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Jet Ski 101: Everything You Need to Know About Jet Skiing
Table of Contents
Why Should You Take Up Jet Skiing?
Riding a jet ski does not only give you a fun experience but it also has a lot of benefits.
Increases Blood Circulation
Jet skiing improves your cardiovascular system which increases your blood circulation. This allows more nutrients and oxygen to reach all parts of your body. Thus, nourishing all of your muscles and helping in the quicker removal of waste from your body.
Improves Balance & Coordination
Sitting and crouching while riding a jet ski and maneuvering it around the water with the presence of waves improves your balance and coordination. Plus, it improves your posture.
Helps Burn Calories
Jet skiing is a fun way to burn a lot of calories if you don’t want to go to the gym. Aside from having a good time, you can burn up to 200 calories in just 30 minutes.
Strengthens Muscles
When you ride a jet ski, you strengthen your arm and leg muscles because you use them intensely to maneuver your jet ski and maintain a stable position. Jet skiing also helps develop abdominal muscles as you ride your jet ski through the waves.
Relieves Stress
Recreational water sports, such as jet skiing, are great ways of relieving stress and refreshing your mind. Focusing on the waves and listening to the sound of the waters while riding will make you forget all of your worries.
Is Super Fun
You can go jet skiing alone or with your family and friends which makes it more fun to ride through the waves. Riding a high-speed jet ski is also a good way of getting an adrenaline rush on the water.
What are the Different Types of Jet Skis?
There are various types of jet skis in the market to suit the different tastes of various riders. Below are the 5 common jet ski categories.
#1 Lite-Recreational
Smallest and lightest jet ski
Most comfortable jet ski to ride
You can easily launch it out of the water
Great on gas because of its lighter frames and smaller engines
Ideal for small rivers and lakes
An example is Sea-Doo’s SPARK
#2 Recreational
Can do up to 50 mph
Middleman jet ski (medium power and size)
A bit bigger than Lite-Creational jet skis and a bit smaller than Luxury ones
Usually has a horsepower ranging from 110-165
Some models offer starting in neutral mode and come with a break to make loading and docking the jet ski easier
Examples are Sea-Doo’s GTI series and Yamaha’s VX series
#3 Performance
Can reach up to 100mph or more (though the speed cap for jet skis is 70 mph)
Ideal for riders who want speed and like to beat any boat on their way in a race
Sea-Doo offers watercraft that can go from 0 to 50 mph within 3 seconds which is faster than the majority of supercars that are far expensive compared to jet skis
#4 Sport
Only available in Sea-Doo’s WAKE models
Equipped with a tow Pylon to keep the rope up high which also gives the spotter something to grab onto.
Comes with a wakeboard holder and extra features such as SKI MODE that includes Cruise Control which is normally for Luxury jet skis only
Very practical watercraft that comes with a lot of useful features
#5 Luxury
Majority of these have the same engines as Performance jet skis but are more comfortable
Ideal for riders who love speed but want some style
Usually comes with depth finders, retractable dock lines, and other useful features
Some models, like Sea-Doo’s GTX LIMITED models, come with suspension that you can adjust based on various water conditions
How Do You Drive a Jet Ski?
Now that you have learned the different types of jet skis, let us now proceed on how to ride one.
Basic Things You’ll Need for Jet Skiing
Before you go jet skiing for the first time, make sure that you have all the necessary documents and safety equipment.
Wear the right life jacket/Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to your weight and size
Wear appropriate clothing that will not restrict your movements
Wear eye and feet protection
Check if you’ll need a license for operating a jet ski
Carry documentation materials like vessel registration
Carry a ventilation system and backfire flame arrestor to avoid explosions
Bring a horn or whistle for signaling purposes (e.g. when you’re having difficulties)
Carry a map or a GPS device in case you get lost
Wear a safety lanyard around your wrist.
Styles of Riding Jet Skis
You can ride a jet ski either by sitting down or standing up depending on the type of jet ski you are riding. Aside from the categorizations above, jet skis can be further categorized into either stand up or sit down. Below is a table showing the difference between the two styles.
