A lot is said about rowers, but it’s important not to forget about the ninth person in the boat – the cox! A coxswain has a key role to play, and a good cox will make all the difference in a boat, helping the crew reach its full potential.
Coxing rep 2024/25
Hi, I’m Ethan, a third year engineer. I started rowing and coxing in my first year, and it quickly became a big part of my life at uni. The boat club is a lovely community to socialise and keep fit with, and I’ve found it a great way to make friends outside my subject and year group. I’d really encourage new rowers to give coxing a go too – it’s manageable to do both, especially as a novice, and you might find you love it at least as much as rowing!
What does a cox do?
A cox, (or coxswain) is crucial in navigation of the boat, along with coaching and motivating the crew. Since the rowers face backwards in the boat, they cannot see what is in front of them. So, most boats rely on a cox to look ahead and ensure that the water is clear. This enables the rowers to focus on their technique and to move in time with the other members of the crew. Coxes also have a steering mechanism, called the rudder, with which they are able to navigate the boat. This is fairly simple to use, but again allows the rowers to maintain their focus without worrying about turning corners and staying in a straight line.
From a coaching perspective, the cox is often in the best place to view the rowers’ techniques. Using their microphone, which is connected to speakers inside the boat, they are able to communicate with the rowers and explain how they can improve, often relaying messages from a coach on the bank. Finally, but most importantly, the cox’s role is to motivate the crew. Obviously, this is particularly important during a race, when the rowers will be giving their utmost to move the boat as quickly as possible. But, even during training sessions, it is important to keep the rowers motivated, so they stay focused. You ensure they are trying their hardest, getting the most out of the outing, every single session.
If you are interested in Learning to Cox at DCBC and want to know more, or already have experience as a cox and wish to continue your coxing career at DCBC, please contact Guglielmo Secchi, this years Coxing Rep, at . You can find an account of his time coxing below, and the accounts of some of our previous coxing reps here!
Additional information on what to expect can be found in the Coxing Handbook.
To look at the accounts of our previous coxing reps from the past few years, have a look here!