How to Do Paddle Signals for River Rafting

Paddle signals are the best and most reliable way to communicate with the members of a rafting team, because voice commands will often be swallowed up by the sounds of the rapids. Though you may find some unique paddle signals among different expedition groups, there are some standard signals that are best to use in any group.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Discuss all paddle signals with every member of your team before beginning your rafting trip. No matter how easy your signals are to execute and read, they are essentially useless if only one or two people understand them. Have everyone practice the signals as well to be sure they are crystal clear.

2. Hold the paddle straight up in the air with your arm extended to signal the all clear for your group to go. You may also hold your fist up in the air to achieve the same signal.

3. Spin the paddle in the air above your head as if you were stirring the air to signal an emergency situation on the river. This will rally the other rafts to your location to help.

4. Brace the paddle in your fist and hold it up above your head in a T formation to signal a stop. This is referred to as holding your paddle across the river. You may also extend your arms out to your sides to signal this if you've lost your paddle.

5. Place your paddle across your lap and hold your clasped hands above your head, allowing your arms to make a circle around your head, to signal that you are safe and unhurt. This is best to do if there is an unexpected event or if you fall out of formation. It is designed to let the other river rafters know that there is no need for them to break formation to help, and that you will catch up quickly and rejoin the group.

6. Point your paddle in the direction that you wish to go. Do not point to an obstruction, since this will guide the rafting group straight into that obstruction.

Tips & Warnings

• Do all of your signals high and in an exaggerated manner. Remember that you may be signaling to boats several yards behind or ahead of you, so the signals must be clear.
• High winds may make paddle signals awkward or even dangerous to use, so evaluate the conditions before using any signal. Use hand signals if you feel that using the paddle may cause the raft to veer in the wrong direction, or if the wind is strong enough to take your paddle out of your hands.

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