Stand Up Jet Skis
Sit Down Jet Skis
Pros
Cheaper than the majority of sit down jet skis
They have smaller sizes so they are easier to transport and store
Their simple build makes them easier to maintain
They provide better performance than sit down jet skis
Anyone can learn it
Gives you more control
They are comfortable to ride
They are the cheapest jet ski models
They can handle tow sports because of their large size
Available in a wide selection of models
Cons
Since you are forced to stand up, they are much harder to ride
They require a higher learning curve and level of balance
You only have limited options
Not recommended for beginners
Their large size is also a disadvantage because they will require bigger trailers and more space for storage
They cannot do tricks that stand up jet skis can
Stand Up Jet Skis
Sit Down Jet Skis
Pros
Cons
Cheaper than the majority of sit down jet skis
They have smaller sizes so they are easier to transport and store
Their simple build makes them easier to maintain
They provide better performance than sit down jet skis
Since you are forced to stand up, they are much harder to ride
They require a higher learning curve and level of balance
You only have limited options
Not recommended for beginners
Anyone can learn it
Gives you more control
They are comfortable to ride
They are the cheapest jet ski models
They can handle tow sports because of their large size
Available in a wide selection of models
Sit Down Jet Skis
Pros
Cons
Since you are forced to stand up, they are much harder to ride
They require a higher learning curve and level of balance
You only have limited options
Not recommended for beginners
Anyone can learn it
Gives you more control
They are comfortable to ride
They are the cheapest jet ski models
They can handle tow sports because of their large size
Available in a wide selection of models
Their large size is also a disadvantage because they will require bigger trailers and more space for storage
They cannot do tricks that stand up jet skis can
Familiarizing Yourself With Your Jet Ski’s Controls
Newbie jet ski riders are likely to be injured so it is important that you familiarize yourself first with the jet ski you are riding. Learn your jet ski’s controls because not all jet skis have the same controls though there are some similarities.
Below are the key things you should check when doing this.
The start and stop buttons
Forward, reverse, and neutral controls
The brakes/triggers if your machine has those
The throttle (you only need a little gas for this because it is sensitive)
Lastly, go through the machine’s manual and make sure to learn all of your jet ski’s features.
Step by Step Guide to Drive a Jet Ski
1.
Position yourself comfortably on your jet ski.
2.
Place both of your hands on the handlebars and secure your feet in the footrests.
3.
Start your jet ski.
4.
Attach the safety lanyard (also called the “kill switch”) to your wrist. The safety lanyard is attached to the ignition key which will turn off your jet ski’s engine in case you fall off
5.
Check your jet ski’s fuel gauge and make sure no engine lights are on.
6.
If you are a beginner, avoid using the sport mode or the performance keys.
7.
Push the throttle slowly and drive at 5-10 mph. Maintain this speed until you are away from the shoreline. Get used to the sensitivity of your jet ski’s throttle first before getting too far from the shoreline.
8.
Distance yourself from obstacles and increase your speed gradually.
9.
Maintain a steady speed and then lean to the direction you want to turn. If you have any passengers, they should do the same. Make sure to keep your load centered and balanced to prevent your jet ski from turning over.
10.
If you are ready to dock your jet ski, slowly reduce the speed.
11.
As you get close to the dock, turn your engine off and make sure to position your jet ski parallel to the dock.
12.
Secure your jet ski to the dock and remove the safety lanyard to prevent unauthorized use. Below is a video showing how to properly dock a personal watercraft:
How to Reboard on a Jet Ski In Case You Fall Off
Don’t panic if you fall off your jet ski. Just follow the simple video and steps below to reboard on your watercraft.
1.
If your jet ski flipped over, turn it upwards in one direction.
2.
Swim to the back of your vessel (also called the stern). Never reboard from the sides because your jet ski might flip over onto you.
3.
Grab the handles behind the seat and then pull yourself up.
4.
Position yourself back to the seat.
5.
Check your jet ski’s fuel gauge and make sure no engine lights are on.
6.
Reattach the lanyard to yourself.
When you reboard a jet ski, always take it slow and do not rush because you will get tired very quickly which makes reboarding harder.
What are Some Easy Jet Ski Tricks for Beginners?
Here are some easy beginner tricks you can do with your jet ski if you want to spice up your riding experience. Take note though that the tricks you can do will partly depend on whether you are using a sit-down or a stand-up jet ski model. You can use both models to perform certain tricks but some will require a specific model.
#1 Surface 180
In this technique, you will be turning your jet ski around completely. It is a fun trick you can easily do:
1.
Drive your jet ski at a constant medium speed.
2.
Turn the handlebars slightly toward one direction.
3.
Once you’re ready, turn the handlebars quickly toward the opposite direction while fully engaging the throttle.
4.
When you change the direction, make sure that you put your weight onto the side you will be turning to.
