Safety
Hand signals
A standardized set of gestures the rider and spotter use to communicate speed, direction, status, and stopping over engine noise and distance.
Because the rider can't be heard over the engine, towed watersports rely on hand signals. Common ones include thumb up for faster, thumb down for slower, and an OK sign (thumb and forefinger circle) for speed is good. A karate-chop motion points the desired direction, and miming smashing an ice-cream cone on your head means stop or return to dock. After a fall, a rider waves or gives a thumbs-up to show they're OK, while crossed arms forming an X overhead signals they need help.
Agreeing on signals before the set, and having the spotter relay them to the driver, keeps everyone coordinated and safe.