Coxing
Captain of Coxes Welcome
Welcome to coxing at LMHBC!
Hi, I’m Kizzy the captain of coxes at LMH. I got into coxing last year when one of my best friends (who was on the team) suggested I try it. I was completely new to the sport, and didn’t even really know anything about rowing when I started, but I ended up really enjoying it!
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Coxing is a really nice way to be part of a competitive college sports team and add some structure to your week. For me, this involves one early morning session on a weekday, and then an outing midday/in the afternoon both Saturday and Sunday (plus the weekly socials). Before a race (such as Torpids or Summer Eights), it will be a bit busier with a few extra outings in the week.
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If you have any questions about coxing with us, or have prior coxing experience, please get in contact!
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~ Kizzy McCulloch - Captain of Coxes
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What is coxing really about?
Coxswains (coxes) are some of the most influential members of a rowing crew. Unlike the rowers, coxes sit facing the direction of travel, acting the eyes (and brains!) for eight/four other people.
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First and foremost, the job of a cox is to steer the boat, however, there is much more to coxing than just that. During a race, there are times at which a cox must make difficult calls depending on river conditions and the position of other racing crews, which often affect the outcome of the race. This generally involves deviations to the recommended racing line in a strategic manner, hopefully to the benefit of the crew.
Additionally, coxes are responsible for keeping their crew motivated throughout training sessions, race pieces, and competitions. It is important that a cox is able to understand the needs of their crew, and work with them to deliver calls that allow them to row cohesively, and powerfully. Coordination is key in rowing, thus a good cox ensures that their crew applies strong individual technique, while staying disciplined in their collective timing.
It is also of the utmost importance that crews remain safe on the river, especially on narrow stretches of the Isis and during bumps races, which notoriously involve physical contact. Coxes are essential to the safety of our crews, and are indispensable members of the club, without whom, we would not be able to train or partake in racing.
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If you are interested in learning or cox, or want to know more, please get in touch with our Captain of Coxes who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have!
Coxing briefings
Map of the River Isis - the stretch of the Thames that runs through Oxford, an the river on which LMH trains/bumps racing takes place
While it is not required that you pass any official exams, everyone who wishes to cox must register for a 'coxing license' before their first water outing.
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This consists of attending a 2 hour coxing briefing (usually held at the beginning of each term) run by OURCs. During the briefing, you will be asked to fill out an application stating your name, the college you attend, and any prior coxing experience you may have, as well as providing a passport style photo of yourself, and a small processing fee of £2.
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The briefing will cover the basics of coxing, including, but not limited to, the layout of a boat, some rowing specific terms, and common calls you may be expected to make during an outing. Additionally, you will learn about the stretch of river most college clubs row on, and on which both bumps campaigns, as well as multiple other races throughout the year, are held. They will go over the times at which you may and may not take crews out, depending on your coxing status (N = novice, X = experienced, and S = senior), which is subjective to the time of day, and river conditions, as well as teaching you the basics of bumps racing, which will get expanded upon in subsequent, race specific briefings.
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Most coxes initially register at novice status, but if you have previous coxing experience upon entering the university, please speak to our Captain of Coxes before a meeting, as you may be able to attend a shorter introductory briefing and register at either X or S status straight away.
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Once you join, you will receive more information regarding briefings, but if you have any questions before then, don't hesitate to get in touch!
