Using Data from the Coxing Seat

In the ever-evolving world of rowing, technology is playing an increasingly significant role. From GPS trackers to telemetry (for example Peach Innovations/Biorow), data is becoming readily available to athletes and coaches. For coxswains, this influx of information presents both challenges and opportunities. 

Here we hope to trigger a conversation exploring how coxswains can effectively utilise data to enhance their performance, improve crew communication, and ultimately achieve greater success on the water.

Understanding the data

The coxing seat offers a unique point of view, and adding data to this seat makes it even more powerful. But what data is available and what does it mean? 

• Stroke Rate – number of strokes taken per minute, dictates cadence
• Live Splits – can be taken from an impeller or GPS and reads live speeds per 500m
• Distance per Stroke – as it says on the tin, the distance travelled per stroke
• Watts (power output) – the power calculation is based on the integral of handle speed multiplied by force on the handle. In layman’s terms it is the force put through the handle and measured at the pin. (Please see reference 1 for further detail). 
• GPS Distance – distance measured by gps, remember inaccuracies are likely to come from blocks to signals such as high trees. 
• Other telemetry data eg catch and finish angles – the distance of the force curve in front of and behind the pin 

Training the brain to interpret this data on the land at first is critical to ensure there is understanding. Your understanding enhances the ability for you to communicate it to the rowers in a way that helps them implement required changes. 

“And what do you conclude from that, Watson?” – Call structure

When you are looking at the data ask yourself the following questions…

1. What are the raw numbers saying?
2. How does the boat feel, look, sound?
3. What and how are the numbers and boat interacting? Do the 2 support each other?
4. How will you help the rower make a change to improve the numbers and the boat?
5. How will you communicate the numbers to the rowers?

A simple call structure of What, How, and When, is typically the most effective in these instances. Keeping sight of the big picture, is it making the boat faster?

What – what are you seeing, interpreting, feeling, and observing. What do you want the rowers to do about it?

How – how do you want the rowers to change it?

When – this is crucial to enable the change to happen as a cohesive unit

Alongside this, there is the consideration of the impact you wish to have. Are you looking to make a long term change, something you would likely put in place over a steady state session? Perhaps you are looking to make a quick change, in the moment, something that will immediately impact the position of the boat during a race. Alternatively, you are looking for a hybrid, a decision that will impact the rest of the piece or race from the direction being made.
Being able to choose the right circumstance to match the call, whilst using data to provide support for that call, is when you are making the highest level of coxing decision.

“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes” – Making sure the data doesn’t detract from what lies in front of you

Your senses are your best friends in rowing and coxing. What can you see, what can you hear, and what can you feel? With lots of additional data available, it is important that you are not distracted from the fundamentals. What makes a boat move fast? Are you maintaining the awareness necessary to make tactical decisions that benefit your crew? Are you taking care of your steering? Is the weather affecting the data you have?

1. Structure and process is key

• Rowing comes first: What you can see, hear, and feel is always more reliable than the numbers. Common sense goes a long way.
• Using data to support a call: A well structured call will have a what, how, and when. Data will be included to support if there has been a change. You may want the rowers to be 1 degree longer at the catch, but how are they going to achieve that? You may want the split to be faster but do you want them to increase the rate and watts, just the watts, or to make a technical change? Be specific and always think about the technical element that will accompany the call. 

The best coxswains prioritise teamwork over personal victories, creating an environment where the whole squad thrives.

2. Is it a crew or individual change you want to see on the data?  

• Individuals will be called out to bring them in-line with the crew: it is still about cohesion.
• Collective calls might be about units or the whole crew: the aim is always to move the boat faster or keep hold of speed.

    3.   Progress and building trust

• Feedback feeds progress: Trust is key and understanding what has helped them go faster or improve the numbers will help the crew take ownership of progress. 
• Trust: Knowledge is power in the eyes of the rowers, and knowing where they are on a course and how they are contributing to the speed and progress of the crew helps them own and manage their individual performance. 
• Ownership of performance builds crews

While technology can be a valuable tool, it’s crucial for coxswains to maintain strong observational and communication skills, as these are essential for effective leadership and on-the-water decision-making.

References

1 – http://www.peachinnovations.com/FAQ.htm

2 – https://biorow.com/news/?page=3

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