Coxswain (rowing)

The coxswain's role while on the water is similar to that of an assistant coach or team captain, and they are sometimes also called upon to implement the training regimen or race plan.

It is also essential that the cox is briefed on what the coach wants to achieve in the outing from the point of view of building physical fitness, technical skill, and team spirit.

Coxswains may steer with the tiller, commands for increased "pressure" or strength from rowers on one side of the boat, or both, depending on the situation.

This technique is usually reserved for only the sharpest turns, as the sharp angle of the rudder increases drag and upsets the balance of the boat.

The coxswain may also initiate the turn during the drive phase of the stroke, when the propulsive force of the oar blades in the water helps stabilize the boat.

For very small steering adjustments, the coxswain may move the tiller very subtly during the recovery phase of a single stroke.

This technique is most effective at higher speeds and on straight courses, and must be used sparingly as motion of the tiller during the recovery can easily disturb the boat's balance.

[11] Before 2017, the World Rowing Federation (then called "FISA") rules stated that coxswains must be the same sex as the rest of the crew.

An Oxford University physics lecturer estimated that an additional 10 kilograms (22 lb) of deadweight in an eight causes a 0.2% loss in speed, which would equate to 0.6 seconds for a six-minute race, or 4 metres (13 ft), approximately one fifth of a boat length.

[5] Historically the cox would have carried (or worn strapped to their head) a conical, unpowered megaphone to amplify their voice.