To make a successful rower great practice will be required, although in this, as in everything else, some learn much more rapidly than others.
Benjamin F. Brady, ex-president of the Amateur Rowing Association, furnishes the subjoined:
Coxswains are carried in the gigs and barges only; all the shells being constructed to dispense with them, and it is safe to predict that they will soon come to be a thing of the past in all American shell races. Whether with or without a coxswain is the more practical or scientific, depends, in a great measure, upon the nature of the course pulled, and the efficiency of the bow oar; but an experienced crew can well get along without one. While the fact has been several times proven that a good coxswain has been the means of winning a race with an acknowledged inferior crew.
COXSWAIN’S ORDERS
Among the Clubs of the Association, are given as follows:
1st. “Oars.”—The crew raising their oars to an angle of forty-five degrees and then placing them in the thole pins.
2d. “Out.”—The crew running their oars out to the proper distance for rowing, the blade being parallel with the gunwale of the boat.
3d. “Give-way.”—At the word “Give” throwing the handle of the oar forward well over the toes, the blade being at a proper angle to strike the water; and at the word “Way” dipping the oar in the commencement of the pull.
4th. “Weigh.”—To stop rowing.