#2 Wave/Wake Jumping
You can also try going over a wave. Here is how to do this:
1.
Drive towards the same direction as the wave you want to jump.
2.
Increase your speed and lean back aggressively to take your jet ski upward.
3.
Make sure to be loose when landing. Do not be too stiff because the impact can cause spinal or leg injuries. Bend your knees as if you are jumping down.
#3 Donuts
These are dizzying tricks wherein you will just rotate your jet ski in place. It is a simple trick but you will need to maintain balance to do this properly.
1.
Turn your handlebars toward one direction and lean heavily in that direction.
2.
Put your weight on the opposite foot. Make sure you position your feet properly or you might dip your watercraft into the water.
3.
Stand towards your jet ski’s back or it might go under.
#4 Circles
This is another technique that does not require a wave. To do a circle, you just need to slightly turn your handlebars and lean toward that direction.
1.
Start from a wide circle and do not rush in making it smaller.
2.
Keep going inside the circle until you get comfortable.
3.
Once you get the feel of it, start to turn more sharply.
#5 Carving
In the carving trick, you just need to make sharp turns. This is used in a lot of sports such as snowboarding and skiing to help in maintaining control. In jet ski riding, carving can help you avoid obstacles. Before you do this trick, find a wide, open area to give you enough space for your turns.
1.
Turn the handlebars toward the direction you want to go and lean your body toward that direction too. Do not lean too much because you might fall off and flip your jet ski over.
2.
While turning, loosen your grip from the throttle but do not let it go completely.
3.
Once you have turned on your desired amount, slowly turn the handlebars in the forward position then push the throttle again.
What Factors to Consider When Buying a New Jet Ski?
Do not rush into buying a new jet ski because there are a lot of factors you need to take into account before you fully commit to buying one.
#1 Budget
Set a budget before making a purchase. There are a lot of jet skis you can choose from to suit any of your budgets starting from $2,000 to more than $15,000. When setting your budget, consider the following costs:
Trailer
Registration
Insurance
Driving license
Additional accessories like life jackets
#2 Size & Functionality
Your choice of a jet ski will also depend on how you will use it. Jet skis are not only for transporting passengers. Some models have enough power to tow inflatable tubes, wakeboarders, or water skiers. So, before purchasing a new jet ski, you need to consider its size and functionality to make sure that it meets your needs.
Moreover, take note that larger jet skis are more stable but are more difficult to maneuver. On the other hand, smaller jet skis that can carry a single rider can turn easily compared to a larger watercraft.
#3 Number of Riders
If you are going to use your jet ski for transporting people, you need to know how many it can carry. Some models can only accommodate one rider while others can carry 2 to 4 people on a single trip.
#4 Specifications
Watercrafts are classified based on the size of their engines. Larger engines have more speed and horsepower. But, their hull designs influence their performance so make sure that you check your jet ski’s specifications too. Take note of the jet ski’s engine type, fuel capacity, water cooling system, horsepower, and others.
#5 Warranty
Most new jet skis will come with warranties. A warranty is important so you can take care of unexpected damages to the key components of your watercraft. Sea-Doo jet skis will have a standard warranty of two years but some models will have up to three years. Meanwhile, Kawasaki and Yamaha have been offering a three-year warranty for their watercrafts for several years now.
#6 Storage
Another important factor you need to consider is how you will be storing your jet ski. Where will you keep it? Do you have enough space in your garage to safely store it or will you be placing it outside and just cover it? Make sure to store your jet ski properly to avoid costly repairs because it can deteriorate quickly when stored outside.
#7 Insurance
If you do not have a PWC or boat license, insurance companies will make you pay higher. Expect premium insurance costs from $900 to $1,200 on a watercraft worth $20,000 to $25,000. You will have cheaper options (around $700 annually) but there will be catches like higher additional charges when making a claim. Some insurance companies will also cover fires and theft cases.
#8 Transportation
You will need a trailer for transporting your jet ski. Some jet skis come with a trailer and you will need to buy a separate one for others. Consider where you will be launching your watercraft when deciding what kind of trailer you will buy.
#9 Maintenance
Consider the expenses you will have to maintain your jet ski in a good condition. Aside from fuel, you will need to pay for the following:
Oil Change
You need to change your jet ski’s oil every after 50 hours of using it. PWC service centers charge around $200 and above or you can pay around $175 if you are going to do it yourself.
Spark Plugs
We recommend changing the spark plugs annually. But if you own a jet ski with a two-stroke engine, change them more often. A set of 4 spark plugs costs about $10.
