Planning Your Jet Ski Trip in Myrtle Beach

If you don’t have experience with jet skis, having answers to some common questions may persuade you to venture out this exciting recreational vehicle if given the opportunity. We have also compiled a brief list of tips for jet skiers whether you are riding for the first time or you have some experience under your belt.

Jet Ski FAQs

Will I get wet on a jet ski?

Yes! Hate to break it to you, but there is really no way to avoid getting wet on a jet ski. If you are like most jet skiers, you will welcome a good soaking.

What should I wear when I jet ski?

You don’t have to go overboard (no pun intended) when dressing to go on a jet ski. A bathing suit and life-vest are all you need. If the weather is on the frigid side, you may opt to wear a wetsuit or dry-suit.

Should I sit or stand?

If you are new to jet skiing, we strongly recommend sitting. Standing makes it more difficult to steer, and you don’t want to add more challenges than you need to as a first timer. Once you gain experience, you can experiment with standing.

Aren’t jet skis dangerous?

Injuries are certainly a risk when you board a jet ski. Jet skiing involves some level of danger, however, if you follow safety rules and regulations, your risk decreases significantly. We don’t want to leave you high and dry (again, no pun intended), so we are providing you with a list of precautions.

At one time, we are all beginners so we know the anticipation of riding on a jet ski for the first time can be so overwhelming that you may forget some of the most fundamental lessons. These lessons are important to your safety and the safety of others. And safety can mean the difference between life and death on this piece of equipment.

5 Tips for jet skiers

1. Lift your head to steer

Keeping the jet ski straight can be an enormous challenge for first timers. You may find yourself drawn to focus your eyes on the handlebars or the water just in front of you. Correcting this is simple though. Simply lift your head and look out into the distance. If you still struggle, pick a fixed object in the distance and steer towards that object. A straight ride is a fun ride!

1. Throttle away from danger

The water jet that comes out of the back of the jet ski helps you steer the equipment. A rudder would help to steer a boat, but you don’t have a rudder on the jet ski. If you slow down when you have to steer away from trouble, it will be significantly more difficult (if not impossible) to avoid danger. If you face an emergency on the jet ski, do not take your finger off the throttle. Maintain your speed so you can steer away from danger.

1. Re-Boarding your jet ski

If you fall off your jet ski, don’t beat yourself up. It is very common. You may even consider it all part of the fun of jet skiing. If you fall off, remember to re-board the jet ski from the rear (stern) of the equipment. Just grab the handles behind the seat and pull yourself up and out of the water. It is that simple. But if you find it is easier said than done and you struggle to get on, relax while you are in the water. Perhaps count to 10. Calm your thoughts and focus on the process of getting back on. If you are riding the jet ski with a partner and you both fall off, don’t fret. Each person should get back onto the jet ski one person at a time from the rear. If you each try getting on the jet ski at the same time from either side you will tip the jet ski. Re-board from the back, one at a time.

1. Relax your grip. Your body will thank you.

First time riders often complain that their hands and shoulders are sore after a full day of riding a jet ski. That is because new riders tend to hold on for dear life. That just isn’t necessary. Focus on relaxing and lean forward slightly, then relax the grip you have on the handlebars. Don’t lean too far forward, you want to avoid hitting your face on the handlebars in front of you when you hit the waves. In addition, bend your elbows slightly. Your body will thank you later for following these tips.

1. Be a good passenger.

Even if you aren’t driving the jet ski, you’ll want to remember this tip if you are a passenger to keep you and your driver safe. Holding the driver around the waist or on the back of their life jacket should keep you on board safely, given all safety precautions are taken by the driver. Holding on too tight will make it difficult for the driver. So again, the key is to relax. Keep your muscles loose to avoid soreness.

Now get out there and RIDE!