Other River Users

UNDERSTANDING KAYAKERS HANDSIGNALS

Handsignals used by kayakers are ambiguous when compared with jetboat hand signals. Understanding these apparent differences is easiest if you start by realising the following:

JETBOATERS are signalling their own intentions. KAYAKERS are advising following boats what to do.

JET BOAT SIGNALSA simple system of signals for all jet boaters, was adopted by this Association, and has been in use for years throughout the country. (Source 1989 Handbook) These were based on road rules.

KAYAKERS/CANOEISTS SIGNALSThese were based on signals already in use by groups of white water rafters signalling those following.

STOP SIGNAL

JBNZ

Arm outstretched, vertical and motionless. This means "I am stopping immediately, or, I have stopped". In convoy on a river this would signify to a following boat that the boat ahead had either stopped or was going to stop. The following boat could then take any action he saw fit in the circumstances.

COMPARED WITH...

JBNZ

For kayakers this same signal is used to tell all following kayaks to GO.

TURN ABOUT SIGNAL

JBNZ

Arm raised vertically with a circular motion. This means, "I am turning around immediately". A following boat would then do the same, pull onto the bank or make room for the signalling boat to come back. This signal is for use when a sudden obstacle presents itself and an immediate turn is necessary.

COMPARED WITH...

JBNZ

This is another GO signal for other kayakers.

STOP SIGNAL

JBNZ

Jet boater indicating his/her intention to stop.

COMPARED WITH...

JBNZ

These two signals mean STOP to Kayakers.

DISTRESS SIGNAL

JBNZ

Both arms outstretched and raised and lowered from 1 o'clock to 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock to 11 o'clock. This means, "I need help". This is an international distress signal and should be given from as high as possible on the boat.

COMPARED WITH...

JBNZ

For the kayaker this is their HELP request.

CAUTION SIGNAL

JBNZ

Arm outstretched horizontal and moved up and down from approximately 2 o'clock to 4 o'clock. This means probable obstacle ahead, proceed with caution.

COMPARED WITH...

JBNZ

This is a kayaker asking for HELP.

TURN SIGNAL

JBNZ

Arm outstretched horizontal and motionless. This is the basic turn signal - each arm signifying I am going in this direction.

COMPARED WITH...

JBNZ

a. Kayakers saying next kayak should GO that way.

JBNZ

b. Kayaker using paddle to indicate the way the next kayak should go.

QUICK TIPSUnderstanding these apparent differences is easiest if you start by realising the following:JETBOATERS are signalling their own intentions. KAYAKERS are advising following boats what to do.

Many kayakers/canoeists are intimidated by jetboats.
Many of them are not aware just how attuned jetboaters must be to what is in and on the water.
The perspective of the kayaker/canoeist is a fear that their low profile obscures them.
Indicating that you have seen them EVERY time (even when they seem incredibly obvious to you) may help.
Where possible an obvious speed or course alteration can also help. Remember the 5 knot rule applies when within 50m of a kayak/canoe.
Consider that a kayaker may be boating a river at the limit of their ability and as such is not ready to cope with the added hurdle of a jetboat wake.
Taking a moment to turn off the engine and exchange greetings while drifting past is a great way to maintain good relations with these other river users.
We acknowledge the assistance of Glen Murdoch (Safety Officer for Recreational Canoeing Association) in researching the information on this page.

Join JBNZ

Join Jet Boating New Zealand Today!

Featured Sponsor

Site Search