CoxPod

"Get your point" is a common refrain, especially (but not exclusively) at sprint or side-by-side races. We detail specific techniques for adjusting our point, which is a key coxswain skill. We also emphasize the importance of practicing—not just for us, but for our crews.

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

In this episode:
00:00  Introduction with audio from the sprint race start line
02:35  What does "get your point" mean and who says it?
04:39  Under what circumstances do coxswains hear "get your point"?
05:46  How to "scull it around" by passing an oar
09:23  How to adjust your point with two rowers working in opposition
14:41  How to make a small or last-minute correction to your point
16:53  How to choose a strategy for getting your point
23:29  Times when we may not be pointed perfectly straight
26:45  Should you raise your hand if you don’t have your point?
27:58  Races are often started when we don’t have our points
29:00  Don’t start if your point is unsafe
31:38  You might hear "get your point" after the race starts
32:55  What does "get your point" mean in head racing?
34:32  What does "get your point" mean during practice?
36:19  Dedicate specific practice time to getting your point
39:44  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

Safety is our #1 job, and being safety conscious is an effective way for coxswains to earn the trust of our teammates and coaches. Constructing safety requires training, active attention to detail, and constant situational awareness. We unpack various safety scenarios, from the everyday to emergencies. Be wary of magical thinking!

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

In this episode:
00:00  Why isn't safety more glamorous to talk about?
07:05  What does it mean for safety to be a coxswain's #1 job?
08:26  Safety is the underpinning of trust
09:41  Coxswains need to be mentally alert
11:11  Coxswains need to be dressed appropriately
13:19  Don't let technology distract you
14:16  The coxswain's voice as a safety tool
18:09  Safety of people
23:09  Safety on land (conditions, equipment, maneuvering)
31:58  Safety on the dock
33:49  Safety on the water (traffic, crabs, end of a race)
41:23  Emergency response styles
47:07  Establish emergency procedures with your club
51:41  Overcoming fight/flight/freeze responses
55:28  Continuum of risk tolerance
56:59  All coxswains have had/will have a brush with safety
59:52  What safety skill will you develop/enhance this year?
1:01:56  Measure your safety skills by your crew's trust in you
1:03:15  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

Indoor rowing tanks are an unusual setting—offering different opportunities and challenges from what we experience on the water or with ergs. We can assess an individual's rowing stroke when unaffected by any other variables, such as the environment or other rowers, and make improvements that transfer to the water. Here are practical suggestions on how to make the most of tank sessions, including dealing with the acoustic challenges.

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

In this episode:
00:00  Introduction—from the tanks!
01:53  Universal elements of tanks
04:18  The hosts describe their tank configurations
09:42  Dealing with the terrible acoustics in tanks
15:55  Benefits of tanks for coxswains and rowers
24:41  How to run a tank session
29:13  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

From the moment we get into the coxswain seat, we build our steering skills by testing and trying different tactics. As we advance these skills, maneuvers become easier at both practices and races. This frees up mental bandwidth for the other things we do as coxswains, and it's more fun!

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

In this episode:
00:00  Advancing our steering occurs on a pathway
03:02  What does advanced steering look like, and why strive for it?
05:51  Each shell may steer differently
09:41  Testing your steering mechanism
13:15  Adjusting for an overpoweringly strong rower
16:32  Steering issues off the start line of a sprint race
18:02  Pulling alongside another crew
20:52  Developing a shared vocabulary for effective steering
21:52  Navigating narrow bridge arches
24:40  Environmental factors can impact steering
25:23  Dealing with wind
28:50  Dealing with wakes
32:45  Head race turns as a culminating example
36:55  How to tell if your steering is advancing
42:59  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

Our first offering of a blend of practical tips and assorted topics that don't have their own episode (yet). This fast-paced, more causal episode includes topics such as coxing a 7, and asking if you've named your cox box.

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

In this episode:
00:00  Introduction to a new format
01:04  Checking the skeg/rudder for weeds
03:31  Coxing a 7
06:28  Practicing coxing skills when out and about in regular life
09:55  Naming your cox box
11:58  Tips for interacting with airport security
14:07  Identifying and fixing a cracked oarlock collar
16:42  Dealing with tall floating docks
19:02  Challenging interactions with race officials
23:35  Know the rules of racing
26:18  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

Cam shares the details of his incredible win (from behind!) at the 2023 Henley Royal Regatta and how he developed the skills necessary to achieve this pinnacle of coxing success. He articulates the importance of resilience, overcoming isolation and adversity, building relationships, believing in his rowers' abilities, and trusting the crew's race plan.

