Jet Ski Tricks 101

Are you searching for fantastic jet ski tricks? Look into this piece to explore our collection of amazing collections of tricks.

Consider renting a jet-ski for a thrilling adrenaline rush on the water the next time you’re out with family or friends at the beach or lake. When used regularly, the high-speed watercraft can be an enjoyable way to spend a sunny day outside while also keeping you healthy and active. Performing tricks on a jet ski is both aesthetically and physically impressive. 

Apart from being a fun activity, jet skiing also has several health advantages, such as improving one’s stamina, and cardiovascular system, and toning the body. 

Of course, it’s reasonable to think that you’ll never be able to do four or even five backflips in a row after watching high-level athletes do so. But everyone has to start somewhere. In this article, we have mentioned some jet ski tricks for beginners and tips, which will help beginners master the tricks of jet skiing. 

Jet Ski: What Is It? 

A Jet Ski is a compact machine, similar to a motorcycle, that travels on the water’s surface and is powered by a jet engine. Many of us were probably initially introduced to jet skiing adventures when we were on vacation, but it’s not just the beaches of the Caribbean or some other exotic spot where one should go.

There are numerous excellent venues where you may learn how to jet ski. Jet skiing is arguably the simplest of all the water sports to learn. People often do jet skiing as a fun activity, but did you know you can also use jet skiing for fishing? Jet skis help in catching fish away from the shore.

Though, one factor of concern that draws neglect, from most jet ski lovers, is how to efficiently manage and store their skis after an adrenaline-packed, fun ride. Jet skis are powerful yet sensitive machines that need to be maintained for them to last. Leaving them on the water for long periods can result in damage caused by marine plants, shellfish, or water corrosion. This is where a jet ski dock comes into play, they are a good and efficient approach when it comes to protecting your investment and also make your jet skiing much easier.

For a detailed understanding of what a jet ski is and its unique features, check out our comprehensive guide on ‌‌Jet Ski 101: Everything You Need to Know About Jet Skiing to learn more about this exciting watercraft.

Amazing Jet Ski Tricks That You Should Try Out

From those venturing into the world of jet skiing for the very first time to those already performing basic tricks and even up to those ready to push their limits with advanced moves, we’ve got you all covered in this guide. It will take you step by step, showing specific techniques for each level till you reach pro-status.

Beginner Tricks: Building a Solid Foundation

The objective at the beginner level is to familiarize yourself with operating the Jet Ski, developing water balance, and movement coordination. These basic skills will enable you to perform more complex techniques.

• Turning:

Choose two references (e.g. floating objects on the water surface), approach the first reference at a moderate speed, make a gentle turn, then drive towards the second reference and make a turn in the opposite direction, forming a figure 8-shaped track. Keep the speed steady and the steering smooth.

When circling the mark, beginners may find that the route is not smooth enough and appears to be a zigzag. This is usually because the steering is not advanced enough or the steering angle is not stable. Try to start steering gently before approaching the reference and keep the steering angle stable while fine-tuning the throttle. Another common problem is that the speed fluctuates during the marking process. This can be solved by keeping the throttle as stable as possible and using body tilting and fine adjustment of the handlebars to control the speed and direction.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Sit-down jet skis are easier for beginners.

• Figure Eights:

Practicing figure eights improves an individual’s ability to turn smoothly and control coordination. Figure eights require fluently combining two opposing circular turns, which entails good throttle, steering, weight shifts, and visual guidance at the next turn point. If movements are stiff, balance is lost when changing direction, unable to cleanly trace an ‘8’, or if rotational balance is lost at different axes, it helps to think about looking further ahead, planning the path, creating smoother transitions, and allowing center of balance to move freely as the turn is performed.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Sit-down jet skis.

• Wake Jumping (Small Wakes):

Drive in a straight line at a slightly faster speed into a small wave created by a boat or other object, accelerating slightly as you approach the top of the wave and gently pulling the handles upwards just before the wave, using the slope of the wave to carry the Jet Ski a short distance out of the water. Keep your body relaxed and your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact when landing. Suitable

Beginners sometimes experience a nose-dive into the water after leaping over a small wave. This is usually caused by leaning too far forward during the jump or not controlling the center of gravity when landing. The solution is to tilt your body back slightly before jumping and keeping your body balanced in the air without leaning too far forward. If you feel you can’t get a good jump, try increasing the speed of the approach to the wave slightly and use a slight upward handlebar pull in front of the wave.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Sit-down, stand-up.

• Surface 180:

Travel in a straight line at a moderate speed, then quickly and decisively hit the handle to the bottom in one direction. Almost simultaneously, tilt your body weight in the opposite direction. For example, if you hit the handle to the right, lean your body to the left. This will use the thrust of the current to throw the jet ski’s rear end around quickly, completing a 180-degree rotation. Keep the throttle steady during the rotation.

When performing a 180-degree spin on the water, beginners may experience incomplete spins or fall into the water during the spin. Incomplete spins are usually the result of not hitting the handle decisively enough or not leaning the body enough. Try hitting the handles more quickly and decisively and tilting your body more in the opposite direction. Keeping your knees slightly bent will help with stabilization.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Sit-down, stand-up.

