A COXSWAIN IS unique in the boat because they are the only person in the boat:

• without an oar.
• facing the bow (facing forward)
• using a microphone.

A COXSWAIN IS responsible for:

• the safety of the crew and shell.
• steering the boat.
• giving directions to the rowers.

A COXSWAIN IS NOT deadweight in the boat IF they are willing to:

• watch, listen, and learn from more experienced coxswains.
• learn what motivates their crew(s).
• earn their teams respect by working “with” them.
• learn how to handle the boat well in order to make quick maneuvers when necessary.
• be aware, alert, observant, and ready to make quick decisions.
• remain calm, focused, and in control.
• remember there are better ways to motivate a crew than swearing at them.

MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL…

A coxswain should be light enough that no rower will suffer back injuries when the coxswain is thrown into the water after a big win!