the good

S t eer in g t h e boat
 the good

S TEERING THE BOAT

2 .1 Introduction p5

2.2 The Rudder p7

What kind of rudder do I have? p8
H o w d o I c o n t r o l t h e r u d d e r p11
Why would I use the rudder p14
What happens to the boat when the
rudder is used? p16
H o w m u c h r u d d e r i s t o o m u c h r u d d e r ? p18
When do I use the rudder during the
rowing stroke? p20
When will the rudder not work? p22

2.3 Using the Oar p24

T h e s t a t i o n a r y b o a t p24
T h e s h a r p t u r n p28
Stopping the boat p30
T u r n i n g t h e b o a t p31

Quick Glossary p32

The Good Coxswain knows... p34

 “Believe me, my friend,
there is nothing, the good
absolutely nothing,
half so much worth
doing as simply messing 2 . 1 I N T R O D U C T I O N
about in boats ” If the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, then the
longest distance between two points is a very bad coxswain.

T h e w i n d i n t h e w i l l o ws Ricocheting between one steering crisis and the next, the bad coxswain
- K ENN e t h g r a h a m e is a danger to himself and others. If a rudder could leave skid marks then
the surfaces of our rivers and lakes would be polluted by the crisscross
of aggressive rudder-users. Thankfully, with some small amount of
instruction and time the good coxswain will steer the straight and narrow
course from hazard creator to race winner. 
A good coxswain must be able to steer.
Why? The answer may appear obvious but let’s spell it out –

A co x s w ai n w h o ca n n ot s t e e r ca n n ot :

Provide the crew with a safe working environment

Bridges, riverbanks, other water users, buoys, are all likely to cause
serious harm if contact is made with a rowing boat and its crew,
no matter the speed.

Enable the crew to work without interruption (stopping)

Each time a crew collides with structures or other water-users, or
has to make major corrections to direction, the crew is required to
stop rowing.

Minimise the amount of unnecessary rowing a crew must do

A straight line means less strokes, a crooked course means
more strokes.
 2 .1 I n troductio n cont ’d...
2 . 2 T HE R U D D E R
Help improve the development of stroke technique
The rudder, it would seem, is a very rudimentary instrument – you turn it and
Each time a boat veers from course and needs correction
the boat turns. But are you able to answer the following questions:
the boat becomes unsteady and the rowers may lose balance
and concentration. > What kind of boat / rudder do I have?
Develop the confidence and trust of the crew
> How do I control the rudder?
A crew cannot see ahead, they are completely reliant upon
the eyes of the coxswain – if those eyes do not see or the voice > Why would I use the rudder?
cannot warn, or the rudder does not respond to danger...
they cannot trust. > What happens to the boat when the rudder is used?

Avoid race disqualification > How much rudder is too much rudder?
Interference with competing crews by veering into other lanes
often leads to protests, fines and crew withdrawal.
> When do I use the rudder during a rowing stroke?

> When will the rudder not work?

It is hard to believe that steering could have so many far reaching
ramifications - bad steering as well as good. How much better or
worse can a crew be due to the coxswains steering ability? Achieving
 steering proficiency can sometimes be a long and arduous process and 
unfortunately it is not always about steering straight lines. It is also about
the how, when, where and why a boat must be steered. We will address
each of these.

To begin, the coxswain’s tools of trade when steering are:

(a) the rudder and (b) the use of oars by crew members.

Minor and gentle course deviations can be addressed with the rudder.
Quicker, more immediate deviations are often addressed by varying oar
pressure in the water. Both of these means are often used simultaneously
when sharper and more urgent deviations are needed. These will be
discussed in detail but let’s first look at the rudder.
 2 . 2 t h e rudd e r c o n t ’ d . . .
W h at k i n d o f rudd e r do I hav e ?
Rudders var y in size, placement and shape.

An older, heavier boat will often have a larger rudder that is more
difficult to turn and is less responsive to a coxswain’s efforts. The older R U D D E R Y O K E

rudders, fitted to the very stern of the boat, are often manipulated by
loose string made of natural fibres. They can be loose, slack strings that
the coxswain needs to hold taut to get the best response. The coxswain C A B L E
C L A M P
will normally be situated in the stern of the boat.

Thankfully, there are very few of these dinosaurs still remaining but if S T E E R I N G
your club still has one, then remember: keep your rudder strings from C L A M P

dragging in the water, don’t expect the boat to change direction quickly,
check that the strings have not frayed and be prepared to use a little bit
of muscle. R U D D E R
T U B E
Training boats (tubs) of a more recent vintage may share some of these
same characteristics. They are less heavy but heavy nevertheless.
They can be cumbersome boats but have a small rudder manipulated
by toggles (small handling points) attached via synthetic cord or rope.

