CoxPod

Our voices are our leadership tools, and we need to use them properly so that they can serve us for the long term. We spoke with Linda Guida, CCC-SLP. Linda has been a rower for many years, and knows the demands that the role of coxing places on the voice. Key tips include: having working voice amplification equipment, practicing genuine vocal rest, and minimizing yelling. Connect with us on our w...

Coxswains need to execute specialized movements of the boat, directing various components in order to accomplish these maneuvers with precision and discipline. We talk about holding water, sculling it around, backing, spinning in place, swapping rowers, and other boat movements. Sun Tzu said: “Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.” Connect with...

Head races require specific coxswain skills, from the moment of entering the chute until crossing the finish line. We explore passing and being passed, strategies for effectively managing the long duration of the race, and the importance of knowing and holding the best line. The complexities of a head race give coxswains many opportunities to positively impact the outcome. Connect with us on our w...

We cover the intricacies of preparation for a head race, starting from the moment of deciding to attend the race, through the activities of race day leading up to entering the chute. All of the information gleaned as part of this preparation informs the race plan you’ll ultimately execute as the coxswain. Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Slack channel, or on social...

You’ve heard from us, and now we hear from you. Topics include: vocabulary and tone, rowers in the coxswain seat, fostering a collaborative atmosphere, improving when you get no feedback, lining up for a race, judging distances, motivation when you’re the underdog, and reflecting on what we’d tell our novice selves. Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Slack channel, o...

Our guest brings a perspective as a coach, Olympic-level rower, and occasional cox. Why does Abby coach coxswains? She values what they can bring to the boat. She also shared what she appreciates in a coxswain, from her perspective as a rower. We’ve been honored to benefit from Abby’s coaching and mentorship. Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Slack channel, or on so...

Docking is a fear-inducing process for many coxswains, including us! As Chuck Yeager (renowned pilot) said: “If you can walk away from a landing, it’s a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it’s an outstanding landing.” We share information about the many details that can affect how we land: wind, current, rowers, etc. Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on ou...

No dock? No problem! In this episode we discuss the unique considerations that apply when launching and landing without a dock. While beach/wet launching can present challenges, it also comes with benefits. We hope you’ll find this episode particularly beneficial if wet launching isn’t your typical experience. Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Slack channel, or on s...

Everyone talks about landing/docking, but coxswains rarely get guidance on launching. We discuss how to safely get a boat from the rack to the dock, including: how to deal with rowers of varying heights and physical abilities, where should you be positioned as a coxswain during the launching process, what to do at venues with very long walks to the launching area, and how to do a standing shove! S...

We walk through a water practice from start to finish, drawing back the sometimes-opaque curtain and discussing how even a perceived simple act like “get to the dock” is more nuanced and complex than people appreciate.  Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Slack channel, or on social media. Support us on Patreon !

When you look at a rowing shell, coxswains appear to be sitting motionless, not contributing to the movement of the boat. But anyone who’s been in the seat knows that what we do is physically demanding as well. In this episode, we hear the perspective of a physical therapist (who is also a rower and coach) on the athletic aspects of the coxswain seat. Connect with us on our website at https://www....

The common perception is that coxswains give feedback, but the other side of that coin is just as important. Coxswains aren’t only sources of output. To excel, we have to be receptive to input. In this episode, we talk about how to receive and integrate feedback from coaches, rowers, and race officials. Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Slack channel, or on social m...

How can we wield our words most effectively? Like James Bond (the original 007), a laconic man known for pithy phrases, a great coxswain can learn to use words like Q’s sophisticated gadgets. We also talk about how you can leverage your feedback to support the team’s goals. Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Slack channel, or on social media. Support us on Patreon !

If your first instinct upon hearing that you’re going to be coxing a bowloader is “#?@$!,” this episode is here to help. We talk about what makes communication in this boat type different from in a stern-loaded boat, and discuss how to develop the almighty “boat feel.” Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Slack channel, or on social media. Support us on Patreon !

The prolific author of the "Ready all, row" blog joins us for a conversation about how coxswains can improve their skills, why coaches should coach their coxswains, and other topics relevant to the "oar-less" rower. We're grateful that a visionary colleague in the coxswain content world is our first guest. Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on soci...

We’ve fondly dubbed this episode "Into the Belly of the Beast"—listen in to find out why! We delve into the intricacies of a boat class that is ubiquitous in the sport but not often discussed or understood by the larger rowing community. Fear not! Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media. In this episode: 00:00  Introduction 02:00  Defini...

It's time to delve into the nooks and crannies of our personalities.  We all have strengths, weaknesses, and personality styles that deeply affect how we interact with the world.  This includes our roles as coxswains.  We're NOT all the same, and many of us don't fit the stereotypical cox description. Take your own personality test and think about how you can use this information to be more effect...

It's 2020 and the world is coping with COVID-19. The pandemic has shut down most sweep programs. Let's talk about some concrete ideas designed to help us get through this time and improve ourselves even when we can't be in the seat.  Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media. In this episode: 00:00  Introduction: What can coxswains do duri...

Meet Sally, Breana, and Anne, the co-hosts of CoxPod. In this episode we'll introduce ourselves, tell you about how we got started in coxing, and give you a sense of what you can expect from future CoxPod content. We're delighted to have you here! Connect with us on our website at https://www. CoxPod.com, on our Discord server, or on social media. In this episode: 00:00  Introduction and welcome 0...

Welcome to CoxPod, a podcast dedicated to coxing topics and hosted by experienced coxswains. Our coxing careers include trips to the medal stand, crossing the finish line in last place, and everything in between—not to mention the countless hours spent at practice, whether on the water or on land. We created this informational podcast to promote ongoing skills development by articulating the detai...