[CUCBC Coxes] Coxing in a high stream

[Mark Stringer]

Dear Coxes,

 

It looks like the river is starting to return back to normal again, but for
the next few days, there will still be more stream than most people are used
to.

 

There are a few things that people need to be aware of:

 

1)         Most importantly, you need much more room to complete manouevres!
You will find that when you try and spin that the boat wants to stay
perpendicular to the river, so it can be quite difficult to get your boat
round - Don't panic, just make sure that people are switched on and working
together to spin the boat.  The other thing about spinning is that you will
be drifting downstream MUCH faster, so you need extra room to compensate for
this as well.  Once you have spun, make sure you get out of the spinning
zone immediately, as other crews will need the space to spin as well.

 

2)         When you go round corners, you'll find that the river tends to
push you towards the outside of corners and you'll need to start steering a
fraction earlier to get round.

 

3)         Remember that how well your rudder works is related to how fast
you are going relative to the water.  So, even if you feel like you are
moving quickly relative to the bank, unless you are moving relative to the
water, you won't get any steerage.

 

4)         When you are holding position on the river, you'll find that the
river starts to spin your boat very quickly.  You therefore need to be
really switched on if you are stationary and keep your bow pair taking
taps/strokes so that you don't find yourself perpendicular to the flow when
you don't want to!

 

5)         When the river is high, there is a big possibility of large
objects drifting downstream (in the last few days, there have been large
chunks of trees, a fire extinguisher, a narrow boat(!)...).   the bottom
line is that you need to be constantly looking out for hazards in the water.

 

6)         If the river is high, you often can't see where the bank is, so
make sure you approach with caution - your captain will get a bit irritated
if you run your boat up the bank because you have come in too quickly!

 

7)         Finally, it is even more important for you to make the decision
as to whether you think you handle the conditions or not.  It's really hard
for coxes to say no to an outing, and even more so if the river has been
closed for a week.  BUT, the decision lies with you, and if you are not
confident that you will be able to deal with the river, then don't go.  Talk
to your captains if you are getting hassled into going out when you don't
think it is safe.

 

Best Regards, and good luck to racing crews tomorrow.

 

Mark Stringer

CUCBC Coxing Rep

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