The boats, with such rudders, will need a longer response time during
turning. This is primarily because of the boat’s weight and how much
surface area is in the water contributing to resistance – the rudder has S T E R N
to work harder. R U D D E R

More recent models of boat that are made of lightweight materials also
have lighter, smaller rudders that can be more responsive to gentle
urging from the coxswain. They often have strong, tensioned wires that
can be manipulated with ease by a steering arm (if the coxswain is lying
in the bow of the boat facing away from the rowers) or evenly placed
toggles either side of the coxswain’s seat in the stern (i.e. coxswain facing
the rowers). The rudder is either at the very end of the boat (stern) or
immediately behind the fin (skeg) on the hull beneath the stern canvas.

Straight line rowing in a lightweight boat does not require a large rudder.
The boat will be very responsive to the rudder. However, if the boat is
heavier or the course sharply winding a larger rudder is appropriate.
 2 . 2 t h e rudd e r c o n t ’ d . . .
we
’s e ight
m en ”,
r wo addy
A small boat’s rudder will always have a greater and more immediate effect
in o u r “c
year n ou bag than a large boat’s rudder. The bigger the boat the greater the effort
Each o call o o m her
e t ll f r a required to change direction with the rudder. This of course changes
n hav to p u e r for
ofte w a in ,
e ru
d d
t in
when the boat is moving at greater speed. You will find that the rudder is
coxs priat s tha
co m e o w more effectual when the boat is going fast. An eight’s rudder will have less
r n o
ost ap
p
e . She k n o t going influence than that of a pair but if that same eight is going at top speed, and
m o ur s s
the
lar c he i rs
t ic u ” r a ce s e c orne the pair is moving slowly, then the eight will change direction more quickly.
p ar ad of th
os
n d in g “He m e o es fo
r
w i d s o e g l Ho w do I co n tro l t h e rudd e r ?
a
t a roun d d e r. Sh
t h e sm al
to g e l ru ves
u r usua a n d lea x.
The rudder is manipulated by “rudder strings”. These are connected to the
o
with ru dder e t oolbo rudder and run from the rudder to the coxswain’s seat. If you are steering
ger t h e,
a big d d e r in D e la war the boat from the stern (looking down the boat at your rowers) you will more
u h
ng” r Cindy Coac than likely have a toggled rudder string for ease of pushing and pulling.
“raci Toggles are often small plastic balls through which the string passes
(if you do not have these then marking the string would be helpful). They are
fixed in place equidistant from the rudder on either side of the coxswain’s
seat. They are excellent indicators of the rudders positioning and enable the
coxswain to grip more easily and comfortably the rudder string.
11

If I w
ant t
If I w ot
ant to urn left, I
If I d turn r push

BOAT DIREC TION

o n’t w ight, I my le C O X C O X C O X
are e a nt to p ush m ft ha
ven. y righ nd fo
turn t han rward
at all, d .
I have I m ak f orwar
found e s ure d . s t r a i g h t r i g h t l e f t
is str t h a th ey
aight, t it is e
m ark if I p asier
er) o ut ele to k n to g g l e
h a n ds n th e ctric ow if
an d w sid e o a l t a the r rudder strings
f th e p e (o r udde
straig here b o p e r r
ht an t h e po at wh m an e
th at d the t i nt is e r e I p nt
I kn o oggles that ut m y
It s a w is a are e th e r When the rudder is straight, the toggles (or your markings) will be exactly
ves t b s ol ut ven. Th u d der i the same distance from the rudder and sit exactly opposite each other with
th e r u rnin e st r en I h s
udde g a ro aig h t av e the coxswain in-between. When the rudder is to turn left, the toggles will be
u t o me a
r is. n d to
ch e c as u re point uneven (i.e. the left toggle will be further forward than the right toggle).
k ex a off.
ctly w The further forward one toggle is pushed the greater the rudder use.
h ere
Sophie
Lewis
, Coxs
wain
 2 . 2 t h e rudd e r c o n t ’ d . . .

Boats that are steered from the bow, with all rowers behind the
coxswain, usually have a steering arm by which to manipulate a rudder.
These boats are called bow steered or bow loaded boats. The steering
arm is usually connected to a wire that moves through a pulley system
that travels the length of the boat to the rudder in the stern. It is a
simple matter of pushing the arm in the direction the coxswain wishes
to travel. It requires very little force and the strings (wire) will always
be appropriately taut. Push left to turn left, push right to turn right.
(Be sure to check that you are not working with a boat that has crossed
rudder strings; the opposite would therefore be true i.e. they form an
‘x’ over the stern canvas).
Pushing the rudder strings will always be preferable to pulling,
as pulling can often be a harsher and jerkier movement resulting in the
boat’s balance being upset.
Once again you may wish to place a mark on the boat that lines up with
a strictly straight steering arm just to make sure you are aligned with
your rudder. When rowing and the rudder is not in use, it should always
be aligned straight (neutral).

