Episode 2: Reading the River — The Course, Conditions & Steering

The Head of the Yarra course is unlike any other in Australia — 8 kilometres of winding bends, bridges, and heavy river traffic. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the course itself and what it takes to steer it well.

Again, join me and Jennifer Pollock from ⁠⁠Toowong Rowing Club⁠⁠, where in this episode we cover:

• The major bends and landmarks — and where races are often won or lost
• Steering strategies: training line vs. race line, and overtaking etiquette
• Environmental factors such as wind, current, and narrow sections
• Practical tips for crews who can’t train on the Yarra beforehand

Whether you’re racing HotY for the first time or returning to it again, this episode will help you visualise the course and prepare for the unique challenges of Melbourne’s iconic river race.

Also be sure to check out my Podcast episode: Head of the Yarra – The Coxswains Race.

The post Head of the Yarra: Inside the Coxswain’s Mind! – Ep 2 appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

A recent study, “What do elite rowing coxswains say during races?” (link here), sheds some light on this. With the help of AI, I’ve summarised the key findings below.*

A few important caveats before diving in:

• The study looked specifically at elite-level coxswains, competing at the very top of the sport.
• The vast majority of us aren’t racing at that level; we’re club and masters rowers. That’s important context when thinking about how these findings might (or might not) apply.
• Also, when the article talks about “technical calls,” it doesn’t mean in-race coaching or correction. These are cues that keep athletes moving well and staying focused, not trying to fix faults mid-race — which can backfire if rowers start overthinking.

It’s also worth remembering that elite crews follow race plans down to the letter, which means there’s limited space for a cox to sprinkle in their own “magic.” But sometimes, great coxing demands breaking the script. As one Henley commentator brilliantly put it the other night:

“It’s time for the coxswain to ditch the race plan and find something else.”

That’s where the true artistry — and risk — lies. Just like the best “off-script” actors (think Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Marlon Brando), coxes sometimes have to improvise. When it works, it’s unforgettable.

Take Jasper Parish’s legendary move in the Boat Race a few years ago: he steered Cambridge into dead water to escape chop and wind — an audacious, off-plan gamble that not only gave his crew smoother water, but forced Oxford to respond. The result? They went from a third of a length down to a full length up, winning outright because of that single, fearless decision. Had it failed, he’d have been under serious scrutiny. But that’s the price of magic.

It’s a reminder that those truly special moments happen in the tactical calls — the gutsy, in-the-moment decisions that turn a race on its head. And for us in club or masters racing, it starts with knowing why you’re there. Are you racing to truly compete for the win? Then you have to learn how to race, and that only comes with — you guessed it — racing.

*Summary: Thematic Analysis of Elite Coxswain Race Communication

Researchers analysed eight elite coxswain race recordings from major international rowing events (2011–2022), all featuring coxed eights. The recordings averaged 6:11 minutes in length and included coxes from the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA (5 male, 3 female). Of the 16 recordings initially found, eight were excluded due to duplication, poor audio, or incompleteness.

Types of Calls

Coxswains made an average of 32 calls per minute, with 94% directed at the entire crew, though some were targeted at individuals or sections of the boat.

• Technical Calls (40.4%)
  These focused mainly on internal body movements (e.g., “legs down”, “hands up”), with some holistic cues (e.g., “stay loose”, “rhythm”) and limited external focus cues (e.g., “blades in”). Most calls centred on the drive and catch phases of the stroke.
• Motivational Calls (38.6%)
  Included praise (e.g., “good rhythm”) and encouragement (e.g., “we’re walking”), often intensifying in the final minute. Some invoked shared history or emotional appeals (“last race”, “every erg for this moment”).
• Tactical Calls (21%)
  Used to initiate crew changes (“in two, in one… go”) and update on race position and boat metrics (e.g., “on 1:18”, “500m to go”, “still sitting on that bow ball”).

