WHAT IS A COXSWAIN?
Here are a couple of useful sites
for coxswains and for those concerned with their care and feeding:
The Coxswain's Locker www.coxing.com
The Coxswain Cafe
www.coxswaincafe.com
A COXSWAIN IS unique in the boat
because they are the only person in the boat:
- without an oar.
- facing the bow (facing forward)
- using a microphone.
A COXSWAIN IS responsible for:
- the safety of the crew and shell.
- steering the boat.
- giving directions to the rowers.
A COXSWAIN IS NOT deadweight in the boat IF they are willing to:
- watch, listen, and learn from more experienced coxswains.
- learn what motivates their crew(s).
- earn their teams respect by working "with" them.
- learn how to handle the boat well in order to make quick maneuvers
when necessary.
- be aware, alert, observant, and ready to make quick decisions.
- remain calm, focused, and in control.
- remember there are better ways to motivate a crew than swearing at
them.
MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL...
A coxswain should be light enough that no rower will suffer back injuries
when the coxswain is thrown into the water after a big win!
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