12

When holding the toggles or rudder strings – remain relaxed.

Do not hold the strings so taut that the muscles in your hands, arms
and shoulders become tired from the effort – some slackness in the
rudder string is acceptable and even desirable. The same can be said
for the side of the boat (or gunwales [pronounced gunnels]), do not
hold tight. Keep your hands on top of the gunwales with the rudder
strings / toggles between your thumb and index finger and slide them
forward and back as need be, along the side of the boat. Keep the
feeling in your hands – you must be responsive to changes in the boat.
Ultimately, you are steering with your fingers not your hands, making
rudder use smooth.
As has already been indicated, a push of one toggle forward will
draw the other toggle back without a need for pulling. It is therefore
possible to steer with just the one hand if you must use one of your
hands to operate equipment etc. The option, although not preferred
by coaches, is available for one-handed operation of the rudder.
 ‘Why use the rudder?’
WH Y W O U L D I U SE t h e rudd e r ?
The answer to this question is not, “Because it is there”. Be very clear,
it is preferable not to use the rudder. The rudder is only used when you
have limited choice.
The natural and preferred positioning of a rudder is straight.
Weather - The boat will not travel in a straight line if it is being
buffeted from the side by strong waves and wind. The rudder is used to
In ideal circumstances all courses would be straight and all boats would counter this influence. The good coxswain holds his boat into the wind to
automatically follow them. Unfortunately, courses are subject to the negate the wind’s influence. The boat will not travel in a straight line if the
coxswain uses his rudder to seek shelter from the wind along a windward
dictates of weather and geography, and rowers are subject to the dictates bank of the waterway.
of human nature and physiology. Needless to say, boats do not always
operate as they are required by law or design, either. Therefore, the Geography - The boat will not travel in a straight line if tide is
coxswain uses the rudder to combat all of these variables. an influence on the waterway. An ebbing tide will draw a boat from its
strict course. The good coxswain is aware of this and adjusts his rudder
accordingly. The boat will not travel in a straight line if the course being
followed is defined by the land that dictates its perimeters (e.g - a winding river).
A good coxswain would use his rudder to stay well clear of rocky outcrops.

Human Nature - The boat will not travel in a straight line if a

crewmember is not applying himself as much as his fellow crewmembers.
Some rowers “go missing” for whatever reason and it results in one side
14 of the boat pulling more weight (or earlier weight) than the other - the boat
thus changing course. The good coxswain will correct this temporary
imbalance by adjusting his rudder to steer back to the true course
(and remind the offending rower of his responsibilities). The boat will
not travel in a straight line if a crewmember is late or early into the water
relative to other crew members.

Physiology - The boat will not travel in a straight line if a

crewmember is stronger, bigger or fitter than another. Crews sometimes
have to cater for these variations. The stronger rower will alter the course
at the start of the race, the fitter rower at the end of the race – be ready for it.
The good coxswain is aware of this and uses the rudder to counter the
expected surge to one side of the boat.

Law - The boat will not travel in a straight line if that line runs counter
to water traffic rules or regulations. Coxswains with boats, like drivers with
cars, need traffic rules. The good coxswain knows these rules and uses his
rudder to move to the correct side of the waterway or to the correct side of
crews approaching from the other direction (Stay right).

Design - The boat will not travel in a straight line if it is not maintained
in good repair (e.g - bent fins, detached rudders).
 2 . 2 t h e rudd e r c o n t ’ d . . .

Some rowing clubs allow deterioration of their boats. It is important The coxswain sitting in the coxswain seat will ask the ‘question’ of his boat with
to know if the boat you are using is one of these – are there parts the rudder strings, the boat will give a delayed ‘answer’. The good coxswain
missing or is the boat in bad repair? A good coxswain uses his rudder knows that three or four strokes are necessary to receive the full answer.
if the fin (skeg) is bent and makes the boat veer to one side. The good
Consider an eight oared boat: a nineteen metre vessel with the combined
coxswain uses his rudder if the boat is unaligned, twisted or no longer
rigid leading to uneven movement in the water. Of course, the very weight of eight large athletes. To retard and divert enough of its forward
good coxswain is aware of this before getting on the water and tries to movement with a rudder’s surface area requires a sustained force. Also
address these problems through his coach. realise that the rudder diverts the stern of the boat – it is the stern that
moves first, then the bow must follow this lead – it can take time.

