The coxswain's main job is to steer the shell. He or she also calls the race strategy, helps the coach and motivates the crew. Selected for their small size and savvy. CRAB - An action that slows the boat down. The oar is turned in the water incorrectly or goes too deep in the water making it difficult or impossible to remove the oar from the water.
Some crabs can result in the oarsperson being thrown out of the boat.
DECK - Sections at the bow and stern of the shell covered usually by varnished silk, nylon or as part of the main shell material. The top part of the shell from the coxswain to the stern and the bowperson to the bowball. EASY - Command used by many international crews to mean stop rowing. The command stop is used in emergencies. Usually identifiable by their yellow colour.