Steering Through Time: Coxswain chronicles of rowing history, racing, training, leadership, and general interest
For as long as rowing machines have been part of the sport, split times have been the currency of comparison. Whether it’s the average pace per 500 metres over a 1km trial or the dreaded 2k test, split times are familiar, easy to understand, and have long been the standard Read more
It’s a bit of a “how long is a piece of string?” question. Every crew and every athlete responds differently to how they’re coxed (just as they do to coaching). But with so many of us glued to YouTube right now — or lucky enough to be over in London Read more
Let me start by saying this clearly: this article, like many I write, will probably stir some emotions. It might surprise, challenge, or even lightly upset some readers, but it’s an important conversation we need to have. And before we go any further, let me be absolutely clear: there is Read more
In this short article, I thought I would cover an interesting question I was recently asked about sweep boats versus scull boats. The question boiled down to energy required to move the boat: considering that sweep oars are larger than scull oars, does it require more power to get the Read more
The Rate Conversation We Can’t Avoid Before diving into this discussion, let me clarify my stance. I typically avoid discussing stroke rates—in well-trained crews, the optimal race rate should emerge organically. Yet the conversation persists because higher rates intimidate athletes. The physical demand increases exponentially as the rate climbs. We Read more
After months of intense training and competition, many athletes hit a wall. The combination of physical exhaustion and mental fatigue can take a serious toll, affecting performance, motivation, and overall well-being. Understanding how to recognise, manage, and prevent this burnout is key to maintaining long-term success and enjoyment in any Read more
When is enough enough? This is an ongoing battle any athlete, and no doubt, professional athletes, battle with all the time. Firstly, I am not, nor have I ever been, a professional athlete or a professional in the field, but I do have a story like all athletes. I constantly Read more
I don’t often do product promotions, but this one is a bit of a game-changer. And guess what, I’ve cheated again! For those of you who know me I’m sure you will see that the linguistic excellence portrayed below is a little High-Brow for myself, well you would be right. Read more
Starting a journey back from injury after years of non-stop training is both unfamiliar and tough. It feels strange to step back, especially when you’ve been pushing hard for so long. For me, as a triathlete, I’ve rarely rested beyond the odd day or two. So why am I sharing Read more
In the world of masters and amateur rowing, the question of coxswain weight often sparks lively debate. While elite rowing has strict weight limits, amateur and club-level rowing presents a different scenario. The reality is that in masters rowing, it’s not uncommon to see coxswains who can weigh quite a Read more