THE ART OF THE BOATERS' WAVE

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been boating on Lake George, there’s one unspoken rule: you wave. Not doing it? Unthinkable. 

There’s a bit of folklore to it. Some say it’s just tradition. But ask any local boater why they lift a hand while passing another boat and the answer is usually some version of: “You just do.” 



Because not waving? That’s just bad form. 

When you’re out on one of the most majestic lakes in the country, sharing the water with fellow boaters under sunny skies, that wave becomes more than just a gesture — it’s a moment of connection. A simple “hello,” sure, but also a nod to a shared way of life.

So, why do boaters wave? Let’s break it down:

• Friendly Greeting – It’s the nautical equivalent of tipping your hat. It says: “Hey, I see you, nice boat, enjoy your day.”
• Camaraderie – Boaters share a passion. Whether you’re on a cruiser, pontoon, or wake boat, you're part of the same floating family.
• Safety Check – A wave lets others know you’re alert and aware — and if you ever need help, you’ll be glad folks noticed you.
• Tradition & Respect – The wave has been passed down through generations of captains. Not waving is like not returning a cheers at the bar.
• Boater’s Bond – With over 12 million registered boaters in the U.S., this small act helps keep the spirit of the community afloat.

 Where did it start? Hard to say. Boating goes back thousands of years — and while ancient mariners may not have traded waves, they shared something deeper: a connection through the water. That sense of camaraderie is timeless. Today, the wave is our way of honoring it — a small, human gesture that says, “I see you out here too.” On Lake George, it’s more than tradition. It’s part of who we are. 

So next time you’re cruising past a fellow boater on Lake George, lift that hand. It’s not just courtesy — it’s tradition. Wave like a local.