats and their components.

• Understand the Role: Study the multifaceted role of a coxswain, including their responsibilities, duties, and the skills required.

• Build Physical & Mental Strength: Develop the physical fitness and mental resilience needed to face the challenges of coxing an eight.

Developing Core Skills:

This course is structured to facilitate the development of core coxing skills through theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and feedback-based improvement.

• Navigation & Steering

• Command & Communication

• Advanced Boat Handling

• Race Strategy & Execution

Quick Command Guide for Coxswains: Mastering Land and Water Directives

Welcome to the Quick Command Guide designed to swiftly navigate you through the essential coxswain commands both on land and water, covering aspects from rowing to navigation. These commands form the communicative backbone of effective coxing, ensuring precise instructions, swift actions, and synchronized operations within the crew.

A. Land Commands: Preparing to Embark

• "Hands On": Directs the crew to lift the boat.

• "Up and Over": Signals the crew to lift the boat over their heads.

• "Roll it Up": Asks the crew to turn the boat upright.

• "Down and Ready": Commands the crew to lower the boat onto trestles or the water.

B. Docking and Push-Off Commands

• "Shove Off": Given to push the boat away from the dock.

• "Easy… and Down": To gently lower the boat into the water from slings or trestles.

• "Bow Pair, Take a Stroke": Directs the bow pair to row and move the boat away from the dock.

C. Basic Rowing Commands

• "Sit Ready": Asks rowers to be in the starting position.

• "Attention, Go!": Initiates the rowing.

• "Let it Run": Signals the rowers to stop rowing and let the boat glide.

D. Advanced Rowing & Synchronization Commands

• "Catch Together": Emphasizes synchronized blade entry into the water.

• "Finish Together": Requires the crew to end the stroke in unison.

• "Power 10": Calls for ten powerful strokes.

• "On the Square": Commands to row without feathering the blades.

E. Navigation & Steering Commands

• "Hold Water": Instructs rowers to stop the boat quickly.

• "Back it Down": Directs the crew to row backwards.

• "Port/Starboard, Pressure": Calls for more pressure on one side to adjust the boat's direction.

• "Cox Your Rudder": Asks the coxswain to steer less and allow the boat to move straight.

F. Racing & Strategy Commands

• "Build in Two": Signals the crew to increase pressure and speed in the next two strokes.

• "We're Walking": Informs the crew they are overtaking another boat.

• "Sprint Now!": Commands to increase the stroke rate for the final sprint.

• "Stay Long": Reminds the crew to maintain a full stroke length during high rates.

G. Safety & Emergency Commands

• "Weigh Enough": Commands the rowers to stop rowing immediately.

• "Check it Down": Instructs rowers to drag their oar blades across the water to slow the boat quickly.

• "Man Overboard": Signals that a rower has fallen out of the boat, initiating rescue protocols.

H. Practice & Adjustment Commands

• "Let’s Weigh Enough at the Bridge": Directs the crew to stop rowing at a specific landmark.

• "Bow Four, In Two": Instructs the bow four rowers to start rowing in two strokes.

• "Setting Up": Reminds the crew to balance the boat.

• "Easy on Port": Asks the port side to lighten up their pressure to balance the set of the boat.

Conclusion:

Mastering coxswain commands is akin to learning a new language, a symphonic language where each command orchestrates a dance of oars and harmonizes the rhythm of the boat with the fluidity of water. It is a language of clarity, precision, synchronization, and intention, interwoven with the threads of leadership, strategy, safety, and unity. As you delve into the linguistic tapestry of coxing, remember, it's not just about the words uttered but the way they are conveyed, received, and executed that crafts the symphony of aquatic elegance and competitive brilliance. Keep practicing, stay clear, be concise, and command with purpose.

Appendix: Danish Translation of Coxing Commands

Providing a translated list of coxing commands can be an essential resource for Danish rowing teams and coxswains. Below is the Danish translation of the commands provided:

A. Land Commands:

• "Hands On" - "Fat båden"

• "Up and Over" - "Og løft"

• "Roll it Up" - "Op over hoved"

• "Ned på venstre/højre"

• "Down and Ready" - "Fat indenbords - sving ned"

B. Docking and Push-Off Commands:

• "One foot in" "Et ben i båden"

• "Shove Off" - "Skub fra"

• "Easy… and Down" - "Det er vel - og ned (åren på vandet)"

• "Bow Pair, Take a Stroke" - "Et og to, tag et tag"

• "Stern pair, Take a Stroke" - "Syv og otte, tag et tag"

C. Basic Rowing Commands:

• "Sit Ready" - "Til roning klar!"

• "Attention, Go!" - "Attention, Go!"

• "Let it Run" - "Lad den løbe"

D. Advanced Rowing & Synchronization Commands:

• "Catch Together" - "Samtidig indsats"

• "Finish Together" - "Samtidig afslutning"

• "Power 10" - "Ti stærke"

• "On the Square" - "Lodret blad!"

• "On the feather" - "Vandret blad!"

• "Let it fly" - "Svæve...!"

E. Navigation & Steering Commands:

• "Hold Water" - "Sæt i"

• "Break" - "Sæt hårdt i"

• "Stop the boat" - "Stop båden"

• "Back it Down" - "Skod væk"

• "Port/Starboard, Pressure" - "Bagbord/Styrbord, Tryk"

• "Cox Your Rudder" - "Mindre styring"

F. Racing & Strategy Commands:

• "Build in Two" - "Byg op om to"

• "We're Walking" - "Vi passerer!"

• "Sprint Now!" - "Sprint Nu!"

• "Stay Long" - "Lange tag!"

G. Safety & Emergency Commands:

• "Weigh Enough" - "Det er vel!"

• "Check it Down" - "Og ned!"

• "Man Overboard" - "Mand Overbord"

H. Practice & Adjustment Commands:

• "Let’s Weigh Enough at the Bridge" - "Det er vel ved broen"

• "Bow Four, In Two" - "Et til fire, om to tag..."

• "Setting Up" - "Balance"

• "Easy on Port/Starboard" - "Let i bagbord/Styrbord"

Conclusion:

Having a translation of coxing commands in Danish will assist in creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for both Danish-speaking coxswains and crews. The effectiveness of communication is paramount in rowing, and understanding commands in one’s native language can significantly enhance the precision and synchronization of the crew’s actions, contributing to optimal performance and safety on the water.

Next Steps: Dive deeper into each section, participate in discussions, undertake practical exercises, and use the provided resources and materials to reinforce your learning. Keep in mind; the journey of becoming a coxswain is one of continual learning and refinement. Welcome aboard, and let’s navigate the waters of coxing together!

Find yourself digging deeper into coxing in the article at Becoming a coxswain