This page is devoted to the sharing of ideas and information. Submit your thoughts and experiences from the coxswain’s seat and we’ll share helpful ones here. Yaz Farooq will also give you her insights to coxing.

A note on Sun Protection:

The sun's rays are still quite strong here in the Northern Hemisphere and while you may be tempted to shed those layers, make sure you're protecting your skin and eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV protection (wraparounds are the best with all of those rays reflecting off the water). Polarized lenses provide a superior view, but the UV protection is what's critical to actually protecting your eyes. Here's some excellent information on sun protection from Paula Begoun, the "Cosmetics Cop" (includes info on UVA, UVB and altitude). Did you know that a sunburn continues to develop for 12-24 hours after the initial burn? Check it out: CosmeticsCop.com.

Q: Our boathouse has a real problem keeping our cox boxes in working order! What can you advise that will (1) keep the connection to the headset clear of static (2) keep the connection to the electrical unit and speaker system clear (3) keeping microphones in working order? Is there a repair shop that I can send half of our Cox Boxes to that can put them back in working order? But that is not all – please also tell me where I can purchase any item you may recommend to help us keep them in working order? -Quieted Cox

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Publications, Downloadable Handouts and Links

What’s in Yaz’s Tool Bag?

On race day, Yaz likes to travel light, but she still wants to ensure her crew has the tools and emergency items that might be needed in that critical time between shoving off the dock and pulling up to the start. Every item that is listed below has bailed Yaz out at one time or another on race day.

Yaz’s Race Day Tool Bag is a Sealpak® Waterproof Bag.

Short adjustable wrench that can open to ¾-inch.
Foot stretcher tool
7/16-inch wrench
½-inch wrench (doubles as a 13mm)
10mm wrench (when coxing a Euro boat)
Roll of athletic tape
Roll of electrical tape
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Leatherman (has some good “tiny” tools for small parts)
A couple of Band-aids
A few extra rigger nuts and bolts.
Extra oarlock/height spacers
Digital audio recorder

Coxswain Manifesto

Est. Feb. 2003
We hold that without good steering, all other coxswain skills are meaningless.
The coxswain is the eyes and ears of the crew.
Tell the truth: once you lie, you die.
Louder is not always better.
If the coxswain’s commands are relevant, the crew will listen.
Legitimate coxswains look for opportunities directly related to outcome.
Coaching styles are widely varied. A good cox can support any style.
When supporting the coach: Listen, then speak.
Performance is interdependent. Cox & crew cross the line together.
No dictators! Napoleon would not have been a good coxswain.