Battery
Change the battery every 3-5 years for around $100.
Maintenance Costs When Your Jet Ski is Not in Use
Give special attention to your jet ski when you are going to store it for more than 2 months before taking it out again or it might not operate the next time you use it. You need to drain and refill your jet ski with gas and fit it with filters to keep its engine in great condition.
#10 Accessories/Modifications
Ask about the accessories or modifications/upgrades that are available for the jet ski you are eyeing for. These can include mirrors, a cup holder, and a reboarding step. For the accessories, some of the most important ones are life jackets, jet ski covers, and GPS units.
What Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Jet Ski?
If you are on a tight budget and want to buy a used jet ski instead, here are the things you need to consider:
#1 Model
Check out the model of the used jet ski. Old models will usually have 2-stroke engines which is not recommended because you will have a hard time finding parts for them. Plus, they are being phased out because they release more pollutants compared to 4-stroke engines.
#2 Safety
Always consider your safety first when buying a second-hand jet ski. Make sure that the watercraft still has a safety lanyard attached to it. This will turn your jet ski’s engine off to avoid accidents in case you fall off. All of the latest jet ski models should come with safety lanyards.
#3 Condition
Inspect the jet ski if it is still in a good condition. Check for damages before buying it such as rusts and damages to the seat and the hull. The engine should be rust-free, the seat easy to lift, and the bottom of the hull should not be damaged.
#4 Hours Used
Knowing the number of hours a used jet ski was used will give you an idea on how long it has been on the water. The standard is 30 hours per year on average. If the used jet ski was well-maintained, it can go up to 300 hours.
#5 Specifications
It is important to check the specifications of a used jet ski as if you are buying a new one. Check out the speed and horsepower its engine can produce as well as its size. Though wider and longer jet skis have more stability and can carry more passengers, they are harder to maneuver. Short, narrow jet skis are easier to control but newbie riders will have a hard time handling them.
#6 Maintenance Records
Consider the expenses you will have to maintain your jet ski in a good condition. Aside from fuel, you will need to pay for the following:
Replaced Parts
Ask what parts have been replaced but make sure that the engine and hull are still the same.
Availability of Spare Parts
Check the model of the jet ski to know how easy you can get spare parts and the costs that come with it.
Where the Jet Ski Was Maintained
Ask for maintenance receipts. If the owner did the maintenance, make sure that they are qualified to repair personal watercrafts.
#7 Warranty & Insurance
Check if the used jet ski is still under warranty. Also, get insurance first before taking it out for riding. The cost of a jet ski’s insurance will depend on its model, make, and engine size and can reach up to around $100 per year.
#8 Test Drive
Do not forget to water test a used jet ski before buying it. Make sure that it takes off smoothly. Check its engine’s power (RPMs) too. You would want something more than 7,000 RPM at full throttle though this may vary depending on the jet ski.
New vs. Used Jet Ski: Which is the Better Option?
Should you buy a new or used jet ski? Below is a table showing the pros and cons of each to help you choose your ideal watercraft.
New Jet Ski
Used Jet Ski
Pros
Cons
You don’t need to worry about any damage caused by previous owners
The latest models feature new improvements from technology to performance
A lot of new jet skis come with warranties
Since you are forced to stand up, they are much harder to ride
You can buy multiple used jet skis to learn maintenance and become a better rider before you invest in a new jet ski
They allow you to adjust yourself from the costs associated with buying a new jet ski
New Jet Ski
Used Jet Ski
Pros
Cons
Since you are forced to stand up, they are much harder to ride
You can buy multiple used jet skis to learn maintenance and become a better rider before you invest in a new jet ski
They allow you to adjust yourself from the costs associated with buying a new jet ski
You need to carefully inspect them for maintenance needs
New Jet Ski
Used Jet Ski
Pros
You don’t need to worry about any damage caused by previous owners
The latest models feature new improvements from technology to performance
A lot of new jet skis come with warranties
More affordable than new jet skis
You can buy multiple used jet skis to learn maintenance and become a better rider before you invest in a new jet ski
They allow you to adjust yourself from the costs associated with buying a new jet ski
Cons
More expensive than used jet skis
You need to carefully inspect them for maintenance needs
What Are Some Famous Jet Ski Models?
Below are the famous jet ski models that are ideal for beginners. We will start our list from the top ones.
#1 Yamaha’s VX
Yamaha’s VX is the most affordable and popular jet ski for more than a decade in the market. Its amazing engine is perfect for cruising, towing, and acceleration. If you want both performance and power, then Yamaha’s VX would be your best option.
