If you want to experience the rush of adrenaline that comes with speeding zero to sixty mph in less than five seconds, jeopardizing your safety on the road, you have two options: buy a ticket and blast off on the Space X, or get on a high-octane jet ski.
And, if you’re reading this, you’re probably serious about pursuing their ambition of riding a jet ski. You’ve most likely Googled “How to Ride a Jet Ski” and ended yourself here. You’ve arrived at the correct location, regardless of how you came. We at Jetski Madness are delighted to welcome you. Our crew has always wanted to introduce newcomers to the exhilarating world of traversing the NJ waterways via water bike.
In that spirit, we’ve compiled this basic beginner’s guide to help you get from rookie to seasoned wake jumping quickly!
How to Ride a Jet Ski
Because you’re new to the sport, try these ten helpful ideas before throttling up. Here are the foundations of jet ski riding:
- Know your Boat-Ed: In New York, you must finish a boating safety course before operating a personal watercraft (PWC), including a jet ski.
- Climb aboard and settle into a comfortable sitting position.
- Place your hands and feet on the bars and footrests.
- Before starting your water bike, you must wear a lanyard (or something similar) around your wrist connected to the ignition’s key. This is referred to as a death switch cord setup. Falling off, in a nutshell, kills the engine.
- Start the jet ski’s engine.
- Press the throttle in gently. Offshore, cruise at 5-10 mph until you’re comfortable with the throttle feel.
- You may accelerate and increase speed after reaching a safe distance from the shore…past impediments and heavy boat traffic. However, keep your pace under control.
- Maintain a slow and consistent speed. Lean in the direction of any water bike turns you make.
- Remember that most jet skis need acceleration to turn. To avoid capsizing, keep your load balanced and centered.
- Many novices wish to stand on their own.
They’re skis, but wait until you’re an intermediate or expert rider. The PWC may lose control or fall.
Before we get into the following two suggestions for riding your water bike for the first time, let’s address a couple of commonly asked concerns concerning jet skiing.
Will I Get Wet?
Yes! You will probably get a good soaking whether you fall in or not. The whole thing is funny!
What Should I Wear While Jet Skiing?
A bathing suit and a Coast Guard-approved life vest, or PFD, are usually sufficient, but if the water or weather is freezing, you may wish to wear a wetsuit or dry suit. Learn more about what to wear when jet skiing.
Are Jet Skis Dangerous?
Any endeavor has some level of danger. Accidents do happen. However, the chance of harm is substantially reduced if you listen to your advisers and proceed with care. As a result, you should read our first-time jet ski rider advice in this post.
What to Bring On Your PWC Outing:
Bring the following items with you on your first and subsequent jet ski rides:
- Check your fuel gauge to avoid running out of gasoline and getting stranded!
- A whistle, trumpet, or other signaling instrument
- A GPS device or map in case you get lost
- All of the necessary PWC Class A certification requires safety equipment.
- A PFD or life jacket certified by the Coast Guard (it’s the law).
- The proper water-specific attire and equipment. Gloves, in particular, protect your hands from unpleasant blisters while allowing you to hold the throttle and lines more securely.
- Certification from a marine safety course or any other certification or license required by your state for driving a PWC.
- Proper documentation, including vessel registration with all decals shown
- A Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher. Also, please acquaint yourself with how to use it since they have safety criteria.
- A working backfires flame arrestor and ventilation system.
- Of course, if you rent a jet ski from Jetski Madness, you can delegate many safety and regulatory considerations. This list is critical to us. We provide Coast Guard-approved jet ski safety gear.
- boat registration, and other services.
Additional services are available. Please contact us for further information on booking or packing for your tour.
Other Advice for New Jet Ski Riders
Before you begin your expedition, here are some PWC riding guidelines and advice:
- First and foremost, understand the safety norms and regulations that regulate the seas. A PWC, for example, is classified as a Class A vessel by the Coast Guard. As a result, get acquainted with the laws and restrictions for boats under 16 feet in length. It’s also typical to get overconfident when learning.
Maintain it Straight! – Many first-time jet skiers need help to maintain the jet ski straight. The good news is that this is simple to fix. Riders often gaze on the handlebars or the water right off the ski’s bow (front). Instead,
- raise your head and gaze into the distance.
- This allows you to drive straight and enjoy your journey. If you continue to struggle, choose a stationary object (buoy) on land or water and steer straight for it.
- Remember, You Can’t Avoid Danger Without Throttle – The “jet” in a jet ski refers to the water jet that comes from the rear of the ski and propels it forward. To direct the machine, that jet goes side to side. Because there is no rudder, when you slow down or cease providing the machine push entirely, your ability to steer is lessened or wholly lost.
- So, if an emergency develops and you need to prevent a collision, don’t let off the gas pedal. This makes it hard to steer clear of danger. Instead, maintain your pace and stay clear of the threat.
- Splash Down… Reboarding Procedures Your jet ski – People sometimes fall off their jet skis. This is not a significant problem and may add to the excitement. There is, however, a tried-and-true approach to getting back on track. Reboarding a ski is usually done from the stern (rear).
- Lift yourself out of the water onto the rear deck of the ski by reaching up to the grip behind the seat. Only one person should board at a time while riding tandem. Attempting to reboard from the side will result in the ski flipping.
- Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time. You might rapidly get exhausted if you’re out of shape and have multiple unsuccessful reboard attempts. Relax in the water, plan your return to the boat, and then carefully climb back onboard.
- Relax! It’ll be less painful! – Many first-time riders comment that their hands grow fatigued or their shoulders ache. Back discomfort after jet skiing is also possible in rare cases. This happens because rookie motorcyclists often grip on for dear life. Instead, take a step forward and loosen your hold.
- Maintain a slight bend in your elbows. This will help you to bike without becoming tired. Don’t lean too far ahead, and avoid hitting your chin or nose on the handlebars.
- Hold Tight…But Not Too Tight! We’ve discussed driving, but there’s also a technique to being a good and pleasant passenger. Staying on is more accessible by holding the driver’s waist or the back of their life jacket. However, don’t grip so tightly your companion can’t drive the ski.
- Relax, just like you would while going. Maintain a relaxed, not rigid, physique. This will reduce tiredness and boost pleasure. Passengers should also lean into turns when the driver does.
- The Most Effective Way to Jump Wakes is a fantastic sensation, but it may be scary for novices. Remember always to cross them and strong waves at a 90° angle to retain your jet ski’s lateral stability. Also, instead of rushing through waves, hop over them.
- Stick with It – Riding jet skis is a lot of fun, but it takes time and experience to do it safely and correctly. Following this instruction, you should be adequately prepared the next time you step aboard yours!
For the First Time, Jetski Madness
Now that you’ve mastered these skills, you’re ready to join us on an unforgettable Jet Ski adventure! Jetski Madness, just 10 minutes by boat from Long Beach Island, offers a unique opportunity for beginners and professionals to get up close and personal with the sights and attractions on your very own PWC.
If you’re still concerned about riding a jet ski, our helpful staff can provide tips and advice while you’re with us.
