A cox’s kit bag will typically be bulkier than a rower’s, usually full to the brim with extra layers in the winter for those brutally cold early morning water sessions. However, with head season over and regatta season right on our doorstep, what should be inside our coxing kit bags for warmer, sunnier sessions?
Before we dive into the checklist, we’re delighted to announce that WOX are partnering up with Five57 Sportsgear to provide some coxing essentials and merch, because who doesn’t love merch? Items will be available to buy on the Five57 website WOX store soon and in retail areas throughout regatta season, so keep your eyes peeled on our socials for the announcement, and for the WOX flag on the Five57 tent at rowing events.
An exclusive preview of our WOX branded dry bags
Essentials on the water
- Dry bag – ideal for taking your essentials in the boat in all weathers. This also allows you to take your phone into the boat, both for health and safety reasons and to get your all-important recordings, without worry of it becoming waterlogged. A 1L and a 5L WOX dry bag will be available to buy in our first merch drop!
- Tools – a 10mm/13mm rigger jigger, spare nuts, bolts, and washers, and electrical tape – you know the score by now.
- Warm kit – this is the UK after all. Even in summer, layers are key. Multiple thinner layers do a great job at trapping your body heat and allow you to de-layer if the weather changes during a long session.
- Waterproofs – good quality waterproof trousers and coats are essential for any cox. In terms of brands, Musto and Helly Hansen are some of our favourites, but inevitably come with a larger price tag. Decathlon is a great more budget-friendly.
- Waterproof socks – many coaches don’t allow you to wear shoes in the boat, in which case we recommend a cosy pair of good quality warm socks, and bonus points for a pair of waterproof socks over the top! For these, SealSkinz are always a top choice and well worth the investment, just make sure you look after them properly to keep them waterproof.
- Sunglasses – don’t underestimate the glare of the water. Oakleys are a popular WOX choice, but you can also get really high-quality specs these from Decathlon and other shops. As long as you have polarised lenses to protect your eyes properly from the constant exposure to UV rays, you’re winning.
- Caps – on hot days, especially if you have a parting in your hair, sunburn on the scalp can be savage and is really worth avoiding. Having a cap or visor is always good for protecting your forehead and eyes from the sun beaming down, and even on less sunny days, it can reduce the urge to squint. We particularly love our WOX cap, pictured below.
- Sunscreen – all year round on your face, even when the rest of you is covered you are still being exposed to the sun. In the summer, sun reflecting off of the water leads to very red noses.
- Water bottle – hydration is key, no matter the weather! To be able to perform, concentrate, and be healthy, you must be hydrated. A bottle with a covered lid is ideal, and you can expect to see our own in upcoming merch drops, so stay tuned.
Our brand new WOX cap, coming to our online merch store soon
Essentials off the water
- Advanced tool kit – some of our favourite tools are an 8mm spinner, 10mm spinner, tape measure, Concept 2 blade tool, 6mm ratchet socket, scissors, more spare nuts/bolts/washers, allen keys, screwdrivers, and even more electrical tape.
- Comfy clothes – Warm clothes for rigging and relaxing in after sessions are crucial. For both hygiene and warmth reasons, it is important to change after a session on the water. The WOX gang are falling in love with Loones trousers; these and a warm hoodie are perfect. Once again, we have some exciting things coming on the leisurewear front, so stay tuned!
- Notepad – for taking notes straight after a session. Write down what did and didn’t work for your crew, any key coaching points and any calls you want to remember.
- Snacks – you need to fuel yourself to be on form as a cox. Make sure you have a good selection of snacks in your bag to keep you going.
BONUS ITEMS
Not essential, but could gain you a few extra brownie points…
- Speed chart – Laminate the various speeds that correlate to the goals of your crew. For those at the elite level this will be percentage gold medal times, but talk to your coach about which split your crew should be aiming for at each rate and have this on hand.
- Sweets – when you’re on the water for a long time, sweets can be a great pick me up for you and your crew. Keep them in a sealed bag (and in your dry bag) to keep them from being a hygiene risk.
- Cooling towel – in really hot climates, these are a great tool for cooling down while on the water. Simply dunk them in the water and they get cold, drape them over your shoulders/neck and they work like a dream! But please, only use these if you know the water is clean.
- Plasters – if you have a rower who is prone to slide bite, having a few plasters on board can make you a bit of a hero. Erin doesn’t boat without one!
If you have any other kit bag items you can’t live without, we’d love to know! Drop us a DM on instagram or an email thewinningcox@gmail.com
WOX are also currently working on some new content: if you have any funny coxing stories you would like to share with us, please reach out by email or Instagram. WOX can keep you anonymous or give you a shout out, just indicate your preference in your email
You can find more from WOX on Instagram or YouTube @thewinningcox
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