On July 18 and 19 The 9th Seat got to go up to Alaska to run a clinic for the three club teams that row up there.  The Kenai Crewsers, Anchorage Rowing Association and Alaska Midnight Sun Rowing Club came together for a two day coxswain clinic that was partly sponsored by the Northwest Rowing Council.

The first day started with a lecture about steering and spatial awareness and coach to cox interaction.  We then went straight to the lake to work on the topics the coxswains just learned.  The on-the-water session were very valuable to ingrain the lessons talked about during the lecture.

The next day was more on-the-water training and boat handling drills.  We worked on backing into stake boats and adjusting your point when locked on to a stake boat. How to start and stop even while multi tasking drills and listening to coaches commands.

I enjoyed my time in Alaska but thought it was too short.  I definitely would go go back and for longer so that I could explore more of what Alaska has to offer.  Some members of Anchorage Rowing Club are currently in Australia for a Master’s regatta.  I wish them luck and hope they remember to steer straight!

–mwhip+

Steering around buoys.

Racing season is upon us and the long winter training months are finished.  Bring on the Spring and bring on the racing.  The start of a race for me is the most fun because as coxswains, we don’t get to see the flag drop.  By the time we hear the official saying, “Go,” the rowers are already in motion if your stroke has done her/his job right and gone on the flag and not the voice.

The start can also be very nerve racking at big races that are six boats across with stake boats.  I thought I would share my tips for backing into the stake boats so when the most important races with the highest stress comes your way you will be able to handle the situation.

• When pulling into your lane make sure to not let it run no more than two to three boat lengths away from the stake boat. Backing more than that length can be tedious for your rowers and makes it harder for you to steer your boat.
• Notice if there is any wind that will cause your boat to blow too far to port or starboard.
• Visualize and practice in your head what rower will have to scull the boat to port or starboard.  This way you can make your calls quick and  have them sound confident.
• Once locked on call the rowers by name if you need to have, “Two scull bow.” By saying your two seats name you should get a faster reaction.
• For stronger wind at the start you may need to have two rowers on the same side scull.  ”two scull bow and four scull three.”

These tips are just the starting point to backing your boat into stake boats.  Do not underestimate visualizing in your head and figuring out who needs to grab whose oar so that when you need your bow point corrected it is done in a calm and efficient manor. And most importantly raise your hand and have your bow person raise their hand when making all of these corrections.

Good luck…

Steer Straight!

–mwhip