Sierra Welker-
Fairport Crew Club graduate class 2016, NYS varsity boys club state champion 2015, Head of the Charles participant 2014.
When at Practice & Race Days
Being a coxswain is hard work when you are and are not on the water.
One of the most important things to remember is that they are your friends and teammates, not their boss
Talk clearly.
Being quiet does not help anyone (including yourself). If you are quite, you will seem like you do not know what you are doing but remain confident. You have and will continue to grow as an individual and your crew(your coaches trust you!!!)
Don't be afraid to take charge and be a little demanding
Taking leadership and being demanding will get you to where you want to be in this sport, whether it is in the head coxswain spot as a novice or when you are moving up to varsity.
Know exactly what you want them to do.
Not knowing what they should be doing is a huge safety concern. This will ultimately get you in trouble with the coaches
Back to the whole confidence thing!
Ask questions if you do not understand.
People and especially coxswains are scared to ask questions, it is more embarrassing if you don't know what you are doing and just wing it. Also does not help out your crew to get better. Make sure that you are actually paying attention though the first time
Tips and Tricks
Count out loud
In your head when coach wants those high specific number strokes
Finger placement in coxie seat
Wrap you pinkie fingers round the gunnel and hold the strings with your thumb and pointer finger. This minimizes the amount of crazy over steering you will be doing. This makes a shorter course. This makes rowers and coaches happy:)
Bow loaders
Please don't crash. Look in water to see if there is something big sticking up, GO AROUND it. Wear head lamps if varsity practice time. Personally, this is where you should be over steering, if you do it at all. Every boat is different remember this when you go “I don't know why it isn't steering coach!”
Watch your boat
WATCH AND PUSH BOAT WHEN ROLLING IT OUT INTO THE WATER. Self explanatory.
Coxbox
Take your coxbox that is assigned to you. You are growing up, be responsible. You didn't put it on the charger? Your lesson will be learned.
All of these tips and suggestions is what I (Sierra Welker) personally learned.
We all want to see this club and each team to be successful collectively and individually.
Show how much you can learn and most importantly, have fun- this is the best sport in the world
