In my search for "the magic words" over the years, I compiled a dictionary of some of my common calls. Several coxswains contributed unknowingly through my coach or their former rowers to what I know. So here is what I have compiled. Terms are of course, often specific to the team background I have, so feel free to ask questions.

Set

Two major things that affect keel are making sure rowers are together in the stroke (see swing for calls to achieve togetherness) and the hand levels. If the boat is towards one side, the rowers on that side should raise their hands, while the rowers on the other side lower their hands. This often helps fix the keel.


"Set it up!"

"It's on side, set it up!" - Side would be either port or starboard, whatever side it is leaning towards

"Set the keel!"

"Watch your hand levels, straight in, straight out!"

"Keep it up off side!" - Side is either port or starboard, whichever it is resting on

"Side it's not resting on strike it down at the finish."

"Side it's not resting on, lower hands at the part of stroke the boat is flopping on." - If the boat is diving towards one side at a point in the stroke, remind the rowers that their hands should be at the right level.

"Side or person don't let your hands dive at the catch!"

"Keep your hand levels consistent!"

"Find the middle ground!"

"Work together to set the boat!"

"Pull into the sternum, two inch strike down, repel parallel!"

"Keep your hands consistent!"

"Square up at the same time"