In coxless pairs, quadruple sculls and coxless fours, one of the oarsmen will be designated steersman. They will control the rudder using lines attached to the toe of one shoe, which pivots around the ball of the foot. The steersman is chosen according to experience and the nature of the course on which the boat is rowing: bow has a clear view ahead when looking over his shoulder, whereas stroke may be able to steer well on a straight course by pointing the stern at a reference point. Steersmen rowing in the middle of a four or quad are not uncommon, since bow and stroke have other duties already.
相关联的关于掌控方向-- Bow Pair
The rower closest to the bow of the boat, is usually called either "bow" or the "bowman". In coxless boats, the bowman is often responsible for giving calls to the crew. The bow pair of bow and "two", who are the two rowers closest to the boat's bow, are more responsible for the stability (called "set") and the direction of the boat than any other pair of rowers, and are often very technical rowers. The bow of a stern-coxed boat is subject to the greatest amount of pitching, requiring the bow pair to be adaptable and quick in their movements.
Boats that are bow coxed rely on communication between the bowman and the cox - as the cox cannot see boats coming up from behind. Bowmen tend to be the smallest of the rowers in the boat.