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

Cam's Henley recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZVstnl-JV0

Cam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctm14911/

Cam's email: [email protected]

In this episode:
00:00  How Cam got started as a coxswain
03:12  Developing as a cox at Oxford Brookes University
05:01  Cam's mentorship experiences 
05:59  Dealing with the isolation of coxing
08:59  Overcoming adversity as a coxswain 
12:28  Cam's personal coxing setback and comeback
16:34  Introduction to Henley Royal Regatta
20:11  Working with the Brookes women's first 8
21:59  Tailoring your coxing style to your crew
24:25  Cam's Henley race in the Island Challenge Cup
32:47  Cam's next step: mentoring other coxswains 
37:36  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

No one (but us) thinks to prepare you to cox the practice day at HOCR. We talk about how to be safe and efficient in the setting of hundreds of boats of varied classifications and skill levels squashed into a compressed timeframe on a river with complicated geography. This guidance will help you avoid penalties that could get applied to your race, set appropriate expectations, and leave you and your crew feeling prepped for an amazing HOCR.

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

In this episode:
00:00  Factors that contribute to the mayhem of practice day
03:06  Online materials to study prior to practice day
05:49  Managing expectations with your coach and crew
14:42  Launching from the FALS docks
18:08  Dealing with the Eliot Bridge traffic jam
25:48  Navigating the post-Eliot turn
28:09  Newell Boathouse through Weeks Bridge
30:00  Where you can safely stop your boat for water, etc.
32:31  Crossing the start line for your practice row
33:29  Moving safely and effectively on the course
36:43  Crossing the finish line and returning to the dock
39:16  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

Our teams can be caught in one or both of these common cycles: the downward spiral of recruiting coxswains who quit the team, or the virtuous cycle of recruiting engaged coxswains who become enthusiastic recruiters of others. We emphasize the importance of intentional recruitment and retention strategies. When these go well, the result is a happy and engaged coxswain.

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

In this episode:
00:00  Why care about coxswain recruitment and retention?
04:14  How was host Breana recruited?
05:53  What type of person should you look for?
07:53  Ineffective recruitment strategies
11:20  Where can potential coxswains be found?
15:27  How to design recruitment materials 
17:32  What characteristics should a recruited coxswain bring to the table?
18:54  Minimum provisions for coxswain retention
23:02  Value-added strategies to help coxswains thrive and advance
27:34  Alignment between team structure and the coxswain's goals
28:50  Pitching yourself when pursuing new coxing opportunities
31:02  How can you assess the culture a team has towards coxswains?
32:41  Episode recap: the downward spiral vs. virtuous cycle of recruiting
35:09  Quick pick: Episode 035 with Katie DeRose, co-founder of Coxswain Resources
35:38  Shout out: host Breana’s former team
37:03  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

Does anyone have a spacer? There's water in the foot wells! Do you have any tape? My top nut is loose! I need a bandaid! This whole episode builds on the popular credit card ad: What's in YOUR wallet?

For a full blog post version of this episode including links to all the resources we mention, visit https://www.coxpod.com/036.

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

In this episode:
00:00  Introduction
02:38  Deciding what to carry
04:24  Storage options for carrying your gear
07:21  Selecting and carrying wrenches
13:52  Other tools and boat parts
16:28  General purpose items
21:09  Medical supplies
23:17  More general purpose items
27:30  Electronic equipment
31:11  Items for special circumstances
33:31  Paring down for race day
36:11  Additional gear for race day
38:11  Larger “home base” gear storage
46:45  How to acquire cheap/free gear
51:42  Closing

Support us on Patreon!

Learn about Katie's mindset as she coxed through her path from high school to collegiate/masters rowing, and her involvement with co-creating Coxswain Resources. Katie chooses to learn from every experience: mistakes as well as successes. She also stresses the importance of finding an environment that will support our individual development as coxswains.

Connect with us on our website at https://www.CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media.

Support us on Patreon!