WH A T H A P P ENS T O T HE B O A T WHEN It is important to note that this is not just true of changing course but
T HE R U D D E R I S U SE D ? reverting to original course. After the rudder has been used and is returned
to the straight line position the boat will take a stroke or two to return
to a straight path. The boat will continue on the revised course for a few
moments after the rudder has stopped being used.
G O A L
Of course, the faster a boat is travelling the greater the influence of the rudder.
The increased force on the rudder has increased the responsiveness of the
G O A L boat – it will take less time to answer the rudder’s ‘question’.
A coxswain that must negotiate a bend or travel in a sweeping arc should
be aware that applying the rudder in these circumstances will result in the 17
boat tilting toward the outside of this curved course. The sharper the bend,
the greater the curvature, the greater the lean will be on the boat. If a boat
is taking a sharp left hand bend (stroke side/port), then the boat will fall to
the right hand side (bow side / starboard). Any use of the rudder can upset
E A R L Y R U D D E R L A T E R U D D E R the balance of the boat.
The more the rudder is used the greater the drag
on the boat’s forward movement. That is why
If the boat is not moving the rudder can have no effect. The boat must be in answering the question “Why should I use
moving in order to allow water flow over the rudder. It is the diversion of the rudder?” the answer should never be,
this water flow that ultimately allows the rudder to function. In the process “Because it’s there.” You use it out of
of turning the rudder to one side the coxswain is diverting the water to one necessity. To use it under any other
side, creating resistance on the face of the rudder. Although this surface is circumstances is to slow your
relatively small compared to the larger surface of the boat’s hull it can, boat and make life difficult for
and does, have a major influence on the boats course through the water – your rowers.
by small progressions. The influence is not immediate.

Don’t expect your boat to respond immediately to a rudder turn.

 2 . 2 t h e rudd e r c o n t ’ d . . .
H O W M U C H R U D D E R
I S T O O M U C H R U D D E R ?
It is ver y tempting for the novice coxswain to overuse the rudder – A coxswain must ask “How do I go about using less rudder?” Many of the
to “over steer”. answers have already been included in this booklet but the bottom line is:
think ahead, be patient and concentrate.
A boat will not respond immediately to the rudder. But then again, nor do
novice coxswains respond in time to the boat needing to be turned. This is If a coxswain knows a diversion from course is necessary then he must
at the heart of the problem - too much rudder is often the result of these prepare in advance. It is not acceptable to wait until there is no other option
two factors. Pulling harder on the rudder strings will not make the boat than to take immediate and dramatic action. That immediate and dramatic
respond more quickly. Waiting too long to use the rudder strings will not action usually means a very hard and exaggerated application of the rudder.
help either.
The rudder responds more favourably to gentle and firm persuasion, not a
violent, knee-jerk reaction.

Knowing that the boat will not respond immediately, you must plan ahead.
Always start steering into a turn before you are at the point where it is
necessary. Think four or five strokes ahead – begin to apply the rudder
anticipating an eventual response – be patient. Before exiting a turn
anticipate its conclusion and return the rudder to its neutral position,
before it is necessary. If you are not concentrating, you will only respond
when absolutely necessary and the rudder will get over used.
W h en
I firs 19
a gre t sta
r te d
at co coxin
rudd x s w ain be g, I th
er. Th cause ought
e row I I was
used ers h kept
all the ad th u sing t
tim e eir oa he
used a n d r s, t
all the I had hat th
what tim e. my ru ey
you d I t just s d der t
id. If eem e hat I
away, the b d like
I wou oat d that w
the b ld pull idn’t as
oat w t h e tu r n
e rudd straig
the o nt too er ha ht
ther far, I rder.
way – w ould p T h e n wh e The rudder need not be used continuously either (unless the reasons
boss a it was ull it n outlined on page 15 apply). If the rudder is being used all of the time it may
nd I w a full harde
was t as go tim e r mean that the cox is not fighting external elements or influences but his
old! I ing to job. I
thoug m a ke th w a s the own rudder use - the continuous battle between bow side and stroke side;
the b ht tha e bo a
etter t the ha t d o as i first one way then the other. If the coxswain does not anticipate the boats
I was rder t
Mere at my I p
response he will use rudder that moves him past his ideal course then use
dith T jo b . ulle d the equivalent amount of rudder to correct it too far the other way.
read
well, C
oxswa
in
 2 . 2 t h e rudd e r c o n t ’ d . . .

