05/14/2026
Shout out to our great spotters. Even the most experienced will encounter times when a spotter can be beneficial.
SPOTTING & TRAIL COMMUNICATION — WHERE IT ALL STARTS
Most trail problems don’t come from the obstacle.
They come from miscommunication.
A good spotter can make a difficult obstacle feel manageable.
Confusion—or too many voices—can turn a simple obstacle into a problem fast.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Out on the trail, the driver can’t always see:
• Tire placement
• Obstacles under the vehicle
• Clearance at key points
That’s where the spotter comes in.
But only if communication is clear.
DRIVER VS SPOTTER — KNOW YOUR ROLE
This is where things either work… or fall apart.
The Spotter’s Job:
• Guide the driver safely
• Keep instructions simple and clear
• Watch tire placement and obstacles
• Stay in a visible position
The Driver’s Job:
• Focus on the spotter
• Follow instructions
• Move slow and controlled
• Speak up if something isn’t clear
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE
One spotter. One voice.
This is critical—especially for newer drivers.
Not everyone has years of experience, and many drivers are already focused and a little nervous when approaching an obstacle.
When multiple people are giving directions:
• It creates confusion
• It overwhelms the driver
• It increases the chance of mistakes
Clear, single-direction communication keeps things calm and controlled.
HOW A GOOD SPOTTER WORKS
While the driver should only hear one voice…
The spotter can absolutely use help.
• Additional people can assist with tire visibility
• They can call out what the spotter can’t see
• But all communication goes through the spotter—not directly to the driver
This keeps everything organized and easy to follow.
WHO SHOULD BE SPOTTING
Typically, your spotter should be:
• The trail leader
• The most experienced person in the group
• Someone who understands vehicle movement and terrain
Good spotting isn’t just calling directions—it’s understanding what the vehicle is going to do next.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Good communication is:
• Clear
• Consistent
• Easy to understand
If the driver has to think about what you mean…
It’s already too complicated.
REAL-WORLD INSIGHT
The best spotters aren’t the loudest ones.
They’re the ones who:
• Stay calm
• Give simple directions
• Think ahead—not just react
• Keep the driver confident and controlled
That’s what keeps things safe.
WHAT WE’LL COVER THIS MONTH
Over the next few weeks, we’re going to break this down into:
• Hand signals and verbal commands
• What terms actually mean on the trail
• How to pick the right line
• How vehicle size and wheelbase change everything
• Understanding approach, departure, and breakover angles
WHY THIS MATTERS
Good communication:
• Prevents damage
• Builds driver confidence
• Keeps situations from turning into recoveries
This is one of the most valuable skills you can have on the trail.
QUESTION FOR YOU
Have you ever had a situation where too many people were giving directions at once? What happened?
Chad Fox
Director of Education
Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA)