Pros
Cons
Cons
Pros
Cons
#2 YAMAHA EX
As a trusted brand, Yamaha is famous among a lot of riders so if you are a newbie jet ski rider and would like to buy from them, then you should opt for Yamaha EX. Any beginner can afford this jet ski model. It gives you the same aesthetics as that of Yamaha’s WaveRunner at a much cheaper price.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Cons
#3 Sea-Doo’s GTI 90/130
Do you want reliability and comfort? Then Sea-Doo’s GTI series will surely appeal to you. They are great on gas and have 15.9-gallon fuel tanks. Their fuel efficiency will make your ride enjoyable for the entire day.
Pros
Cons
-Great storage spaces
-Equipped with Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) technology
-Have closed loop water cooling systems
-Offer various driving modes like ECO, Touring, and Sport
-They come with a learning key
-Some models have a VTS system to make performing tricks easier
-They have a Digitally Encoded Security System (DESS) key (a safety lanyard and security device) that only starts the machine
-Some models in the series have touring seats
Pros
Cons
Cons
#4 SEA-DOO SPARK
Sea-Doo’s SPARK is equipped with iBR technology that comes with reverse, neutral, forward, and break operations to make riding more convenient for beginners. Its price, power, and weight are half of that of any powerful, mid-range jet ski. It delivers its riders what every PWC should – accessible and fun entertainment.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Cons
#5 Kawasaki’s Jet Ski STX -15F
This jet ski model of Kawasaki is an awesome combination of handling and power. It is perfect for riders who want their jet ski adventures to be speedy and wild. You can reach up to 60 mph right after you push the throttle. First-time riders may be overwhelmed with STX-15F but others enjoy the thrills this model gives them. This is recommended for pros.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Cons
Jet Ski Tips For Beginners
To end this guide, below are the tips newbie jet ski riders should consider.
#1 Research on Your Local Rules & Regulations
Different states have different rules and regulations for riding watercrafts. Some states will require a license before you can drive a jet ski. They might also only allow specific riding speeds and limit the places where you can go riding. Make sure to do your research first before doing anything else.
#2 Take a Boating Safety Course
We recommend that you take a boating safety course whether your state requires a license or not. These courses will guide you through operating your jet ski to ensure safety as well as familiarize you with the rules and regulations in your state.
#3 Be Attentive to Your Surroundings
Driving a jet ski is similar to motorcycle riding. Accidents can always happen so you should always pay attention to your surroundings. This includes checking the weather forecast before going out on a ride.
It is not advisable to ride on rainy and windy days because you will have a hard time maneuvering your jet ski due to the strong waves. Bright sunny days are ideal for riding a jet ski because the waters are calm during these times.
#4 Don’t Drink While Operating a Jet Ski
Just like driving any motorized vehicle, drinking while driving a jet ski may result in unexpected accidents. Plus, driving a jet ski while in the state of intoxication is illegal. Never drink when you drive.
#5 Keep Your Jet Ski Straight
Do not stare at the handlebars or the water in front of your jet ski’s bow because you will have a hard time keeping your jet ski straight. Instead, lift up your head and fix your gaze off into the distance. If you are still struggling, just focus on a stationary object on the water or land.
#6 Look Out For No-Wake Zones
No-wake zones require operational speeds below 6 mph (typically) so only idle in these areas. These are normally found around beaches, cove entrances, or near the shoreline and boats. The purpose of no-wake zones is to prevent strong waves at the loading and unloading ramps and to avoid damages.
#7 Take Care of Your Jet Ski
Take care of your jet ski if you want it to last for a long time. Simple maintenance such as cleaning your jet ski’s exterior and disposing old fuel can keep your watercraft running for years. Make sure to constantly check for damaged parts.
#8 Buy The Right Accessories
Do not only focus on buying an awesome jet ski. Make your riding experience safer by buying accessories such as a first aid kit, anchor, skier-down flag, fire extinguishers, and others. You can also buy accessories like a cooler, a reboarding step, a sound system, an action camera among others to improve your riding experience.
#9 Regularly Check Fuel
Make sure to regularly check your jet ski’s fuel before going on a trip on the waters. Check if your engine has enough or else you will get stranded.
#10 Install a Custom Docking Solution
You may consider building a custom jet ski docking system to make your rides simpler. Owning a personal dock allows you to go out on a ride anytime you want to.
Conclusion
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