W h e n do I u s e t h e rudd e r Also, the novice crew will require a great deal of attention from the coxswain;
duri n g t h e ro w i n g s tro k e ? the rhythm and timing of the rudder turn for the coxswain would be a
complication best avoided by maintaining a constant pressure on the
The short answer to this question is: when it is least likely to cause rudder until the turn is complete. A rudder action every half-stroke just adds
disturbance to boat and crew. complication at a very rudimentary level.
The boat and its rowers are most likely to be disturbed when there is Coxswains, with experience will take all of these factors into account
instability. Rudder use can add to the boats instability, as has already when deciding the best time to apply the rudder. Small turns of the rudder
been indicated. Therefore, if we can accept that disturbance is inevitable, will make small difference and the more experienced the crew the better
how do we lessen the amount of disturbance? they will be able to handle these small deviations (lower or raise hands).
Firstly, a boat is more stable when oars are in the water. Therefore, the The more experienced coxswain will not be phased by an on/off rudder
application of rudder would best be applied when the boat is at its most application. It is the technique of choice for many elite coxswains.
stable. Conversely, the boat is least stable when oars are out of the water.
The bottom line is still - cause the least disturbance possible.
This is the least preferred time to apply the rudder.

Secondly, a boat is more responsive to rudder the faster it travels.

Therefore, the application of rudder is best applied when the boat is
moving at its greatest speed. Conversely, the boat is least responsive to
the rudder when it is at its slowest in the water. This is the least preferred
time to apply the rudder.
20
These two points, of greatest speed and greatest stability, overlap
during the drive phase (when the oar is moving through the water) of the
rowing stroke. It would be a simple conclusion to draw that this would
be the most appropriate time to steer i.e. oars in - rudder turn, oars out After
– neutral rudder, oars in – rudder turn, oars out... etc. t en y e
the co ars of
nclusio coxing,
However, this backward and forward motion of the rudder has its own n that I have
turn t it co m e
disturbing influences, especially if it is a strong jerking movement of the he rud is always to
up the d e r while t b e s t t o g en
rudder. Remember, there can be too much of a good thing. An on/off slide ( he row tly
application is fine if it is not excessive and continuous. It certainly would respon re c overy). e rs are co
ds soo I am s ming
not be used for urgent or sharp turns – as it would take too much time in
then r ner if ure th
its application. ather I ’m pus e boat
than d hing th
the wa u ring th e st r ings
For novice coxswains it would be more effective, convenient and achievable ter). M e drive
against y theo (o ars in
if the rudder was used during a turn all of the time. This would be with ry is th
the oa at you
the proviso that it is a gentle and firm application of the rudder well in strings r in the wa d o n’t wor
on the ter if k
advance of the necessary turn. The coxswain who cannot look ahead and
hell of r e covery yo u u s
plan a turn would not be able to do this effectively. It would not be in the a lot le . Put sim e the
the oa ss effo ply it t
best interest of the crew to have sharp aggressive turning for the duration rs are r t to s a kes a
of the boat’s turn. out – b teer a
ut don b o at whe
Peter ’t over n
Flyn n - d o it!
Coxswa
in
 2 . 2 t h e rudd e r c o n t ’ d . . .

W h e n Wi l l T HE R U D D E R N O T W O R k ?

x When the forces against the boat are greater than the force
the rudder can apply (eg. high winds, very strong current,
high waves, major wash or with an excessively strong rower(s)
on one side (do not go out in extreme weather)).

x When the boat is stationary.

x When the boat is moving backward

(make sure you keep your rudder lines tight, do not allow the
rudder to turn and risk breakage if the boat is moving backward).

x When the rudder strings have been allowed to fray and break.

x When the rudder has not been fixed firmly into position and
checked regularly. 23

x When weed, rubbish or some other floating matter becomes

entangled in the rudder.

x When the coxswain fails to use the rudder strings

through inattentiveness.

x
When applied too late (especially after an accident!)
 2 . 3 U S I N G T HE O A R The boat can be moved by varying degrees from centimetres to metres,
from 2o through to 180 o.
Sometimes a rudder is not enough; this is especially true when:
The amount of variance that a coxswain can achieve is dependant upon:
> The boat is stationary
> The number of rowers asked to use their oars
> A sharper, quicker turn is required
> The amount of strength used by the rower(s) in using the oar
> Stopping the boat
> The number of strokes taken
> A boat must turn around
The following example of oar usage to adjust direction is organised from
T h e s tatio n ary boat a small change of direction to a large variance in direction. Of course
with each stroke taken by the oar there will be some forward movement.
The rudder cannot operate without the movement of the boat through the Therefore, for each stroke on one side of the boat, there is a forward and
water. Therefore, other means must be found to use the water to change sideways movement to the opposite side. If a backward stroke is taken on
the direction in which the boat is facing. The oar can be moved to create its one side there is a movement backwards and sideways to that side.
own resistance in the water. The coxswain need only select the appropriate
rower(s) and ask that they use their oar to change the direction of the boat From the evidence of this example it is safe for the beginner coxswain
by rowing. Coxswains do this every day while on the water. to conclude:

