At the 1940 Summer Olympics, the time difference between gold and silver in the men’s eight was fractionally over ten seconds. At the 2016 Games, that gap had fallen to under one. We now play in a sport built upon split seconds and data-driven decisions. So, how do we win in a world where glory and tragedy are separated by less than a stroke?
CoxBox 5 – fifty years in the making
It is one of the fundamental roles of the cox to be able to communicate with his crew, and to be able to not only motivate them in the heat of the race with roaring encouragement; but to deliver accurate, real-time data on their progress. This ability to be able to relay simple facts began in 1978 with the first CoxBoxes which gave the cox basic information such as stroke-rate and stopwatch-style timing. Fifty years on, the magnets and impellers have disappeared, providing a far more elegant and in-depth solution.
The new CoxBox GPS can deliver a wealth of information in realtime to the coxswain, and to coaches and spectators alike (as we shall see later). Some of the most commonly used pieces of data available are:
- Stroke Rate
- Average Stroke Rate
- Stroke Count
- 500m/ Split
- Average 500m/ Split
- Accurate time and distance recording
Hardware
The latest CoxBox builds on the already solid design of the previous items forged in the Nielsen-Kellerman furnaces, whilst making some much-needed upgrades and changes.
The most noticeable feature that will distinguish the latest CoxBox offering from its predecessors is the integration of all connector ports into the monoblock system that creates superior readability and ease of use by relocating the charging, microphone and smart connector ports to the base of the unit, keeping them safe from damage.
This simple move has allowed for a radical redesign on the face of the unit, replacing the old three-button system with an intuitive context-sensitive set of controls on the front of the CoxBox. These include:
- Dedicated volume control
- Dedicated start/stop button
- Navigation keys
- Simple menu-access button
- Boat, athlete, and seat performance modes (the latter two being currently unavailable)
It is easy to understate the usefulness of the new suite of buttons, but coxes around the globe will appreciate the simplified controls that keep their focus on the crew, and not how to navigate their new toy.
The new CoxBox also utilises a new cylindrical battery that provides longer battery life, extending the previously useable 4 hours to an unquestionable 10 hours, ensuring that even with the longest weekend of sessions, the CoxBox remains ready for action.
NK has also adopted a mantra of “if ain’t broke; don’t fix it” in regards to some of the defining features of recent editions of the CoxBox such as its ability to float should the worst happen, and its easy to read – now backlit – display that makes data interpretation easier on the move.
Software
In an age whose theme tune in phone poking, keyboard tapping and mouse dragging, it seems only right that the new CoxBox provides those who use it with cloud integration and instinctive after-outing data analysis options.
The CoxBox GPS was released alongside its sister product NK Logbook which allows athletes to record sessions data for later review, allowing rowers and coaches to gain valuable, digitalised information that informs decisions come crunch-time.
The options for cloud integration allow the data from a CoxBox to be streamed live to the NK Link Logbook for viewing around the world, useful for teams at regattas, or just as a rainy day activity – as I write this, I’m watching the Progress of “Justin” down the Schuylkill River.
You do not, however, have to own the latest NK devices to be able to access this data. Simple create a free account and select which crew to watch.
Future-proof
One thing is certain – rowing is set to move with the times in coming years; the CoxBox is ready to adapt to any change that comes its way.
Perhaps the most powerful example of this is the new Smart Connector, which according to current literature will allow the CoxBox to access data from Empower Oarlocks, as well as opening up the possibility of accessing seat and athlete performance modes. This is alongside more practical features such as integrated boat lighting, allowing the cox to activate bow and stern lights from the comfort of her seat.
Conclusion
The latest CoxBox refuses to fit into a hole in the current market, instead building a new tier at the top end of the spectrum.
Over the coming years, coxes will have to adapt. No longer will size and voice be the deciding factors. They will have to interpret vast amounts of data from multiple angles to formulate the best race plan to craft the best outcome for the crew. The latest CoxBox will make this process far more streamlined, meaning the cox can motivate with the data, rather than fall silent to analyse it.
The CoxBox remains a tool for the job, and not a solution to replace the cox. What it will do, is make the winning cox unbeatable.
Ed Evans
Opinions Editor
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