STEERING A COURSE 2
In a Rear Loader
The big bloke/girl is in the way of your view – judge more from looking down the sides of the boat - look forward as much as possible, judging if your boat is parallel to the bank or in the centre of the river. Take corners slower than you think or you will cut them and risk touching the bank.
If side-by-side with other crews, steer your own course and keep a close eye on the distance of your crew’s blades from the other crew – 2 or 3 feet off them is ideal. But if you work on keeping a fixed distance you'll be steering off the other crew and that will give them the upper hand (they’ll be steering both crews....and you). Adjust slightly as required - if the other cox is good they’ll be doing the same.
Head racing: Don't follow the boat in front - only the top crews are likely to know the best course - do your own course - which can take some willpower.
Straight lane courses and Henley - either fix your eyes on a specific buoy or vertical post - two or three posts ahead, say - and concentrate so you check that your boat or stroke’s shoulder or two’s rigger, is always in the same position relative to your chosen buoy or post. You can also use the parallax of a real (or imagined) lane, willing your boat to go down the centre. Make steering the uppermost thing in your mind, above calls/instructions to the crew.
Happy coxing!
Andy
http://www.coxmate.com.au
