Steering Through Time: Coxswain chronicles of rowing history, racing, training, leadership, and general interest
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…
Preface: I thought it would be interesting to ask AI “What do rowers want from a coxswain”, here is the response, there are of course some very obvious and valuable points below. In the world of rowing, the coxswain plays a crucial role that often goes unnoticed by spectators. This Read more…
Two weeks out from the Age Group World Multisport Championships, and I find myself in a situation I never imagined. Last year at this time, I was 8 weeks into a solid training program, on track and feeling great, albeit sick of the training. This year? Let’s just say things Read more…
When it comes to the pinnacle of sport, it’s the Olympic games. As amateur sports spectators, we easily forget or ignore what goes into just getting a spot on the “starting line”. We tune into the television for the games, all excited and motivated to see our country, our favorite Read more…
While the sport of rowing dates back to ancient civilisations, the specialized role of the coxswain is a more recent development. As the dedicated crew member; the coxswain steers the boat, issues commands, and serves as an on-the-water coach, the coxswain has become an integral part of elite rowing. However, Read more…