Hinksey Sculling School

A Cox -or Coxswain to use the correct terminology - is "Master of Her/His Craft" in other words is CAPTAIN and therefore the most important person in that (craft) boat.

The Cox has full control over the crew and is RESPONSIBLE for both the crew's and boat's safety at all times. The primary role of the Cox is to maintain the boat's correct position and motion on the water at all times and secondarily to ensure that the training plan for the crew is carried out. In a race the Cox acts as Steers person, encourager and Coach to the athletes in the crew.

Cox's seats used to be situated at the rear of the boat but nowadays they can also be found in the front of boats called "front loaders"

An athlete may choose only to be a Cox and not a sculler or rower.

An athlete may not choose NOT to cox as it is Hinksey Sculling School's policy that all athletes in age groups where coxed boats are used will rotate in the cox's seat. This is to ensure that no one individual is always sat in the cox's seat. This procedure is maintained unless or until individuals evidence a special aptitude for coxing and ask to be a Cox on a regular basis.

There is hardly a more important seat in any boat!