Hand Signals to Communicate on the River

If you boat and fish long enough, at some point you’ll run into an emergency situation on the river, and in these situations, every oarsman should know the proper hand signals to communicate to your anglers and other boats.

In some situations, you won’t be able to hear effectively because of pounding water, or you’ll be separated from your boat mates by large distances or dangerous obstacles.

Knowing, and practicing, the very basics of pointing positive, river right vs. river left and on-water hand signals not only is elemental, but potentially life saving.

The boys from Bulgaria Rafting provide a great overview of essential river signals.