Coxswain question

[dboater]

Are coxswains allowed to use their oars to assist in propelling the boat forward? I thought in most international competition, the team will be disqualified if a coxs was judged to have done anything to move the boat forward.  :?

[Cartman]

really? where did u read this from? care to share more abt it?  :?:

[Vault Boy]

cannot? I thought all along there isn't any rules on the coxs' actions? at least not in SG and Penang races.

[dboater]

i didn't read it anywhere. i heard it from a friend from hongkong. I am not sure that's why I am asking around.

[Blastoise]

I've always been wondering. How do you actually propel the boat, like what Mr. Nasiman always do? There's something about him, or rather his technique of steering that we must discover.

[blooppy]

meh? if the cox cannot do anything then they prolly cant kick forward also.. but then if u look at international dragon boat competition pics, they usually take a position ready to kick the boat forward.. ? dunno leh.. but i think the rudder creates a substantial amount of drag to the boat, would be best if the rudder is left out of the water. i think la.. any coxwain out there to confirm this??

[Blastoise]

This is what i observed. Some coxwains will lift the rudder out of the water, then in again rhythmically. How does this action helps?

[dboater]

is it to reduce friction in the water by lifting out if the boat is going straight enough, then put in to steer if the boat is going one side?

[Blastoise]

not that. This one's really in a rhythm. Like paddling like that.

[blooppy]

i think the reason is as simple as to reduce friction, i dun see how that will help in moving the boat forward. any coxman out there to verify? mayb nasiman can tell us more.. powerpack cox..