Touring New Cities SafelyTouring New Cities Safely

You may have dreamed about splashing through the waves on a jet ski at some tropical location or taking jet ski tours through the famous Miami waterways. If you have never ridden a jet ski before, it can be a pretty daunting prospect. You can learn to relax and enjoy the ride, however, if you follow these top tips for first-time riders.

Look Up

It might seem like an obvious tip but a lot of first-time riders, and even some of those who have only ridden a jet ski a couple of times, don't tend to look up to where they are going. A lot of new riders tend to keep looking at the handlebars, to ensure they are keeping them straight while they ride. They also tend to only look at the water that is a few feet in front of their machine.

Instead, drive it like you would your car. Head up; look around you; and hold the machine steady and straight by what you see in front of you. You wouldn't keep looking at your steering wheel in your car, so don't keep looking at your handlebars on the jet ski, either. You will find the machine will go where you want it, to if you keep your head up.

Don't Let Go

A lot of new drivers fear that they may end up in a collision and worry what to do if they are racing toward another jet ski, or another boat is heading toward them. Unlike a boat, a jet ski has no rudder, so simply taking your hands off the throttle will actually work against you. The jet ski steers using the jet propulsion and your own movements, leaning right or left to turn the machine. If you take your fingers off the throttle, you lose thrust and will stop.

If you want to turn away from danger or to simply steer, don't take your hands off the throttle and let go. Keep them on the handlebars, and use your body to steer you away from danger or in the direction you wish to head.

Falling Off

It is possible that you will fall off the jet ski at least once. The sudden jolt of the engine when first revving the throttle can be jarring, at first, or having to turn suddenly to avoid an obstacle can throw you off. Remember, you have a life jacket on, and it will keep you afloat. Once you let go of the throttle, the jet ski will stop, so you don't have to worry about chasing it or it running you over.

Simply grab the handlebars from the back of the jet ski, also known as the stern, and pull yourself up. It's that easy. If you have two people on board, only one should board the machine at a time.