I'm a new coxswain!!!!?

Question

I was wondering if anyone had any helpful tips on steering, impressing the coaches, being organized, etc.? Thanks!!!!

Answer 1

Impress the coaches by taking good care of the boats.  A new 8 now costs about $30,000 and up.  Steering is your primary responsibility.  Keep an eye out for objects in the water, both that could damage the hull or the oars.

Learn about proper rowing technique so you know what it looks like just seeing the blade end of the oars.

Everyone should go in with stroke, and come out with the stroke (the rower sitting right in front of you). When one or more people go in early, they hammer their legs unnecessarily, and throw off boat rhythm.  If people go in late, others move the boat, and it wears them out, but the ones going in late think they are in great shape since they don't get tired, when they actuall don't help much. Late entry also throws off boat rhythm.

Getting crisp sharp timing will make a boat fly through the water.  As they get better, be sure to tell the boat members what they are doing right.  Rowers don't have to be big, but they need strength and endurance.  Coxswains need to be able to get a little more work from people at their limit, without making them want to kill you. Getting sharp timing in your boat will help them row a touch easier, and be faster than they would be otherwise.