What Can a Jet Ski Do? 5 Fun Things to Do on a Jet Ski
Jet skis are a fun spring and summer activity that families and friends can enjoy doing together. Whether you are renting them for a few hours or you own your own, anyone can enjoy them. After that, all you need to go jet skiing is an all-sport lake, river, or body of water where motorized vehicles are allowed.
When it comes to jet skis there are several fun activities you can enjoy on them and because of them. However, our top five things to do on a jet ski are tricks, fishing, races, go camping, and tow wakeboards and tubes. They can be used for more recreational activities or become a part of your next adventure.
What to Know Before You Go Jet Skiing
Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding water sports such as jet skiing so it’s important to check them out before you make any plans. However, most states do require a boating license for you to operate a jet ski.
To obtain the boating license, online lessons are required as well as receiving a passing score of 80% or higher on the final exam. The lessons are typically free to work through while the exam costs vary depending upon the type of license you want.
There are temporary boating licenses you can obtain which last for ninety days. These exams can cost around $10 and are ideal for those interested in renting jet skis on vacation. Or you can obtain a permanent boating license for around $50. Prices and time frames can vary between states though.
Now that we have covered the basics, we can jump into the fun activities that you can do on jet skis.
1. Tricks and Turns
There are several tricks that even beginners can do on a jet ski. Just remember to practice the basics before attempting them. Such as speeding up, stopping, and turning to ensure that you are prepared for the tricks.
Wave jumping is one of the most popular tricks that you can do. It is easy to do as you wait for a wave to either make its way towards you or you find a larger vessel in the water and follow behind it. As the waves approach you, you speed up and go up and over them.
Carving is another popular trick, which occurs when sharp turns are taken. The actions are similar to those that snowboarders or skiers do when coming to a stop at the bottom of a hill, except here it is done on the water. It can spray your companions with water or help you to avoid obstacles.
2. Fishing
This may come as a surprise to some, but fishing on a jet ski has become more common and popular recently. As the sport has become more popular there have even been jet ski models created specifically for those who enjoy using them to go fishing.
It does tend to be more of an individual sport since jet skis are smaller and unable to carry a ton of equipment. Most riders will head out on the water, find a spot that suits their needs and turn their motor off to float around for a bit as they fish.
Or those who are a bit more adventurous can jet ski out to land masses or another side of the water, depending on the area. They turn off their jet ski when they find some land to try, get it situated, and prepare to go fishing. It is said to be a relaxing and enjoyable sport as you get to explore and find new areas each time you head out on the water.
3. Races
One of the most popular activities for families and friends to do is race one another out on the water. Whether each person has their own jet ski or people are doubled up, a race is always a fun thing to do.
Just ensure that the body of water you are in has no speed requirements or if they do that you remain within them. It’s also important that you race an appropriate length away (fifty feet or so) from one another and are headed in the same direction parallel to one another. This will help to avoid any unnecessary accidents from occurring as winds change, grips loosen, or waves get stronger.
While the rules may seem daunting, they do not take away from the fun that a race brings. Jet skis can go anywhere from up to 70 MPH at a time. Speeds that can elicit adrenaline and competitiveness even as your friends if fifty feet away from you.
Do you know how to start a jet ski with a water hose? Here is how to do so in 5 easy steps.
4. Camping Trips
While this may be too adventurous for some, a lot of people have come to enjoy the activity in recent years. It is quite similar in theory to jet ski fishing, where the jet ski is more of a means of transportation, but the result is still a fun time.
You can start your camping trip by simply packing up your essentials, finding a spot that fits your needs (whether it’s a nearby island or somewhere else along the water), and take off on your jet ski.
It provides you with the feeling of adventure and excitement that you may be missing. While still being a fun weekend activity. It can also be a fun way to spend a weekend going island hopping if you have a cluster of islands nearby.
5. Towing Wakeboards, Water Skis, and Tubes
If you are enjoying the water with a group of people, then this may be the activity for you. Wakeboards and tubes can be hooked up to the back of a jet ski allowing you to pull your friends along as you jet ski.
This can be exceptionally fun if there are larger waves near you or they simply enjoy the activity on their own. The majority of jet skis can tow tubes and wakeboards however it’s important to ensure that it is allowed, especially if you are renting the equipment for it.
While there are many fun activities that you can do on a jet ski, these are our five favorite ones. The next time you are thinking about going jet skiing consider trying out at least one of them. Whether it’s a new trick, towing a wakeboard for a friend, going fishing, trying out camping, or putting together a race with friends.
Related Questions
1. What happens if I fall off the jet ski?
There is no need to worry about falling off the jet ski. It is a common thing that happens to everyone, which is why there are several safety precautions in place to protect you.
2. What safety precautions are there?
To begin, you should be wearing a life jacket to prevent any drowning from occurring if you get rattled when falling off. As well, you will have a band strapped to your wrist as you ride that is connected to the jet skis engine. If you fall off, the cord is pulled out, and the jet ski is automatically turned off to protect you from any moving parts.
3. What happens if I run out of gas?
If the jet ski is properly taken care of before going out on the water, this should not be a worry. They can typically get anywhere from 70-150 miles on a single tank of gas. If you do get stuck though, you can ride back with a friend or leave the jet ski and swim to the closest piece of land to get help.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.