In coxless pairs, quadruple sculls and coxless fours, one of the
rowers will be designated to steers. They will control the rudder using
lines attached to the toe of one shoe, which pivots around the ball of
the foot. The rower who steers 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 one's shoulder, whereas stroke may be able to
steer well on a straight course by pointing the stern at a reference
point. A rower steering in the middle of a four or quad is not uncommon,
since bow and stroke have other duties already.