First Time Tips for Riding a Jet Ski
Posted on Jun 03rd 2015
Jet Skis are a highly maneuverable form of personal watercraft that can easily reach speeds of 65 mph, so they do not come without their risks. Recently, while staying at Waldorf-Astoria's Casa Marina Resort in Key West, we zipped out on some jet skis to hop waves and review skills. Here's what you need to know:
Every Jet Ski that you own or rent should be operated with a life vest. You will be operating at dangerous speeds and this basic accessory is very important if you're thrown off or worse. This is not only for life-saving flotation and breathing if you are knocked unconscious, but also to pad you from the fall. Believe it or not, at speeds over 20 mph, water can break bones on contact! The last thing you need is to be out in the water injured without any buoyancy.
Each Jet Ski will have an emergency cut off switch connected to a cable fastened to you. In the event you fall off, the cable releases the switch on the handlebars and shuts off the engine so it will stop moving and allow you to climb back on board. Remember: if the engine is running, the Jet Ski will be moving, even if you are not applying power.
Changing direction on a Jet Ski relies on throttle. Once you are at speed and wish to turn, you must continue applying the gas. The propulsion AND steering are operated by the jet of water coming from the bottle of the hull. If there is not enough thrust from the nozzle, the vessel will not turn.
Jet Skis do not have a brake. Use caution especially if you are around other boats or immovable objects, like a dock or pier. To properly stop, simply reduce speed to a slow idle then shut the motor off, but be careful because you will not have steering when you do. Take your time at first. This is most important. Learn how the watercraft operates and get a good feeling for turns and acceleration. Check the state laws regarding personal watercraft before renting one, since most states are different.
Most of all, have fun! Unless you are being intentionally reckless, or ignoring all common sense; then you should be fine Jet Skis were designed to be safe. Remember, it is not like riding a motorcycle on asphalt; but at higher speeds, the water can feel just like pavement when you take a spill. I have seen some nasty “bounce” bruises as well where the undulation of the waves gets out of control and literally beats up on someone’s fanny.
In Australia and New Zealand, they call showing off, “hooning.” A hoon used to be someone out speed racing on the city streets late at night. Now, the word applies to just about any jerk abusing a recreational vehicle. Some guy just got five years in jail in Australia for running over and killing a swimmer while showing off on a Jet Ski. Don’t be that person.
You can always educate yourself about all-terrain vehicles and other motor vehicle technology on the MotorsHiFi site, located on the web at www.motorshifi.com. Here you can go to get your dream vehicle.