Delivery Style

Coxes delivered calls in sync with rowing stroke phases (catch, drive, finish, recovery). They often used:

• Tone variation (quiet to loud, increasing pitch),
• Repetition and elongation for emphasis,
• Dynamic phrasing to motivate or coordinate timing (e.g., “legs… loose”).

While most communication was positive, some coxes also chided rowers for technical corrections or motivational jolts.

Discussion Summary: Communication Patterns of Elite Coxswains

This exploratory study analysed what elite coxswains say during rowing races and how their communication aligns with existing research. The study identified three key content themes—technical, motivational, and tactical calls—and four delivery themes—direction, timing, tone, and chiding.

High Rate of Communication

Coxes made about 32 calls per minute, far exceeding the commentary rates seen in other sports like boxing or basketball. The constant stream of communication is likely due to rowing-specific factors such as long race duration, rowers facing away from the finish line, and the need to maintain rhythm and coordination.

Use of Technical Calls and Focus of Attention

• Most technical calls used internal focus (IF) cues (e.g., “legs down”), despite research suggesting external focus (EF) cues (e.g., “blades in”) generally lead to better performance, efficiency, and automaticity.
• However, rowing is a cyclic endurance sport, unlike many EF-based research contexts, which often study short, acyclic movements (e.g., golf, jumping).
• Holistic focus (HF) cues (e.g., “stay loose”) were also common and may help reduce conscious control, improving coordination under pressure.
• Calls mainly focused on the drive and catch phases, where most power is generated, though one cox emphasised the often-overlooked finish and recovery phases.

Motivational and Tactical Communication

• Motivational calls were frequent and vital, given rowers cannot see the course and rely on coxes for psychological and directional input.
• Tactical calls were used to prepare the crew for changes (e.g., “in two, in one… go”) and communicate race position or metrics, ensuring precise timing and synchronisation to avoid disruption to boat speed.

Delivery Techniques

• Coxes used timing-aligned cues, tailoring calls to specific phases of the stroke.
• Repetition of key words (e.g., “legs, legs, legs”) was common and supported by brain research as a learning aid.
• Tone modulation (quiet, loud, increasing, or elongated) served multiple purposes:
  • Quiet tones conveyed strategic info without alerting competitors.
  • Loud tones cut through noise and emphasised effort or changes.
  • Elongated or rising tones were used to increase stroke length or power.

This style of delivery has parallels with performance arts; the authors suggest drawing on dramatic training (e.g., pace, pitch control) in cox education, citing a case where a coach used techniques from RADA to enhance athlete communication.

Limitations and Future Directions

• The sample was limited to publicly available YouTube videos, potentially skewed towards winning races and high-quality performances.
• All races were from the coxed eight class, which may limit generalisability.
• Future research should examine:
  • Communication variations over race segments (e.g., 500m splits)
  • Differences between elite and novice coxes
  • Cox behaviour during training and pre/post-race scenarios
  • How cox and coach roles overlap or differ
  • Rowers’ perspectives on effective cox communication
• Retrospective interviews with coxes could also clarify the meaning of abbreviated or coded language used mid-race.

Conclusion Summary

This exploratory study offers valuable insight into the in-race communication of elite rowing coxswains. It found that elite coxes consistently deliver technical, motivational, and tactical calls, using deliberate direction, timing, tone, and occasionally chiding to influence crew performance. The research serves as a foundational step toward better understanding coxing communication and encourages reflection among coaches and coxswains. The findings also provide a useful basis for cox education programs and future research into this specialised and under-explored role in rowing.

So, what really makes a coxswain special? It’s not just the steady stream of technical cues or the well-timed words of encouragement. It’s the ability to read the race, trust their gut, and make bold, calculated calls when it matters most — even if that means tearing up the race plan. Because at the end of the day, anyone can steer a boat down the course, but it takes something more — instinct, courage, a spark of genius — to turn a good crew into a winning one. That’s the magic.

