Bow

The front of the shell and first part of the shell to cross the finish line. Rowers sit with their backs to the bow. The coxswain sits facing the bow.

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Bow Ball

For safety reasons, there is a rubber ball attached to the end of the bow. This is to protect the shell in case of collision.

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Bow Coxed

When the coxswain is positioned in the bow with all of the rowers behind them. Usually the coxswain slides down into the bow deck. The advantage is that the weight of the coxswain is lower in the shell. This can be seen on Fours and Quads.

Port	Starboard
coxswain's left side rower's right side	coxswain's right side rower's left side

Gunwale

The edge or lip of the shell that surrounds where rowers sit. This is where rowers will hold the shell when lifting and carrying it.

Stern

The back of the shell and the last part of the shell to cross the finish line. Rowers sit facing the stern. The coxswain sits with their back to the stern.

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Skeg

A fixed plastic/aluminum fin in the stern that is beneath boat and used for stabilization.

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Rudder

Right behind the skeg, there is a small moveable piece of plastic/aluminum that angles port or starboard and will adjust the course of the shell accordingly. This is one of the responsibilities of the coxswain.

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Stern Coxed

When the coxswain is positioned in the stern with all of the rowers facing them. Usually the coxswain is sitting more-or-less upright. The advantage is that the coxswain can better see around them and see how the rowers are doing. This is the most common position for a coxswain.