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technical
The Art of
Trail Spotting
A guide to being a good spotter
No matter how
skilled of an offroader you are a good spotter can make a
difficult section of trail safer and more fun. Many
causes of broken parts and body damage is the due to the
lack of "vision" that the driver has. When you
approach a difficult section you try to memorize in an
instant the obstacle you are about to tackle. If you
meet a little trouble crossing the obstacle usually memory
fades fast and a little help goes a long way.
Trail spotting can be performed
by nearly anyone. The difference between a good
spotter and someone just giving off road advice is the good
spotter knows what it means to drive a trail. The
person usually has knowledge of tire placement, traction,
and results of actions.
Here is some tips to lay some
spotter rules.
Signals
Make sure both the driver and
spotter speak the same language. Agree on what means
what so both are on the same page. If you can't see
your spotter or your driver stop and move so you can.
See
Spotter Signals for
definitions on what means what
Listen
Drivers should listen to the
spotter only. Often others may have opinions, this can
cause confusion and be distracting. Try to concentrate
only on the spotter. Avoid "too many cooks in the
kitchen"
Trust
A driver should use a spotter
that they can trust to get them through the obstacle.
If you as a driver don't feel comfortable or safe with a
line discuss it with the spotter. If they aren't
helping find someone who can.
Safety
As a spotter wear work gloves to
protect hands when stacking rocks or moving debris and good
boots to protect feet and ankles while moving around.
I you are spotting and moving backward keep an eye on where
you are going. It's easy to stumble and fall while
dancing on the rocks.
Always stay and think safe.
Do not jump on a vehicle or serve as a human ballast.
Make moves smooth, deliberate, and calculated.
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