The post What does it take to be a truly special coxswain? appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

In todays “casual convo” I was lucky enough to be joined by Chris Brown, President of Hawthorn Rowing Club; a huge thanks to Chris as he not only has a newborn at home but he is also managing the enormous role as President at Hawthorn Rowing Club (time is limited….), for joining me, as we dive deep into the challenges of running a modern day rowing club.

Key highlights:
– Chris shares his journey from rugby and athletics to discovering rowing at university into the rowing space
– A discussion on managing different types of rowers – from social paddlers to competitive athletes, the main area of my interest really; the personalities of sport.
– The unique challenge of balancing team dynamics in a sport that demands both individual efforts, group dynamics and a “team” attitude
– The critical role of coxswains in training and racing, and why they’re essential for club success
– Some perspective on volunteer management and club sustainability

Whether you’re a rowing club administrator, athlete, or coxswain, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of club rowing and how successful clubs navigate these challenges.

Side Notes:

From the interview I’ve gleaned some strategies to balance the needs of social and competitive rowers, they could include:

1. Clearly communicating the club’s vision and goals, ensuring both social and competitive rowers understand and buy into the shared mission.

2. Offer a variety of training programs and boat classes to cater to different skill and commitment levels. This could include social/recreational sessions, competitive training groups, and opportunities for cross-over.

3. Implement a fair and transparent selection process for competitive boats, with clear criteria that all rowers understand. This helps manage expectations.

4. Encourage social rowers to get involved in the club in other ways, such as volunteering, social events, or supporting competitive crews. This helps build a sense of community.

5. Recognise and celebrate achievements of both social and competitive rowers, fostering a culture of inclusivity.

6. Solicit regular feedback from all rowers to understand their needs and adjust programming accordingly.

The key is creating an environment where both social and competitive rowers feel valued and have opportunities to engage in the sport in a way that aligns with their goals and abilities.

The post A Chat with the President – Challenges Facing a Rowing Club appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

In this episode, I have the privilege of being joined by Jo Cripps, the winner of the 2024 ⁠Head of the Yarra⁠ Coxswains Award! Jo didn’t just outperform us local coxswains—she absolutely owned the river that day.

I’m thrilled to gain some insight from her on her rowing journey and what it took to conquer the Head of the Yarra this year!

The post Head of the Yarra 2024 – Winning Coxswain! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

Join us and an incredible panel of experts as we dive into a preview of the 2024 Head of the Yarra! There’s no better way to get the inside scoop than hearing from those who know this event inside and out. I’ve gathered a few of the best in the biz to chat all things HotY!

The episode highlights key points such as the course length changing from 8.5 km to 8 km, the expected hot weather (35 degrees), and the unfavorable tide. Entries have increased to 267 teams, with a record 2136 athletes participating. There was a significant shift in entries over the past decade, with Masters crews now making up 65% of entries. The conversation also covered the importance of coxswains in navigating the course, particularly the Wallen Street Bridge, and the need for discipline and responsiveness from rowers. The event will feature enhanced start-line activities, including food, coffee, and a selfie wall, to enhance the atmosphere.

Proudly brought to you by Rowmann Repairs, CrewNerd, and Gym 24/7. Don’t miss it! #HeadoftheYarra #Rowing #RowmannRepairs #CrewNerd #Gym247 #RowingLife #2024

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This is a ripper! We had a tough battle against Yarra Yarra and Mercantile. The Mercantile Crew were an A grade (meaning late 20-year-olds…) and we had a big handicap in our favour the start. The game was to hold the charge off while keeping Yarra Yarra at bay.

We always have a great battle with Yarra Yarra, so this was going to be fun from the start. Whilst we didn’t “get the bikies” I would say one of the most enjoyable races for a while.

Race start is at 16.30 on the clock, but it’s always interesting listening into the leadup.

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“A coxswain is an individual entrusted with steering the boat, providing directions to the rowers, ensuring the overall coordination and strategy, while prioritising the safety of the crew during a rowing session or race.”

In todays “Casual Convo” I’m thrilled to have a special guest, fellow coxswain Jennifer Pollock from North Shore Rowing Club in NSW. I crossed paths with Jennifer at the 2023 Head of The Yarra Regatta, where her wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of coxing and racing caught my attention.