> More strokes = increase in the amount of movement

24 to move LEFT to move RIGHT 25
B O W B O W
> More rowers = decrease in the time taken to make that movement

> More backward strokes with forward strokes = increased

sharpness of movement and a further decrease in the time taken

T h i s i s t h e v i e w f r o m a s t e r n c o x e d v e ss e l

It is best to remember when using oars to change direction that:

> The oar on your left side (stroke-side/port), as you face the crew,
will move the boat right (bow-side / starboard).
> The oar on your right side (bow-side/starboard) , as you face the
crew, will move the boat left (stroke-side).
> As the oar is drawn through the water toward the rower, the boat
will not only move to one side but the boat will also move forward
(to bow end).
 2 . 3 u s i n g t h e oar c o n t ’ d . . .
Each of the examples below moves the boat further away from its original
position toward the coxswains right hand side (bow-side):

minimum adj ustme n t Boat Direction > Novice coxswains always make the mistake of underestimating the
One rower to row one light/small stroke amount of forward movement that comes with attempts to move a boat
“tap it around , two seat”. in a sideways direction with one side of the boat rowing. That is why the
or
One rower to row one light/small backward stroke backward movement of the oar (backing down) can be useful. Used in
on the opposite side (“back it, arms only – bow”) combination with the forward movement of the oar (pull it around) on
greater adjustment the opposite side, backing the oar limits the forward movement and
One rower to row one heavy/large stroke guarantees the boat pivots more sharply.
“pull it around – two seat”
or
One rower to row one heavy/large backward stroke
on the opposite side (“back it, full slide – bow”) b acki n g it
small adjustment - quickly
Two rowers on the same side to row one light/small
stroke “tap it around – stroke-side”
or
Two rowers on the same side to row one light/small
backward stroke on the opposite side to above
(“back it, arms only – bow-side”)

greater adjustment - quickly

Two rowers on the same side to row one heavy/ 27
large stroke “pull it around – stroke-side”
The oar moves in a forward direc tion - ie in the opposite direc tion
or
t o a “ n o r m a l” s t r o k e . T o i n c r e a s e t h e a n g l e o f t h e t u r n t h e c o x sw a i n
Two rowers on the same side to row one heavy/
m a y a sk r o w e r s o n t h e o p p o s i t e s i d e t o “ p u l l a r o u n d ”
large backward stroke on the opposite side to
above
(“back it, full slide – bow side”)

smaller , sharper adjustment - quickly Novice coxswains always make the mistake of underestimating the
Two rowers to row one light/small stroke AND two amount of forward movement that comes with attempts to move
rowers to row one light/small backward stroke on
the opposite side a boat in a sideways direction with one side of the boat rowing.
“ tap it around – stroke-side, That is why the backward movement of the oar (backing down)
back it, arms only – bow-side”
can be useful. Used in combination with the forward movement
or
Two rowers on the same side to row one light/ of the oar (pull it around) on the opposite side, backing the oar
small stroke AND two rowers to row one heavy limits the forward movement and guarantees the boat pivots
large stroke from the opposite side (“tap it around
– stroke-side, back it full slide – bow-side”) more sharply.
largest, sharpest adjustment - quickest

Two rowers on the same side to row one heavy/

large stroke AND two rowers to row one heavy/
large stroke from the opposite side
“pull it around – stroke-side,
back it, full slide bow-side”
 2 . 3 u s i n g t h e oar c o n t ’ d . . .
T h e SH A R P T U R N
It is not unheard of for a coxswain to require his boat to turn sharply Firstly, if there is still time and space he may ask some of
while rowing. The boat, as we know, can take some time to respond to the the rowers on the opposite side (stroke-side) of the boat to apply
rudder and the rudder can only be really effective over a number of strokes, more pressure to the oar (“full weight stroke”).
over a period of time. Therefore, when, time, space and circumstances do
Secondly, if this proves ineffective because there is too
not allow for a boat to respond to a rudder then the oars can be used.
little time or space then the coxswain may ask for all the
members on the other side of the boat (stroke-side) to apply
However, this is usually the case only in time of real urgency when collision
more pressure to the water (“full weight stroke-side”).
may be imminent or time is of the essence. Some prime examples are when
a boat, on full rudder, cannot successfully negotiate a bend without striking Thirdly, if all the efforts of one side of the boat (bow-side)
a bank, or when a crew must hastily turn to catch or avoid another. will not avoid unfavourable consequences then the left hand side
of the boat (stroke-side) can be asked to lessen their effort to
Having exhausted the possibilities of the rudder in making a sharp magnify the effect of the side pulling more weight
turn the coxswain can ask for his crewmembers to use their oars as (“lighten off – stroke-side, full weight bow-side”)
a contributing force in the turn. Of course this is while the boat is still
moving. The coxswain wants to move the boat to the left and already knows
Finally, if all else cannot guarantee the boats safe
negotiation of the sharp left hand turn then the rowers on the
that his rudder will not achieve this quickly enough to avoid unfavourable
left hand side can stop rowing all together (“easy all stroke-
consequences. Therefore, he has a number of options depending how
side”) or place there oars in the water and hold them there
quickly this needs to be done. (“check it stroke-side”) while the right hand side of the boat
28 keeps rowing (“pull it around bow-side”).

