Coxswains

Calling all coxswains
LUC is seeking experienced racing coxswains. Traveling is required and paid for by your team. If interested please contact James Rawson at james@lakeunioncrew.com . Read on to learn more about the benefits of coxing at Lake Union Crew.

How coxing at LUC works
Coxswains participate at a variety of levels at Lake Union Crew. Full time coxswains (3-4 times per week depending on rowing season) enjoy a host of benefits as described below. Rowers may also cox Learn To Row programs as a way of covering the cost of dues (see below). In whatever way our coxswains contribute their time, they are a huge part of Lake Union Crew's success.

As with the rowers, coxswains receive regular on-water coaching. Full time coxswains are 'assistant coaches' and work in tandem with the program coach to maximize crew improvements. Coxswains also receive recordings of National Team coxswains, land training, and our Coxswain Handbook*. This manual is available for download in Adobe Reader format. The handbook contains a variety of important information for experienced and novice coxswains alike, including:
  • The role of the coxswain
  • Steering, stopping, and turning
  • Commands
  • Boat handling
  • Safety
  • Equipment
  • Traffic pattern map

Full-Time Coxswain Benefits
Coxswains are considered full time if they cox 3 times per week, and up to 5 times per week directly before they travel to National and International events. Benefits include:

  • Full membership at no cost
  • Uniform and other LUC gear
  • Travel and hotel costs paid for all away regattas
  • All regatta entry fees paid
  • Being treated as an Assistant Coach by team Coaches
  • A team of athletes who greatly appreciate you
Cox for Credit Program
Members may participate in our Cox for Credit program.  Eligibility for this program requires attendance of our Coxing Basics course, offered once per month.  This is a great way for rowers with financial considerations to cover their costs one month at a time. Here is how the program works:
  • All requests/inquiries must come through the Purser's Office before credit accrual (i.e. credit will not be applied retroactively)
  • To be eligible, interested rowers must attend the Coxing Basics class that is generally offered once a month
  • After completing the training sessions, potential Coxing for Credit participants will be issued a Coxing Punch Card kept track of by the Purser's Office
  • Keep track of your coxing by signing in and out of the Log Book under the Coxing for Credit tab and they will be transferred to your card
  • It takes 10 punches for a month’s worth of dues.  When a card is full you will be notified and it will be applied to the next month’s dues
  • You may cox for any program, however, LTR still has highest priority and Credit Coxswains will be required to fill LTR slots as necessary, especially during the summer.
Coxing Basics Classes
Coxing Basics class is an opportunity for new and experienced rowers alike to debunk the myths behind the microphone and get more comfortable in the driver's seat.  Whether you are a trial member or a long time sweeper, this class will give you a new perspective on rowing and lessen the intimidation of coxing.  The class will be lecture format and will give you the tools to practice coxing in your programs.