I'm the coxswain in the sport crew this season and need some help?

Question

Anyway i know how to get the boat off the rack and into the water, but once i get into the water i have some problems. For one I don't know how to keep the boat straight, and we have a race in a couple of weeks so i really need to know how to do that, and if you know how to steer the boat please tell me but i need you to be specific on how to do that, like pretend as if i was a baby and i needed the very first basic steps, etc.

Umm. . . . any tips you have which will be useful please tell me, please!!!

Answer 1

Hi, me again. Well, to further answer your question I think you should check out some of the awesome coxswain sites they have online. (Perhaps this online handbook would be of service: http://www.coxswaincafe.com/handbook4/TC... I've listed some in my sources as well that I think will be helpful.

For the very basic steering I believe you push forward on the string the side of the boat you want to steer towards.

Also, if you're just not getting the hang of it, talk to your coach, I'm sure they would much rather help you out with your difficulties rather than risk damaging the boat (you're new at this, I'm sure they'll be understanding).

Answer 2

i also have problems steerign a boat sometimes but you need gradual steering to have a straight course and also you need to speak clear

Answer 3

Inexperienced coxswains usually fight themselves more than anything. They order more pressure on one side, push the rudder all the way to one side, and then are shocked when the boat starts going too far in that direction. Then the go all the way to the other extreme, push the other hand all the way forward, ask for pressure on the other side, and essentially just over-correct. The main trick is having a light touch. There are two main ways to steer a boat- the steering mechanism, and controlling unequal pressure from your rowers.

The steering mechanism in the boat is very simple-- you push forward on the side that you want the boat to turn. It usually takes a little while for this to engage. Don't expect to make any sudden turns. If you don't see immediate turning on a gradual turn DO NOT push it further. Use smaller movements unless you're trying to make a sharp turn or spin, in which case you should use your rowers.

The easiest way to make the boat turn quickly is with your rowers. Asking for more pressure from one side or the other will give the boat an immediate response. Often, if you notice that your boat seems to tend in one direction, it will be because of unequal pressure, or one side with more power than the other. You can tell who is pulling harder by looking at the pattern of the water after they take a stroke. In a race you would ask the slacking side to meet the other side by adding more pressure (especially during sprint season), but in practice you can tell the beasts to ease up. Another way to tell if you have unequal pressure is the set. If your boat is leaning the to port and tending to starboard regardless of how you steer, chances are the ports are pulling harder than the starboards.

hope this helps!

Answer 4

ive been coxing for about 3 years and when i was learning i was taught this.

first of all try get the rudder as straight as possible which mean no big turns, try and get in line with a non moving object in the distance ( a tree or a buoy etc) and once you've lined your bow up with it try keep it as straight as possible. next make sure that your boat is staying in the same direction, if you cant get control of the boat grip the steering ropes very tightly and do very little turning (no big turns)

hope this helps.