How to Ride a Jet Ski Safely
Riding a jet ski is an exciting way to enjoy the water and it can provide hours of fun. When you first get a jet ski you may be tempted to just dump it in the nearest bay and go for a ride, but it is important to remember there are techniques and skills you must learn and develop first. In order to attain the maximum amount of enjoyment as well as safety you should take a boaters safety course as is required in most states anyway. Most states as well also recommend a minimum operator age of 16 so keep this in mind when letting children operate or ride the jet ski. Become familiar with some of the basic riding techniques that you will need to learn, practice, and eventually master.
Everyone who intends to ride on or operate a personal water craft (PWC) or jet ski can benefit from reading and using these tips. Of course, you should take formal training to further develop your skills and knowledge. Be sure that you fully understand how to operate your PWC, and that you are comfortable and competent enough to handle it before you take that first ride. Before you begin, be sure to read and study all of the materials supplied with your PWC; this typically includes a basic orientation video, owner’s manual, operating manual, troubleshooting guide, and basic safety guidelines.
Boarding Your PWC
If you are docked it will be pretty easy to get on the PWC. If you are standing on the dock pull the PWC in until it is parallel to the dock against the long side. Step down into the foot wells, one foot at a time. Keep one hand on the dock while boarding the PWC to steady yourself and keep the watercraft from floating away. If you are already in the water getting back on the PWC is very easy. Make sure the engine is shut off and swim around to the back platform of the PWC. Place both hands flat with the palms down on top of the platform and pull yourself up to a kneeling position. From there grab the back of the seat or handgrip and pull yourself up to a seated position.
Make sure the engine shut off clip is attached to your wrist before you start the engine or drive away. Grip the handle bars firmly and insert the engine shut off clip and then start the engine.
Riding With Passengers
Riding alone and riding with another person, or another two people is much different. The heavier the total weight of all the passengers the more difficult it will be to balance and operate the watercraft. Generally, it is recommended that you do not operate your PWC with more than 500 lbs, including any cargo you may carry. You will sink or capsize if you exceed your PWC weight limits.
After the driver has boarded the PWC one passenger should load at a time. It is usually easiest to board the PWC if you are docked but it can be achieved from in the water in the same manner described before. Before starting the engine, make sure that each passenger is securely holding the person in front of them and both feet are firmly placed in the foot wells. Start the engine and check all around for possible dangers, when it’s safe pull out. Practice turning, maneuvering, and gaining speed before you start joy riding so you can get used to the extra weight.
Basic Speeds
When operating a PWC there are 4 basic speeds; trolling, sub planning speed, planning speed, and above planning speed. Trolling is the lowest maneuvering speed; generally less than 15 mph and you are applying little or no gas. The PWC will be flat in the water and there is no wake. Trolling is best for making slow turns, riding in reverse, or operating the PWC in crowded areas. Sub planning speed is a medium speed where you are traveling 15-30 mph and the bow is slightly raised out of the water. You are still traveling through the water and there is a wake. The wake is more like a spray at this speed and will fly up and out.
Planning speed and above planning speed are general riding speeds above 30 mph. At these speeds the watercraft is more level and skimming across the top of the water. Your wake will be wide and low.
Crossing Wakes and Swells
Because the water is not always smooth and flat when operating a PWC you need to learn how to cross wakes and swells without danger of injury. Swells and wakes are caused by other boaters and wind and the best way to cross these is with the least amount of jolt to you, your passengers, and the watercraft. Small swells are easier to cross than large swells or a group of wakes.
When crossing a wake or swell grip the handle bars firmly, root your feet to the floor and lessen your speed. Choose an angle at which to cross the swell, called quartering. You will find it much easier to cross the swell or wake using a 45 degree angle, but you can always adjust as you go. At lower degrees you will find more resistance in crossing wakes and swells. When quartering the watercraft may pull away from the wake but you must steer over it. When raising over the top of the swell lift your buttocks slightly off the seat and let your legs absorb the shock instead of your back and neck.
As always in riding, keep your head and shoulders high above the front of the handle bars or you may find yourself with a bloody nose or black eye. Be especially careful when operating your watercraft in rough water and do not use it in bad weather.
What to do if You Capsize
The first thing you have to remember about being capsized is that the engine compartment and carburetor may become filled with water if left upside down too long causing engine malfunction. Do not leave your jet ski capsized longer than it takes to upright it again. If the engine shut off clip is not yet detached carefully swim under the jet ski and pull it out. Once the engine is shut off, swim to the back of the watercraft and lift up the bottom left corner while pushing down the right side. The ski should flip over with minimal difficulty. Get back on the PWC and start the engine. Operate the watercraft above planning speed for at least two minutes to expel any remaining water in the engine compartment. If your ski does not start or stay started, wait a couple of minutes and try again.
Collisions
Collisions result in more injuries and deaths than any other type of accident related to personal watercrafts. To avoid collisions you must constantly scan for people, objects in the water, and other boaters. Be aware of conditions on the water that will limit your visibility such as fog or darkness. Remain always alert and stay away from other boaters that limit your visibility and view of others.
Never go near other riders, swimmers, or boaters to spray or splash them with water. You have to remember that you have no brakes and fooling around near people is dangerous. It’s like driving a car on the highway with no brakes, it’s just not safe. Also avoid sharp maneuvers and quick turns or you may find yourself going head first into the water.
Personal water craft operation requires common sense and good judgment, as well as learned skills and knowledge that you cannot learn from reading this alone. Take a safety course and follow the navigation rules. If ticketed you risk loosing your license and some of the fines are pretty hefty. As you become more familiar with the PWC remain aware of your limits and keep control over your ski. You can only learn the feel of your jet ski by practicing with it and a safety course will give you all the tools you need to be safe.
