Moutain knowledge | Free signs - sign language for freeriders

Clear communication is essential for a successful day on the mountain. On the one hand, so that everyone is on the same page and understands each other. On the other hand, the safety aspect of communication is also very important. Many accidents, unpleasant situations and frustration factors can be defused or completely eliminated through clever communication. But what to do if the communication partner is out of earshot? Radios can be very helpful here. But often you can do without extra equipment - or you don't have it with you when you need it anyway.

This is because the most instinctive form of communication is usually used spontaneously: wildly waving your arms around. And sticks. This often works quite well and, above all, quickly and easily. But the danger is that the other person doesn't understand what you mean because you don't speak the same language. Wild waving around can mean many things: from "Hey, take a great photo of me!" to "Watch out, a snow slab has just come loose above you!". And when it comes to the importance of the message, there is somehow a world of difference.

Achtung / bereitmachen

Probably the most universal cane sign with the most local variations in meaning, and a basic component of other signs: Attention is signaled with an arm stretched vertically upwards. This can serve many purposes, from a simple "look at me" to a warning of danger. When standing, the arm is held vertically and the stick is gripped upside down by the handle so that it is pointing vertically upwards. When riding, there are two variations so that you don't have to grip the pole: it is usually advisable to bend your arm so that your fist is above your head and the pole is pointing vertically upwards from your head. If there is little space, e.g. in the forest, you can also extend your arm straight backwards so that the pole is pointing upwards behind your back. Riders without poles do not have this problem, they can simply stretch their arm upwards in the same way as when standing.

This sign can be perfectly extended with the other arm (see below).

In Austria in particular, this pole sign is also often used to signal a start or to follow. I consider this to be unfavorable, as the cane signal is used too intuitively and quickly triggers an action that was not intended.

An active movement, a trigger-release combination, is more suitable for driving off: You extend your arm upwards for the "attention" signal and lowering the outstretched arm triggers the start, e.g. to send several group members down the slope one after the other at intervals.

The stick signal can be used in the same way as a response, in which the other person reciprocates it and signals readiness with their arm extended vertically and lowers their arm just before starting off. Excellent for coordinating when taking photos, for example, or when entering or jumping into areas that the driver himself cannot see, but a spotter can.

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Okay / Offspring

For clear communication, it has been proven that a positive signal or a trigger for offspring is an active movement. To do this, let the outstretched arm circle above the head. A clear signal that stands out from the "Attention" signal described above and requires active gestures.

This signal and the following, literally directional signals, allow essential and effective communication, especially when it comes to route finding in confusing terrain.

Stop / Don't come

This pole signal is universal and easy to understand: arms crossed overhead mean stop or halt or don't follow or don't go through here, and is understood by almost everyone straight away, even without explanation. Ideally, the forearms should be clearly crossed. At long distances, you should always cross your arms over your head to make them easier to recognize; at short distances, this can also be done in front of your face. The forearms do not necessarily have to be crossed when using poles, as the pole extension forms a clear X shape. However, it is advisable to bend the arms clearly overhead so that at least the hands are together to avoid confusion with the "Y=Yes" for everyone. The sticks alone are not always clearly recognizable from a distance.

Throwing the windows down

Want a slightly different cheering pose than the constantly seen and completely worn out arms up and yodeling? Take the poles by the loops (you don't have any for safety reasons? Tjä, bad luck) and let both rotate next to your body. Scream like a rutting koala.

Do you have any other pole signs you use with your crew? Let us know in the comments!