Coxswaining, i spelled that wrong didnt i... Options

[lAzN YiN YanGl]

I'm on crew (rowing) and I recently became the coxswain because I was the smallest and they say it works with me. Today was my first day and I almost ran into the dock like 7 times in an hour and I just can't steer well. I can make sure we don't hit anything, but I just can't go straight for some reason. The strings on the side are confusing me also because my coach told me that which everway you pull it goes, while others say the opposite and I can't figure it out cause I'm so weirdd. Well, any help would be great Thanks