• Donuts (Wide Turns):

Traveling at a lower speed, turn the handle in one direction and hold it still while continuously tilting your body weight in that direction. Slowly but steadily increase the throttle so that the jet ski moves in a circle with a large radius, creating a donut-like trajectory. Maintaining a lean and steady throttle is key.

When performing donut tricks, sometimes you may find that you can’t form a standard circular trajectory or that the jet ski doesn’t feel stable enough. This is usually because the throttle control is not stable enough or the body lean is not consistent enough. When practicing, try to maintain a smooth throttle output and consistently tilt your body weight in the direction of the turn.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Sit-down jet skis.

• Circles:

Standing on the jet ski, tilt your body in the direction you want to draw the circle while turning the handle slightly and maintaining a steady throttle. You need to continuously use body tilting and tiny handle adjustments to maintain a stable circle trajectory. Beginners can start practicing with larger circles.

The most common problem beginners have when drawing circles standing up is losing their balance. This is usually because the body is too stiff or too fast. The solution is to keep the knees slightly bent and the body relaxed, utilizing body tilts and minor handle adjustments to maintain balance. Beginners should start practicing at a lower speed and gradually find their feet.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up jet skis.

Intermediate Tricks: Enhancing Control and Dynamic Performance

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to challenge yourself with intermediate tricks. Stand-up jet skis provide increased maneuverability, which is essential for performing these techniques.

• Power Slides/Tail Stands

Driving in a straight line at a moderate speed, then suddenly and quickly hitting the handle to the bottom in one direction and slamming the throttle to the bottom at almost the same time. Lean slightly in the direction opposite to that of the handle, and use the strong thrust of the water current to slide the rear of the jet ski sideways or briefly lift it out of the water. This maneuver requires quick reflexes and precise throttle control.

When performing a power glide, it can sometimes feel like the tail won’t slide sideways. This is usually due to not hitting the handle and pressing the throttle quickly enough and in sync. Try hitting the handle to the floor more quickly and depressing the gas pedal at the same time. Leaning your body in the opposite direction also helps to achieve a sideways glide. If it feels difficult to control the slide, you can adjust it by fine-tuning the handle and your body’s center of gravity.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up (better), sit-down (some models).

• Wheelies

Shift the center of gravity of your body significantly backward (tilt your body substantially backward when standing, and move your body as far as possible to the back of the seat when seated), and then smoothly but quickly increase the throttle. For some models (e.g., Sea-Doo Spark Trixx), there are specialized pedal positions and electronic aids. The key is to find the balance point where the Jet Ski lifts its head and maintain it by fine-tuning the throttle and body weight.

When performing a heads-up, beginners may experience an inability to lift the bow or a tendency to tip over backward. Failure to lift the bow is usually due to not shifting the center of gravity back enough or not increasing the throttle quickly enough. Try shifting your center of gravity more backward and increasing the throttle smoothly but quickly. If it feels like it tends to loop out, you need to immediately release the throttle slightly and adjust your center of gravity forward slightly.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up (better), sit-down (like the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx).

• Surface 360

Traveling in a straight line at a high speed, first quickly bring the handle to the bottom in one direction, and when the jet ski begins to rotate about 180 degrees, quickly bring the handle to the bottom in the opposite direction, in conjunction with a shift in body weight. This requires very quick reflexes and a precise perception of the current.

A common mistake when performing a 360-degree rotation on the water is an incomplete rotation or loss of control during the rotation. Incomplete spins are usually due to incorrect timing of the reverse handle or a lack of coordination in the weight transfer. Practice to find the optimal timing for hitting the handles in the reverse direction and to coordinate with a quick shift of the body weight.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up/sit-down.

• Carving (Sharper Turns)

At higher speeds, tilt your body’s center of gravity dramatically in the direction you want to turn, almost so that your body touches the water. At the same time, work with turning the handle, but the main steering force comes from leaning your body. Keeping your body low and close to the inside of the water will result in sharp turns.

When making sharper cut corners, it can sometimes feel as if you are about to capsize. This is usually due to going too fast or not leaning your body enough. Try reducing your speed and leaning more boldly while keeping your body low and close to the inside of the water.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up (better), sit-down.

• Jumping Larger Wakes

Charge in a straight line at a higher speed into the wake of a larger vessel or a naturally occurring wave, fully opening the throttle moments before approaching the wave and pulling the handle upward slightly as you take off. Keep your body balanced in the air and bend at the knees to absorb the impact when landing. Try to keep the jet ski parallel to the water when landing.

Unsteady landings are a common problem after flying over large waves. This is usually due to a lack of attitude in the air or a lack of cushioning when landing. Try to keep your body balanced in the air, keep your eyes toward the landing point, bend your knees to absorb the shock when landing, and try to keep the jet ski touching the water as smoothly as possible!

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up/sit-down.

• S Turns

Start with a cut in one direction, and when the jet ski starts to right itself, immediately turn the center of gravity and the handles in the opposite direction to make a reverse cut. Alternate left and right turns smoothly to form an “S” shaped trajectory. Pay attention to the rhythm and the smooth transition of the center of gravity.

