Coxswains

'A good coxswain makes the difference between winning and losing, and is the catalyst between coach and crew'

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.

Coxswain Development Sessions

Each year one of the Hour of Power sessions is on Coxswain Skills and how to become a better coxswain. Check out the Rowing WA Event Calendar for the next session.

Head Race Course Maps

While we have you here... Head Racing: The Coxswain's Perspective

Mettam Head

Perth to Fremantle

Guildford to Garratt

Resources for Coxswains

Ready All, Row - a website dedicated to all things regarding coxswains. A definte bookmark for any aspiring coxswain!

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

The Down and Dirty Guide to Coxing

Rowing WA's Favourite Cox Recordings

Ladies' Plate Henley 2022 Semifinal Cox Recording - Leander v Yale

Henley Royal Regatta - Women's Varsity 8+ Winter Park Crew Final

Coxswain of the 2008 Olympic Champion Men's Eight, people always ask me....what do you do? >

Australian LW Men's 8+ 2011 World Championships