Know a coxswain but have no idea what to get them for Christmas? You’ve come to the right place. My friends and family used to joke that they were going to get me nothing but cough drops since I was always losing my voice when the weather was cold but if you’re looking for something a little more creative, here’s some ideas.
If you know someone who just started coxing, The Down & Dirty Guide to Coxing is a good resource to help them get up to speed. It covers the basics so it wouldn’t be great for someone who’s been at it for more than a year or so but could be a helpful gift for someone new to the sport. Similarly, a notebook or one of Vespoli’s coxswain wrenches, which has both 7/16th and 10mm measurements on it, would make a solid addition to their toolkit. For more experienced coxswains, it’s important that they locate as many educational opportunities as possible so they can further their own knowledge and skills so registration to a clinic or summer camp could really help them take their coxing to the next level.
Warm gear is always a simple and much-appreciated gift, as are Hot Hands. Two of my personal fave brands are Patagonia (their snap-t fleece pullover is a staple) and Smartwool, because nothing saves you from being miserable on the water like a thick pair of socks to keep your toes warm.
For more gift ideas, check out the “rowing gifts” tag.