When performing S-turns, sometimes you may feel that the movement is not smooth enough or that the turning radius is not consistent. This is usually because the transition between left and right turns is not smooth enough. When practicing, try to shift your body weight and turn the handlebars more smoothly to find the rhythm of switching from left to right.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up/sit-down.

Advanced Tricks: Pushing Limits and Showing Style

Advanced tricks require high skill levels, jet skiing experience, and perfect control of the jet ski. These moves are usually performed on modified stand-up jet skis and may require special training or equipment.

• Backflips

This is an extremely dangerous skill that requires specialized training. Often, with the help of specialized jumps or very large waves, the jet ski is flipped backward through the air with precise throttle control, vigorous body movements, and perfect timing. It is strongly recommended not to try it without professional guidance and proper equipment.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up (modified).

• Frontflips

Similar to a backflip, but flipped forward, it requires a greater sense of direction, balance, and control on the part of the rider, and carries more risk. Again, specialized training and equipment are required.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up (modified).

• Tail Grabs

After making a jump and gaining some height, briefly release one hand and reach back to grab the rear of the jet ski to keep your body balanced in the air, then regain the handles before landing.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up.

• No-Handers

After making a jump and gaining some height, briefly remove your hands from the handlebars to keep your body balanced in the air, then quickly return your hands to the handlebars before landing. This requires a very good sense of balance and control of the jet ski.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up.

• Submarining

The maneuvering of this technique varies by jet ski model and usually involves suddenly slowing down and leaning your body forward at high speeds to submerge the head of the jet ski before quickly accelerating to bring it to the surface. It requires a great deal of familiarity with the capabilities of your jet ski and should be attempted with caution.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Sit-down, stand-up.

• Freestyle Combinations

Combine multiple advanced tricks into one seamless sequence, such as jumps, tail grabs, and 360-degree spins. It requires excellent creativity, control, and long practice to transition between each move smoothly.

🎯 Best Jet Ski Type: Stand-up.

With these detailed steps, you can gradually improve your jet skiing skills and progress from beginner to expert. Enjoy the thrill of mastering the water conditions and pushing your limits with each new trick!

Safety First: Essential Jet Ski Trick Tips

Here are a few essential tips to bear in mind when riding a Jet Ski or PWC in the summer.

• Wear A Life Jacket

Life jackets will help you float if you accidentally fall into the water. When riding a jet ski, both children and adults must wear a jacket.

• Wear A Watercraft Helmet

If you are ejected from your Jet Ski, a watercraft helmet can help prevent head injuries. A jet ski helmet can protect you from flying debris if you hit something in the water.

• Maintain Your Jet Ski Properly

Accidents can take place due to equipment failure. However, with proper maintenance, equipment failure can be avoided.

• Park Your Jet Ski When Not In Use

When you’re done jet-skiing, make sure your jet ski is parked at the jet ski dock. The jet ski dock will protect the machine from marine plants, animals, and shells. A floating jet ski dock is an ideal solution to protect your machine and simplify your post-ride process.

• Make Sure You Start Your Jet In The Deep Water

A jet ski can be started in both shallow and deep waters. But we suggest you walk a little on your floating bridge or walkway and go to your jet ski in the deep waters. Floating bridges provide stability and convenience when accessing your jet ski, especially if you are new to the activity.

Enhance Your Jet Ski Fun with Floating Docks

A convenient and reliable Jet Ski docking solution is essential for enthusiasts who are passionate about their Jet Ski skills and eager to enjoy the water whenever they want. Imagine boarding your jet ski with ease, ready to embark on your next exciting adventure. Hiseadock offers high-quality plastic floating dock systems designed to make your Jet Ski experience easier and smoother.

Our sturdy and secure floating docks simplify the launching, docking, and maintenance of your Jet Ski. Made of durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic and UV-protected materials, Hiseadock docks are durable and require little maintenance. Its modular design is easy to install and customize, making it perfect for every need. Say goodbye to tedious docking operations and enjoy more time on the water, refining your skills.

The Hiseadock Floating Dock protects your Jet Ski from the marine environment and provides a safe and stable platform for your water sports. Enhance the fun and convenience of your Jet Ski and visit our website to learn more about our full line of floating dock solutions to make your time on the water even more exciting.

Summing Up

So we can conclude by saying that there are numerous tricks that you can perform while jet skiing. Either sit-down or stand-up jet ski tricks, you are required to have perfection and experience. Jet skiing is a fun activity, but it involves risks. The tricks can be harmful to you, and you might end up hurting yourself if you fail to do the trick properly. 
Furthermore, most of the tricks in jet skiing involve speed, and if you lose control, you might seriously get yourself injured. Also, it is better if you perform the tricks in isolated areas and not in crowded areas. So before you decide to perform jet ski tricks, you need to improve your core strength. Hence, use the proper protection and enjoy yourself to the fullest! You can contact us to buy jet ski docks. At Hisea Dock we can provide you with lots of options to choose from.