When using the oars to turn while the boat is moving, each side of the boat
BLADE DEPTH BLADE DEPTH
can supplement the use of the rudder by pulling less or more weight in
the water. Many of the same commands, as mentioned in the earlier table,
can be given but it is important to remember that these later commands
are not to be given lightly. Nor should they ever be used as a replacement
for effective rudder use.

The extreme of using oars to steer the boat is the application of oars
to the water by one side in a holding position. The crew uses their blades
c h e c k it l ig h t l y c h e c k it H A R D on one side as an anchor point around which the boat can turn (pivot).
The manoeuvre is called “checking it” (“check it hard – stroke-side”)
and the rower asked to do it must stop rowing and hold his oar firmly in
the water, not allowing the blade to move, increasing the resistance on
the blade. This in turn, shifts the boat’s course like a very large rudder.
It can be applied with much resistance for large, instant changes in
course (“check it hard”) or it can be applied gently for smaller variation
(“check it lightly”). Refer to diagrams on the opposite page.
 2 . 3 u s i n g t h e oar c o n t ’ d . . .
Stoppi n g t h e boat
A rudder cannot stop a boat. Coxswains can of course just ask rowers to application (“easy all, check it hard!”). If applied too quickly, at too greater
stop rowing (“easy all”) but this will only slow the boat and the boat will depth and with the boat moving at full speed, the rower can be thrown
continue moving well after the last stroke. backwards off the seat or even out of the boat (screeching tyres, burning
rubber, loss of control). There are no airbags for coxswains!
As the novice coxswain becomes more experienced he will become
familiar with how long the boat will continue on its course after rowers T U R N I N G t h e boat
are asked to stop rowing. If a coxswain does this well, he can let the oars
glide above or on top of the water (“let it run”) until the boat draws to a All of the information included above suggests what is necessary to turn
gradual stop. If the coxswain does this badly, with poor anticipation, the a boat around (through 180 o). Obviously, the coxswain cannot turn a boat
boat will continue into the object that gave reason for stopping the rowers with rudder alone unless the turn is a long curving arc on a very large
from rowing – a rower stopping does not translate to a boat stopped. body of water. Of course the good cox would not do this because it would
Boats, like motor vehicles, can’t just rely on putting the car in neutral and require the crew to row continuously with the rudder applied and would
turning the motor off every time they wish to stop. They need brakes. take a considerable amount of time and energy – much more than most
crews have!
Oars can perform that function in the rowing boat. An oar/blade partially
placed into the water (“check it lightly”) will slow the boat gradually. Yes, use the oars to turn the boat. Continue as suggested above on
An oar/blade entirely buried beneath the water (“check it hard”) will bring page 27 – have one side pulling the other side around while the other side
the boat to a sudden halt. either sits patiently (for a wide turn) or they keep their oars “checked” in
the water for a tighter, quicker turn.
Remember, the boat will continue to move forward on a turn.
c h e c k it l ig h t l y c h e c k it H A R D
Always stop your boat and crew ahead of the point where you want to
30 turn; otherwise you will move past this point as you “spin the boat ”.
The backward movement of the blades of one side in the water
(“back it down - bow-side”) will lessen forward movement in the turning
process if you do not wish to precede any further forward.
The larger eight-oared boats often prefer or require a tighter turning
circle. If they were turning the boat to the left (“stroke-side”) they may
alternate between one side moving to back the oar (“stroke-side”) and
when they have completed a stroke the other side (“bow-side”) begins
to take a forward stroke. It can best be described as a pushing, pulling
Asking a crew to stop quickly and urgently while moving at speed, is motion – one side pushing, the other pulling alternatively. The forces on
the same as ‘slamming on the brakes’. It is a very drastic action to take - the boat are very extreme if this is done by both sides at the same time.
but often a very necessary one. It slows the forward momentum of the It is always advisable, especially in the bigger boat, to alternate forward
boat and can avoid collisions. and back efforts. (“Spinning the boat to stroke-side – stroke-side backing,
Nevertheless, any burying of oars or “checking it”, while a boat is moving bow-side rowing, set, row.”)
at speed, requires the rower to hold the oar against the great force of Although this will be addressed in Booklet 6 - On the Water, always be
the forward moving boat. It asks great strength from the rowers that are careful when turning the boat around that you are not going to block
required to do this. The faster the boat is moving the harder it is to resist other traffic in either direction. Note that during a turn you will be at 90 o
this force. The deeper the oar is placed (“check it light” or “check it hard”) to the course, creating the possibility of making the boat a very large
in the water the more difficult it is to control the force as well. That is why “target”. Also, be mindful of wind, tide and waves; the boat can drift more
a gentle application (“easy all, check it”) should precede the stronger (dangerously so) if caught side on to these natural elements.