We’ll dive into the intricacies of coxing, navigating the management of a crew, and tackling the challenges, all while keeping in mind that this gig is just a sport and hobby for all of us.

Join us for a chat about everything from coxing, to rowing, and a whole lot about racing!

Or listen on Spotify below:

The post Behind the Megaphone! – Coxswains having a Chat! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

Welcome to The Coxswain’s Journey, the podcast that dives deep into the world of rowing coxswains. In this introductory episode, we’ll give you a brief overview of what you can expect from the role of the coxswain in the boat, and why it’s such an important position for any successful crew. We’ll also explore some of the key skills and qualities that make a great coxswain, such as communication, leadership, and strategic thinking.

Throughout the series, we’ll be featuring tips, tricks and interviews with many people in and around sport in general, who will share their insights and experiences. We’ll also discuss some of the challenges and obstacles that coxswains may face, and offer tips and advice on how to overcome them to help you get the most from your athletes. 

So whether you’re a coxswain looking to sharpen your skills, a rower curious about the role of the coxswain, or simply a fan of the sport of rowing, this podcast is for you. Join us in The Coxswain’s Journey for engaging discussions and valuable insights into the world of rowing coxswain.

Key episode highlights:

• Why resilience is essential for handling criticism and expectations
• The truth about mental toughness in coxing
• Understanding different coxing styles and crew dynamics
• The multifaceted role: from safety officer to psychologist
• Real-world examples from recent regattas

Side note:

To develop resilience and mental toughness as a coxswain, here are some suggestions:

1. Embrace the fact that criticism will come from various sources. Understand that it’s part of the job and doesn’t reflect on your worth as a coxswain. Avoid taking it personally.
2. Practice self-awareness and self-regulation. Recognize when you’re feeling frustrated or discouraged, and have strategies to manage those emotions, such as taking deep breaths or reframing the situation.
3. Cultivate a growth mindset. View feedback, even negative feedback, as an opportunity to learn and improve rather than a personal attack. Actively seek out constructive criticism.
4. Build a support network. Surround yourself with people who can provide encouragement and perspective when you’re facing challenges. Lean on your crew, coaches, and other experienced coxswains.
5. Visualise success. Imagine yourself handling difficult situations with poise and confidence. Mentally rehearse how you will respond to criticism in a productive way.
6. Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge your progress and improvements, even if they seem minor. Recognize that developing resilience and mental toughness is an ongoing process.

The key is to approach criticism and feedback with a resilient and mentally tough mindset, focusing on growth and continuous improvement rather than letting it derail you. Consistent practice and a supportive environment can help coxswains develop these essential skills.

The post An introduction to the “9th seat” – the coxswain appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

First and foremost, the coxswain is responsible for steering the boat. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it requires a high level of skill and precision. The coxswain must keep the boat on course, taking into account wind, currents, and other factors that might affect its direction. They also need to be able to make quick adjustments to the steering to avoid other boats, bridges, or other obstacles that might be in the way.

In addition to steering, the coxswain is also responsible for the overall strategy of the boat. They need to be able to read the race and make tactical decisions that will give their team the best chance of success. This might include choosing the best line to take, deciding when to make a push, and communicating with the rowers about what they need to do to improve their performance.

Communication is another key aspect of a coxswain’s role. They need to be able to motivate the rowers, provide feedback on their technique, and keep them focused on the task at hand. They might also need to give instructions on the rating, rhythm, or power of the strokes, depending on the coach’s plan.

Finally, the coxswain is responsible for the safety of the boat and its crew. They need to ensure that all equipment is in good working order, and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety gear. In case of an emergency, they need to know what to do to keep everyone safe and get help if needed.

In summary, the coxswain is much more than just a passenger in the boat. They are the leader, strategist, and communicator, who steers the boat to victory and keeps everyone safe along the way. Without their skills and expertise, a rowing crew would not be complete.

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