Effortlessly slicing through the waves and sending sheets of spray flying through the air, jet skis are an adventurous way to enjoy the sun and the sea – but are they hard to ride?
Riding a jet ski is not difficult and most basic courses last just a day. Advanced skills such as tricks take practice, and it is smart to get an instructor. The biggest risk is losing control and beginners should start with a slower model, but overall riding a jet ski is a very accessible hobby.
Some aspects of riding a jet ski are more difficult than others and it takes practice to master the quirks of this watercraft, but they are easier to ride than it might appear.
How does a jet ski work?
Jet skis use a jet propulsion engine that takes water in at the front and pushes it out at the back, creating a powerful stream that pushes them forward.
Because steering relies on this propulsion, jet skis are traditionally easier to steer at high speed.
However, many newer crafts have off-throttle assisted steering which makes it possible to maintain control effectively at lower speeds.
Unlike other vehicles, jet skis don’t have brakes. Instead, speed is reduced by reversing the direction of water propulsion, creating a slowing effect.
Alternatively, the emergency shut-off cuts the engine and stops forward propulsion, but this will not immediately halt the craft as the jet ski’s momentum keeps it moving.
Are jet skis dangerous to ride?
As with any motorized vehicle, there are inherent dangers to riding a jet ski. Riding them at high speeds can result in accidents.
A particular danger is falling off the jet ski, but ensuring the vehicle has a safety lanyard that cuts the engine in this event significantly reduces the risks.
Overturning a jet ski can also be dangerous, as righting ane re-boarding the vehicle and can be problematic.
However, as long as the proper procedures are followed this is a minimal risk and it is very difficult to overturn a modern craft.
The main risk of riding a jet ski is losing control of the vehicle, so beginners should learn on a slower model.
Some high-performing jet-skis can reach up to thirty miles per hour in under two seconds, and even slower models experience serious power kicks through acceleration.
While gaining confidence it is best to practice away from other people and watercraft.
How long does it take to learn to ride a jet ski?
Grasping the basics of riding a jet ski doesn’t take long; most professional courses teaching basic jet ski skills last a day or under.
After learning the controls, dedicating a few hours to becoming confident with the steering and speed control on a secluded stretch of water will be enough.
Ease of learning also depends on whether it’s a stand-up or sit-down model.
Many riders prefer the experience of riding a stand-up jet ski as it allows the rider more freedom and greater shock absorbency when tackling waves.
However, riding a stand-up jet-ski requires strong balancing skills while sit-down models are easier to control and more comfortable.
Learning more advanced skills such as tricks, wake-riding, and curves requires a strong grounding in the basics.
As with any sport, attempting to progress without the proper technique is unsafe, and mastering more advanced elements of jet ski riding requires time and practice.
Employing an instructor to learn these skills speeds up the process and ensures skills are built up constructively and safely.
One of the trickiest skills to master is docking the jet-ski after use, as it requires skillful aim and the ability to handle the vehicle at slow speeds.
When renting a jet ski or riding with an instructor this isn’t a worry, but an inexperienced rider will find it difficult to perform this maneuver singlehandedly.
Is it worth learning to ride a jet ski?
Overall, learning to ride a jet ski is not difficult, but inexperience and recklessness can make it dangerous.
However, most jet ski courses take under a day to complete, making it easy to learn safely and professionally.
As long as the basic principles are mastered before taking to the open ocean, riding a jet ski is easy to learn and an exhilarating, adventurous way to enjoy the sea.