Always use caution when stopping and turning.

 quick

‘back it’ Command given by coxswain to rowers to have them ‘ pu l l it arou n d ’

move their oar backward through the water to reverse Command given by coxswains to rowers to have them take
boat direction. a full stroke to move the boat from a stationary position to
adjust the boat’s course.
bal ance Stable boat without sideways tilting to either side of
the boat. rudde r Part of the boat used to apply resistance in the water thus
steering the boat’s course.
bow Direction to which boat is travelling – front end of the boat . rudd e r s tri n g s
Attached strings, chord, rope, wire to the rudder that are
bow loade d Coxswain’s seat is placed in the bow end of the boat.
pulled or pushed by the coxswain to move the rudder and
bow-side The right hand side of the boat when facing toward the change the boat’s course.
bow end of the boat. ‘ s pi n t h e boat ’
A casual term used by coxswains to instruct rowers to turn
canvas Upper part of boat between the stern and cox seat, bow the boat in its opposite direction.
and bow seat – was traditionally made of canvas for light
weight waterproofing of boat ends. ste rn The end of the boat to which the rowers face – the back end
of the boat.
‘check it’ Command given by the coxswain to rowers to have them
place their oar into the water holding it firmly at a constant straight An accurate alignment between the starting point and the
intended end point – shortest distance between two points.
depth thus slowing or stopping a moving boat.
stroke-side The left hand side of the boat or all rowers whose oars are
‘check it hard’ Same as ‘check it’ but with greater urgency and more placed on this side.
purpose thus resulting in a quicker stop – especially
effective in time of emergency stopping. ‘ tap it’ Command given by the coxswain to the rowers to have them
use small strokes (arms
‘ch eck it lig htly ’ only) to adjust the boat’s
‘Check it’ completed with a partial burial of the blade in course while stationary.
the water for a gradual slowing of the boat. three seat The position of a rower in
the boat relative to other
‘easy all’ Command given by the coxswain to stop the rowers from crew members i.e. three
taking further strokes – the command to stop rowing. seats from the bow.
fin / skeg Small thin metal plate placed beneath the hull for boat toggles Small plastic/wooden
stability and straight course in the water. handles on the coxswain’s
rudder strings used for
‘let it run ’ Command given by the coxswain after “easy all” to allow better rudder alignment.
the boat to gradually lose speed and come to a stop.
t wo seat The position of a rower in
‘lighte n off’ Coxswain’s command for the rowers to place less effort the boat relative to other
into their stroke. crew members i.e. two
seats from the bow.
ove rste e r A fault of coxswain’s that use too much rudder, too often.
 the good

So w h at s h ou l d t h e good co x s w ai n
n o w k n o w f rom r e adi n g t h i s boo k l e t :

Why to steer.

What kinds of rudders are available to steer.

How to use the rudder and when. First Published in 2006

Rowing Victoria Incorporated
Suite 13, 20 Commercial Rd,
Under what circumstances he must use the rudder. Melbourne VIC 3004
Telephone: 03 9820 8888
www.rowingvictoria.asn.au
When to use the rudder and what happens to the boat
© 2005 Andrew O’Brien
when he does. RowEd Australia
E-mail: info@rowed.com.au
www.rowed.com.au
What I can use instead of the rudder.
Cartoon Graphics
Will Goodwin
How the oars can be used by the rowers to www.willgoodwin.com.au
change boat direction. Design / Production
Gillian Deeble
www.gjddesigns.com.au
How to stop the boat and turn it around –
slowly, quickly, wide or sharp. The Good Coxswain title and the series of booklets are copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act
1968 and any subsequent amendments, no part may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted by any means
or process whatsoever without prior written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the Author – Andrew O’Brien,
RowEd Australia.

Disclaimer
The author and publisher believe all material produced for The Good Coxswain is correctly and accurately researched.
However, we give no warranty in relation thereto and disclaim liability for all claims against the publication, its employees
or any person associated which may arise from any material contained within its pages which may be challenged by any
persons. Views expressed by the Good Coxswain are not necessarily those of Rowing Australia or associated State Rowing
bodies or associations.

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I n A S S o C IATION W ITH :