How does the coxswain steer the boat?

Asked by: Lisa Robinson

Steering the vessel Coxswains may steer with either the tiller (a cable connected to the rudder), commands for increased “pressure” or strength from rowers on one side of the boat, or both, depending on what is necessary in the situation.

Does the coxswain steer?

There are a few way the coxswain can steer the boat. The first is by using the rudder under the shell. This is the small fin she can move back and forth to change the direction of her boat without making her crew do anything differently.

How do they steer a rowing boat?

They steer by directing other rowers in the boat to adjust how hard they are pulling, but they may also have a toe-steer, meaning that their foot is attached to a wire that can move the rudder.

How are sculling boats steered?

So moving our right hand forward pulls the boat to starboard pushing your left hand forward would make the boat go to the left or towards port.

How do Olympic rowers steer the boat?

Scullers stroke with two oars, which are generally shorter than a sweep oar and have a rubber handle. Sculls do not include a coxswain, so a rower is responsible for steering the boat with rudder cable attached to their foot. The symbol “x” indicates the rowers are sculling in the event.

Why are coxswains so small?

This is a coxswain, and though their job may look meaningless, they actually serve an important purpose. Pronounced “cox-en”, they are significantly smaller and lighter than the rowers because they’re not powering the boat — they’re steering it and directing team members all the while.

Why does the cox wear a life jacket?

If you, as the cox’n became a man overboard, you may be unconscious in the water and need urgent assistance. Another good reason for always wearing a lifejacket with an automatic inflation system fitted.

How do you Scull?

Effective sculling occurs by using the large muscles of the legs. And gluteal muscles to start the stroke the arms are relaxed.

How do you steer a four man boat?

There is no coxswain, but the rudder is controlled by one of the crew, normally with the rudder cable attached to the toe of one of their shoes which can pivot about the ball of the foot, moving the cable left or right.

How do you cox a boat?

The cox has a looped string attached to the rudder, with a handle on each side of the boat, one for each hand. You steer by moving your hand forward on the side that you want to go towards. If you want to steer to the right, you move your right hand forwards, etc. Most coxes steer too much.

What is the hardest position in rowing?

Seat No. 8, the Stroke Seat, is usually the hardest to row. In event listings, the last name of the Stroke Seat rower will be listed. It’s important to remember that all three sections of the boat are equally important.

Do rowers switch sides?

A rower just beginning to row may get switched from side to side, but at some time may row and develop his/her skills on one side. The side chosen has nothing to do with a person being right-handed or left-handed.

Where do the best rowers sit in the boat?

Stern pair

Stern pair



The “stroke” is the rower closest to the stern of the boat and usually the most competitive rower in the crew. Everyone else follows the stroke’s timing – placing their blades in and out of the water at the same time as stroke.

What is the stroke seat in rowing?

One of the most important seats on a boat. Whoever sits here (at the back of the craft) is the pacesetter and determines the stroke rate for the rest of the crew. The stroke seat faces the cox, or the back of the boat in a coxless crew.

What is the hardest boat to row?

A coxless pair is often considered the most difficult boat to row, as each rower must balance their side in cooperation with the other, apply equal power, place their catch and extract the blade simultaneously in order to move the boat efficiently.