Role of the coxswain
Basic responsibilities
- Safety of the boat and rowers on and off the water
- Launching
- Steering (most important - concentrate on this to start with)
- Landing
- Giving direction to the rowers to help them towards better rowing style and to help to control the course of the boat
- Taking care of equipment (eg lights)
Later responsibilities
- Work with the coaches to improve technique of rowers
- Add drills during warm ups or when rowing on the paddle to fix a problem in the boat (CARE HERE! Use drills very sparingly to avoid confusion, especially with a novice crew. Don't throw in drills during power pieces. Always listen to the coach, and don't ask the crew to do anything you are not sure about)
- Provide enthusiasm and motivation for crews, particularly during race training