Basic River Signals |
The Club uses the Internationally recognised IRA (Rafting) Signals.
However, any signals used must be agreed by all before
paddling and generally should need little or no explanation.
Universal Signs / River Signals
Stop! | Paddle or arms held horizontally
and moved slightly up and down Stop! Potential hazard ahead. Wait for "all clear" signal before proceeding, or scout ahead. Form a horizontal bar with your outstretched arms. Those seeing the signal should pass it back to others in the party. |
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Go. or 1 down | Paddle
or arm held vertically in line with the body All Clear: Come ahead (in the absence of other directions proceed down the center). Form a vertical bar with your paddle or one arm held high above your head. Paddle blade should be turned flat for maximum visibility. |
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Help/Emergency |
Vertically held paddle or arm waved back and forth Assist the signaler as quickly as possible. Give three long blasts on a police whistle while waving a paddle, helmet or life vest over your head. If a whistle is not available, use the visual signal alone. A whistle is best carried on a lanyard attached to your life vest. |
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Go that way. |
Paddle held out at 45° (or as near as) to one side N.B. Never point at the hazard. Right/Left: To signal direction or a preferred course through a rapid around obstruction, lower the previously vertical "all clear" by 45 degrees toward the side of the river with the preferred route. Never point toward the obstacle you wish to avoid. |
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I'm ok | I'm ok: I'm ok and not hurt. While holding the elbow outward toward the side, repeatedly pat the top of your head. |
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Specialist signals (MUST be agreed within each group as not universal)
Hard Landing | Fist hitting open palm |
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boof move. | Open hand hitting open palm at about 45° and skating off at 45° | |
tree or sieve. | Hand held up with palm out and fingers stretched open | |
tongue of water | Pointing at outstretched tongue | |
go centre | Hand pointing to the centre of head or stomach then travelling up and down the centre of the body | |
there is an eddy there to use. | Index finger pointing up and moved in a circular motion, then pointed in a certain direction | |
rock. | Fist clenched and held up | |
hole. | Thumb and index finger held in a circle | |
throwbag needed to be used in direction indicated. | Arm moved as if throwing a dart |