A jet ski is more than just a pleasant pastime for speed enthusiasts; it is also an autonomous form of transportation that requires a license. Riding a jet ski necessitates a solid understanding of the fundamentals of safety and driving skills.
What are Jet Skis?
A jet ski is a self-propelled water transport that allows you to move quickly on the water. They were constructed in the second half of the twentieth century. A catamaran was used as an idea, and a snowmobile design was used as a basis. The first to use a new type of equipment were rescuers, who needed to get to the drowning quickly.
Jet skis resemble something in between a boat and a road bike. The maximum speed is 150 km per hour. To drive, you need to get a driving permit. For personal use, it is advised to use tourist views. Aquabikes have become a symbol of extreme water sports. Main manufacturers: Sea-Doo BRP, Polaris, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki. If earlier only wealthy people or fans could take such a “jet ski,” then thanks to Chinese technology at affordable prices, anyone can buy it. Therefore, they are finding more and more fans.
Jet skiing is primarily entertainment for most people, but it can be dangerous. Let’s figure out what rules you need to follow and how to ride a jet ski for yourself and others safely.
Which is Better: A Stand-Up vs Sit-Down?
There are two main classes of jet ski: “sit-down” and “stand-up.” “Sedentary” jet skis are mainly designed for recreation and are equipped with a variety of ergonomic accessories. They are called “sit-down” because they ride them sitting. Such jet skis can be single, double, or even triple. These motorcycles have a moderate temperament and reach a maximum speed of 70-80 km/h. Sports models with rails for people riding a jet ski are very popular. The devices for which the water skier is hooked are located on a special frame mounted on a jet ski.
Standing jet skis, or standups, are radically different from “sit-down” ones. As their name implies, they are controlled, standing up. Standups are, as a rule, indomitable racing jet skis that allow you to perform dizzying stunts. Such jet skis are aimed at athletes, requiring from the “racer” not only certain skills but also serious physical effort.
What is Essential for Beginners to Know
Everything related to water requires special attention and safety precautions. No matter whether it is a wakeboard, a SUP, or a jet ski. By the way, when you appear in Dubai, try water activities from Yeprent, surely, you will be delighted.
- The list of safety rules is small but useful.
- You should always remember that the apparent ease of management is a hidden danger. We must not forget that at any moment, you can become the culprit of an emergency.
- You must be wearing special protective equipment: a wetsuit, a life jacket, hydro boats, gloves, glasses, and in case of participation in competitions – a helmet.
- The ability to swim well and stay afloat is a must.
- To ride a jet ski, you must have a license, like a snowmobile.
- Before you begin your water journey, listen carefully to the safety instructions and ask to clarify the points that you did not understand.
- Before starting, check the equipment for damage and technical malfunctions.
- One more critical point to keep in mind. You must board a jet ski from behind, not from the side. In this case, you will not roll over.
- While driving on the territory of the water area, cautiously and slowly go around people and other equipment at a great distance.
- If you are a beginner, do not go far from the shore.
- Acceleration should be smooth, without jerks and deliberate ostentation.
- Do not let go of the “gas” in turns and turns; otherwise, you will turn over. Also, try to avoid sharp turns and turn in a wide radius.
- Driving perpendicular to the waves is reckless. If the jet ski jumps on a wave, it will be very difficult to stay on it without experience.
How to Safely Operate a Jet Ski
The main rule is compliance with safety regulations. If you do not plan to become a professional athlete and perform tricks on a jet ski, then you can master the management of it quickly enough. Jet skis have an emergency stop system that triggers if you fall out of the jet ski. This happens by pulling out a special plate that is attached to your hand (the same system exists, for example, on treadmills in fitness clubs).
The jet ski is driven by a constant supply of gas. But you need to accelerate gradually, without jerks. Do not release the gas when performing turns or turns.
The jet ski is constructed in such a way that it is driven by a propeller motor mounted at the rear. Accordingly, if the gas is given too quickly when starting from the shore, the jet ski may rise, and the blades, reaching rock bottom may break. Riding on the jet ski, gently make a couple of turns of gas, and switch to idle – this will be enough to leave the shallow water. Consider this circumstance on the way back.
Remember that driving a jet ski is different from driving a car on a flat road. A sharp addition of gas can throw the bike off balance. Therefore, practice first, try to gradually increase speed, and monitor your reaction and the reaction of the watercraft.
On the water, it is also necessary to take into account the direction of the waves, it is extremely unwise to go straight at them. The jet ski will bounce on the waves, and it will not be simple to stay on it. And you must not enter turns at fast speeds; try to do them over a wide radius, reducing the speed.
How to Reboard a Jet Ski after a Fall
Though it is improbable that every jet skier would crash, it does occur. It is critical to keep calm and not get anxious.
This is how you can reboard the watercraft after falling.
- Return to the watercraft by swimming gently in the direction of the back of the watercraft. Coming from the rear is always the most effective and simplest option since it keeps the jet ski steady and prevents it from tipping.
- Put two hands flat on the rear of the watercraft, or use handles if the watercraft has them.
- Pull yourself up. This is pretty much the same as getting out of a swimming pool. You perform the same action.
- Step over the seat, re-seat yourself, regain your calm, and restart the jet ski.
Conclusion
Riding a jet ski is one of the most popular summer activities. It requires practice to do it correctly and securely. You will be well prepared the next time you have the chance. And please do not be afraid; we guarantee you will like jet skiing. Before you start the water trip, the rental company will provide you with comprehensive instructions and a safety briefing.
