Technique for the new millenium, or "A New Rowing Etiquette".
Always arrive late enough for your outing that your crew have already got the boat on the water, but not so late that they have found someone else to row intead.
"Legs - body - arms" only invites bum-shoving. Lift the blade with the body at the catch. This is called the "Windy Miller" technique - essential in shallow water (up to 1m) where you can get a really firm catch off the river bed.
Hand height theory: Hands should be as low in the boat as possible so that your blade has maximum clearance off the water. Ignore complaints from the rest of your crew, as they are only jealous that they cannot get their blade off the water.
Slide control: its only basic good manners to let stroke go in first.
Allowing the boat to flop to bow/strokeside while spinning gives the riggers a good wash and should be encouraged.
Beginning the stroke together places far too much strain on the boat and should be avoided at all costs.
If it has been raining hard during an outing, it is mandatory for the cox to call "above heads" while removing the boat from the water.
Paddling/backing after the cox has called "easy" keeps the cox alert and responsive. "Bow" can always line the boat up better anyway.
It is considered extremely bad form not to sh*g the cox.
Shouting technical advice from the stroke seat promotes crew bonding and communication.
Steering under road bridges, it is only compulsory for coxes to aim for the overhead drains if it is raining, or has been in the last hour.
"Chop-spinning" any boat is for public schoolboys only, as are electronic coaching aids, coaching, and buggery.
Getting past the first round at any event interferes severely with available drinking time at regattas, and should, generally, be avoided.
Any checking of the rigging of a boat should be discouraged, as it implies a knowledge of what is going on.
Only the finest quality "King Dick" adjustable spanners are considered suitable for the various nuts on a boat. Better still, if you can find one, a multi-ended spanner designed for kiddies' bicycles is the ultimate accessory.
Voice training: cox-boxes, whilest fine for piping music from your walkman through the boat, fail to allow the cox to convey the same sense of urgency to the crew as does shouting.
IN: Evian water bottles, micropore tape, thinsulate hats, cute flashing multicoloured lights, CarboCraft.
OUT: Designer waterbottles, fingerless gloves, bobble hats, red & white nav lights, Empacher.