A detailed step-by-step guide on how to ride a stand-up jet ski for beginners
Anytime you go to the beach, you will like to get a boat for yourself and ride it on the water. The boat may be too expensive so it is best you opt for a stand-up jet ski. The stand-up jet ski is a type of jet ski designed to be ridden while standing or kneeling. You may find it difficult to get a balance while learning how to ride the stand-up jet ski. This is why the blog will give you a detailed step-by-step guide.
What to wear when riding a stand-up jet ski
Before you ride a stand-up jet ski, you must make sure you are safe. As a beginner, you may fall frequently so it is best you put on these safety gear to protect you from injury. We just do not want to teach you how to ride a stand-up jet ski but also keep you safe because there is no use in teaching you if you cannot protect yourself on the water.
- Life jacket- You will agree with me that this is the most important safety clothes. Many people may ride stand-up jet skis but not all are good swimmers. This life jacket will help you stay afloat when you fall off the jet ski. Stand-up jet ski rental businesses always provide life jackets. However, it is advisable to get a personal life jacket if you are going to ride regularly. Again, you may not fit into the size of the life jacket given to you so it is best you come along with a personal one.
- Water-resistant sunscreen- This is also known as sunblock or sun cream. The aim of the cream is to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sunlight. You should apply to areas exposed to sunlight such as the back of your neck, your arms, and legs if you are wearing shorts.
The most recommended water-resistant sunscreen is the SolRx Waterblock SPF 50 sunscreen.
- Sunglasses or goggles- You cannot protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sunlight and leave your eyes. Sunglasses will do the water-resistant work sunscreen does for the skin. Furthermore, wearing google will prevent water from entering the eye. The water is mostly salty and it entering your eye may result in itchiness.
When riding a standup jet ski, you may move fast which will result in moving against the wind. You must again protect your eyes from the wing by wearing goggles or sunglasses.
- Neoprene fingerless gloves- The gloves will help you get a firm grip on the handlebars of the stand-up jet ski while riding. Most of the time, it is not provided by the rental companies so it is best you get a personal one.
- Jet ski shoes- Though, many people enjoy riding a stand-up jet ski barefooted, jet ski shoes protect the toes from sunburn and jammed toes.
- Wetsuit– A wetsuit helps maintain a warm body temperature during riding.
A wetsuit keeps the body warm by absorbing a thin film of water to seal the space between your body and the inside of the swimsuit.
This thin film of water gets warm due to the temperature of the body and helps maintain the temperature of the body when it goes down.
- Dry suit-This is also worn to maintain body temperature but the principle in which it works is quite different from the wetsuit.
The dry suit keeps you warm by restricting water from touching your body. They have a thin film of air between the body and the inside of the dry suit which prevents water from entering the suit and touching the skin.
- Dry bag- This helps you keep valuable items like your phone, wallets, and car keys without them being destroyed by water.
- Water-resistant jet ski hat- It protects you from sun rays and prevents water from entering into your hair.
- Helmet- This is to protect your head from a fall.
- Reflector jackets- This helps you to be seen when the area has a poor lighting system
How to ride a stand-up jet ski as a beginner
- Put on your protective clothes
- Make sure your tether is plugged into the jet ski before you start the engine
- Place your dominant foot in water and the other knee on the tray
- Put your forearms on the side rails while holding the handlebars
- Start the engine by pressing and holding the switch button
- Slowly pull the throttle lever to accelerate
- Place the other knee on the tray as you move slowly
- Raise the knee of your dominant foot and firmly place it forward on the tray
- Gently raise the other foot onto the tray and lift the handlebars simultaneously.
- Depress the throttle to increase acceleration
- Off you go
NB- You can choose where to place your dominant foot for your comfort
How to turn when riding a stand-up jet ski
As a beginner, this is where many newbies fall into the water. Turning is not just done by rotating the handlebars of the jet ski. It requires special body movement to maintain body balance.
Whiles riding the stand-up jet ski lean forward to throw your weight on the jet ski, increase acceleration and turn the handlebars in your desired direction. As you turn, lean out to pull your weight back to keep you balanced on the stand-up jet ski.
This may be difficult the first time you try it and fall quite a number of times but do not give up. Keep on practicing.
How fast is a stand-up jet ski?
The average speed of a stand-up jet ski is 40-60 mph. Stand-up jet skis like Yamaha Superjet have a maximum speed of 45mph while Kawasaki SX-R has a top speed of 62mph.
What you have to know is that when renting a stand-up jet ski, there is always a speed limit you cannot pass in the designated area. Always make sure you adhere to this simple rule.
What is the function of the tether plugged into the stand-up jet ski?
You are going to fall into the water many times and this should not discourage you. The purpose of plugging in a tether to the stand-up jet ski attached to your life jacket is to stop the engine of the jet ski immediately after you fall off.
Imagine falling off the water and the jet ski keeps on moving. Kudos to the inventor of the tether.
Is it difficult to learn how to ride a stand-up jet ski?
Yes. Learning how to ride a stand-up jet ski can be very arduous. This is because you need to be balanced and focus while riding. A little distraction can make you fall off the jet ski.
This is why many people opt for sit-down jet skis anytime they want a ride. It is simple to ride and requires less effort and attention
Dos and don’ts of riding a stand-up jet ski
- Always put on your protective clothes
- Plug in the tether before starting the engine
- Check your gasoline levels before starting the engine
- Apply the throttle moderately. The throttle is very sensitive and depressing it can cause you to move very fast and fall off. Not applying enough throttle will make your efforts wasted and can also lead to a fall.
- Place your feet properly on the tray. Your feet should not be too close.
- Leaning properly. Leaning correctly enables you to turn perfectly while keeping your balance in the stand-up jet ski.
- Your lights should always be on when riding at night. Read on how to flyboard
Conclusion
Professional riders even fall off when riding a stand-up jet ski. Do not give up because it is not an easy thing to learn. These guidelines are the perfect way to learn how to ride a stand-up jet ski. Keep on practicing, and you will soon be a pro, a teacher, and a performer.