Coxing & Coaching at CCRC

Coxing

The Cambridge & Oxford coxswains fight for the racing line

Do you like a challenge? Do you like to work as part of a team? And have you got that special ability to motivate people? Coxing provides a great opportunity to get involved in rowing and develop the skills you have. It’s also a great way to get to know people and join in the fun social side of the sport.

Our very active men’s, women's and novice squads are currently looking for people who would like to learn to steer a boat, and become a member of a crew.

Coxes assist the coach and translate the coach’s instructions into practical calls for the crew. You work as a team to achieve goals and reach milestones - either in training sessions or in races on and off the river Cam. As the voice of authority in the boat the cox is a key figure in every rowing session.

Steering a rowing boat is surprisingly easy, but much like driving takes a little practice; rowing boats are designed for speed, not maneuverability, and there are only a few straight stretches of water on the river Cam - so it's a challenging place to learn. If you've ever watched the University Boat Race you will realise just how important a good cox can be to a crew.

Other roles of a cox are to:

  • Ensure the safety of your crew, as well as the safety of others around you
  • Be in command of the boat
  • Coach the crew when the coach is not present
  • Provide motivation and encouragement to the crew
  • Provide feedback on the crew performance during races and training outings
  • Make any necessary tactical decisions

So if you're interested let us know; drop us a line at: coxing [at] cityrc.co.uk


Coaching

Anyone who rows will tell you that a coach is worth his or her weight in gold to a crew. A good coach can see potential in any crew and can help them realise that potential, if you ask any rower they will tell you about someone who made a real difference to them when they were learning the sport. Could you be that person?

Coaching has many facets and involves a whole range of skills. Crews need training plans, advice about technique, as well as motivation, and team-building during the approach to a race. Coaching gives you the chance to develop yourself as well as developing the rowers with whom you are working, and ultimately the greatest satisfaction is helping them achieve their goals.

We're currently looking to get more people involved with our club to support rowers at all levels - beginners, intermediates and advanced. No matter what your level of experience you can contribute at CCRC. If you would like to get involved drop an email to coaching [at] cityrc.co.uk and we'll get back to you.