Actual pages from the handbook. Digital PDF, no printed book shipped.
The Row HQ library / Coxing
The Cox's
Handbook
Know what to say.
Understand what it should change.
Prepare your next outing with clear calls, practical drills and worked race plans. Keep the printable cheat sheet beside your session notes.
£3.99 GBP / pay once
Download after payment. A link also arrives by email.
The idea behind the calls
Rev the engine.
Keep control of the rhythm.
A cox helps the crew change effort together. The handbook separates stroke rate, pressure and boat speed, so every lift has a purpose and a clear finish.
Build
Bring the crew up gradually to the agreed rhythm.
Settle
Find a pace the crew can hold without losing useful pressure.
Lift
Ask for one clear change. Give the move a defined length.
Check
Notice the response. Keep what worked and adjust what did not.
Open the handbook
Read it once.
Return before each outing.
Use the chapters to learn the role. Then choose a drill, adapt a race plan or print a worksheet for your next session. The cheat sheet brings the main checks together on one page.
- 01
- The role, crew levels and preparation
- 02
- Carrying, launching and landing
- 03
- Commands, steering and boat control
- 04
- Training sessions and 12 practical drills
- 05
- Starts, racing and three worked plans
- 06
- Voice, review and emergency preparation
- 07
- Five worksheets and a coxing cheat sheet
- 08
- UK/US vocabulary, glossary and references
Match the crew in front of you
The role changes as rowers improve.
New rowers
Explain the action before asking for it. Check understanding and make the outing predictable.
Developing crews
Reinforce the coach's chosen technical focus. Leave enough strokes for rowers to act on it.
Experienced club crews
Use brief updates, agreed moves and useful feedback. More experience does not mean more talking.
Performance crews
Time calls precisely. Know the race plan, respond to the crew and make deliberate tactical choices.
Before you buy
Your copy, explained.
What do I receive?
A 51-page PDF with the full handbook, five worksheets and the printable cheat sheet. Read it on a phone, tablet or computer, or print the pages you need. This purchase is for personal use. No physical booklet is posted.
Which edition will I get?
This shop supplies the UK edition, using British Rowing references. UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand shops receive the UK edition. US and Canada shops receive the US edition. Both contain a UK/US vocabulary table. Follow your own club, event and national rules.
How does delivery work?
After payment is confirmed, download your PDF from the confirmation page or the link emailed to your checkout address. The link lasts seven days. Save the PDF and keep it. If you need a fresh link, email support@rowhq.app.
Is this suitable for a first-time cox?
Yes. It starts with the role and basic commands, then covers training and racing. Use it alongside supervised practice and your club's safety training. It does not replace either.
Can I try a shorter guide first?
The free two-page calls sheet gives you a starting reference. Get the free cox calls sheet.