Hand signals

Page at a glance

Knowing hand signals is essential. Level: basic

It is not always easy to hear someone from a distance, or on a beach with the wind blowing hard. Kitesurfers use the following standard hand signals to communicate:

Action	Hand signal
Launch or land kite - please help me	Hand tapping on helmet
Wait	Hand up
OK	Hand on head
OK - distant	Touch both hands together above head
Launch kite - let go	Thumbs up
Help, attention	Wave one hand
Help, attention - distant	Wave both hands - bring together
Look	Point to eyes
Look there	Point with arm
Yes	Nod
Crocodile	Bring hands together at side "snap"
Going this way	Point with arm