Steering
Once you're away from the dock, the workout has started, and you're calling the shots (following the coach's instructions, of course). Your most important job on the water is to steer clear of any hazards, and to maintain as straight a course as possible.
To steer: grasp the cords at your sides with both hands. Push your right hand forward to turn right. Push your left hand forward to turn left.
It takes practice to learn how a boat will react to steering. Usually we all oversteer, and over-correct, as novice coxes. Remember that the faster a boat goes, the greater the effect of the rudder. In other words, at high speeds, a small steering correction is all that is needed. When the boat is going very slowly, you won't be able to steer with the rudder and will have to have the rowers adjust your direction by pulling harder.
Ideally, you will steer only when the oars are in the water, not on the recovery. This means that you will turn a small amount in "pulses" with each stroke, rather than by holding one hand forward throughout the turn. Steering this way takes practice, but it will affect the set of the boat less. It is also possible to ask for more pressure from either ports or starboards to help get you around a corner. Remember to ask for equal pressure again when you are headed correctly. Many novice coxes also seem to dislike wearing the cox box headband. Please wear the headband to keep your hands free. Pulsing on each stroke means that your hands need to be on your rudder strings, not holding your microphone.
Warn the rowers when it's your steering which is causing the boat to go "off keel." They will appreciate knowing what's causing the change in the set of the boat.
To steer a straight course, set a point. Look ahead of the boat and pick a target, such as a tall tree or other easily distinguishable feature. By keeping that point ahead of you, you will avoid carving serpentines down the lake. Always make sure you are aiming correctly before giving the command to row. At a standstill, you can adjust your line up by asking the bow or 2 seat to "touch it," or to take a light stroke.
