Waving at other Defenders - the great debate!

There’s a curious phenomenon among Defender owners in the UK - a sort of unspoken tradition that, for newcomers, can likely feel part charming and also a tad confusing. It’s the wave. Yes, that subtle hand lift, or in extreme cases, a full arm flourish, directed exclusively at fellow Defender drivers. If you’ve experienced it, you may be wondering: Is this a secret club? Should I wave back? What happens if I don’t? Ahh, the social angst.

Let’s have a tongue-in-cheek look at this interesting concept…

The first time

So you’ve set off in your new Defender 90. You’re cruising down a beautiful country road, admiring the view when - what’s this? Another 90 is coming the other way towards you, and the driver gives you an elaborate wave.

Your mind goes into overdrive. Do they know me? Did I just drive through a village where waving is mandatory? Am I supposed to signal back, and will my lack of response offend the driver and I’ll end up being discussed on an online forum about rude Land Rover owners? By the time your brain has registered what’s going on, they’ve passed you already, and you were unable to reciprocate. 

Rest assured, this isn’t a long-lost relative or an attempt to inform you of a dodgy headlight malfunction. It’s simply The Defender Wave, a time-honoured ritual amongst those in the know.

Why do we do it?

Some say it’s a camaraderie thing. Defender owners are, after all, united by a shared love of (most) things Land Rover. Others think it’s because Defender owners are so passionate about their cars, and love to spot a fellow devotee - and the rarer the vehicle, the better. Depending on where you are, Defenders might be few and far between, so spotting one might give you a sheer sense of delight to know that you are not alone…

Also, it does seem to be that drivers like to wave at owners of the same model - members of the same club, so to speak.

Think about it: Do drivers of Ford Fiestas wave at each other? Of course not. But this is different - when you’ve spent hours and perhaps many pounds renovating and souping up a vehicle, there’s likely a kinship there that only a fellow owner can understand.  

The anatomy of the wave

Now, let’s look at the wave itself, as not all waves are created equal.

First up, there’s the subtle lift.  A light lifting of the fingers from the steering wheel, as if to say, 'I see you, fellow owner.’ This equates to minimal effort, maximum cool, and is often the norm. 

Then there’s the cheerful whole-hand wave - often accompanied by a smile - which says ‘I love this car, and I appreciate your fine beast of a vehicle, my friend!’

Brace yourself for the third option. This is depicted by an overexcited flailing of the arm, often displayed by all persons in the front, and usually the domain of new owners (or people who’ve had one too many strong cups of coffee). They wave as if flagging down the emergency services, causing other drivers to look behind them to check if something is on fire.

Finally, we have the window lean. Rare, but bold. The driver leans across to wave enthusiastically out of the window. You get bonus points if they honk the horn for good measure…

To wave or not to wave?

This is one of those situations where you need to get your timing right, and also use all your senses to gauge whether this is a waving opportunity. And - sorry to say this - but you might need to consider if sometimes it’s appropriate to go first (gulp). If this is the case, pick your style, and just remember to keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times.

Here’s the thing: waving at other Defenders isn’t mandatory. But choosing not to wave does carry a risk - what if the other driver is one of those overly enthusiastic types, and you catch the etching of disappointment on their face as you fly past? You might spend the next ten minutes plagued with guilt, replaying the moment you could have waved but didn’t. 

On the other hand, a well-timed wave can make someone’s day. It’s a small act of connection, a reminder that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to pass the time on a particularly long journey. And if there’s any young kids involved, they love it. Teenagers, not so much, so be prepared for much eye-rolling and sinking lower into their seats.

And finally, there’s something else we must mention. If you get a bit enthusiastic and mistakenly wave at another type of 4x4, don’t worry. It’s easily done, and we’ve all been there. Ahem.

So what’s the verdict?

Is waving weird or wonderful? Well, we think it’s wonderful, and possibly one of the best things about being part of the world of Land Rovers. Whether it’s a quick flick of the wrist or an enthusiastic full-arm swing, the wave is a symbol of joy, community, and one of the delightful quirks involved in Defender travel.

So, next time you’re out there, don’t overthink it. Just wave, smile, and revel in the knowledge that somewhere, another Defender driver is probably laughing at the absurdity of it all, just like you.

Happy waving!