How to Be a Coxswain for a Rowing Sprint

"Stroke, stroke." Repeating those words into a megaphone strapped to the mouth is the usual picture of a coxswain leading a rowing crew pulling their oars in a sprint. But there's more to being a coxswain in a rowing sprint than leading rowers or steering the shell. Here's what it takes.

Instructions

  1. Off the Water

    • 1

      Have a working knowledge of the course your rowing sprint will cover.

    • 2

      Familiarize yourself with the steering mechanism for your scull or shell, a rope connected to the rudder. Pushing forward on the left-hand rope turns your scull to port; pushing forward on the right-hand rope turns your shell to starboard. The more you push or pull, the sharper you turn.

    • 3

      Learn the necessary commands to direct your rowing crew through their paces during the sprint.

    On the Water

    • 4

      Look for guide marks to point the bow of your shell toward as you direct the rowing crew. If crosswinds blow you off course, compensate by aiming in the opposite direction of the crosswind, in other winds, into the wind.

    • 5

      Keep your eyes open, not just straight ahead, to make sure the bow is pointed toward the finish line, but also to port and starboard and occasionally astern to make sure nothing oncoming can capsize the shell.

    • 6

      Scan the distance, not just close to the rowing shell. Look for possible obstacles and plan for how to get around them.

    • 7

      Maintain an upbeat, positive attitude throughout the sprint. You're in charge of the team, so act like it.