The Proper Technique to Ride a Stand-Up Jet Ski

Learn how to ride a stand-up jet ski correctly to avoid running into other jet skis or having any accidents on your jet ski. A jet ski is a motorized water vehicle which has handlebars, a platform for standing or sitting, and a curved underside for stability. Learning to ride a stand-up jet ski correctly means knowing how to board, stand on, turn and safely ride around on a jet ski.

  1. Boarding

    • Jet skis aren't easy to board, because you have to do it from the water. Board a jet ski by climbing on from the back. This is vital, because approaching from the side of the vehicle will tip it over. Put your hands on the back of the jet ski, at either side, so that the vehicle levels out. Try to get onto the jet ski in shallow water, boarding from the back to avoid tipping. If you can comfortably get on the jet ski in shallow water, you should be able to board it in open water, but this will be more difficult. Pull yourself up with your arms until you can kneel on the jet ski. If you can't pull yourself up, don't use the jet ski in deep or choppy water.

    Standing

    • Learning to stand up on the jet ski can be difficult. Start by kneeling on the jet ski if you aren't comfortable enough to stand. Work the throttle gently at first to avoid being thrown off the back of the jet ski. Build up speed gradually when you are getting used to balancing on the jet ski. Stand up on the vehicle when you are more comfortable. Stand with one foot in front of the other. Grip the handles firmly. Start off slowly, then gradually increase your speed as you get more confident.

    Turning

    • The turning mechanism of a jet ski only works when you operate the throttle. This means that if you wish to turn while on a jet ski, you have to work the throttle. To turn quickly in an emergency, accelerate, turn the handle-bars and lean slightly into the turn. You may fall off sometimes when you are learning, but the lanyard engine key included on most jet skis will prevent it from going too far away from you.

    Safety

    • Most accidents in jet skis are caused by collisions with other jet skis. Keep your distance from other riders near to you, and slow down if you are riding in a congested area. Be careful of boats and other large watercraft, because these may not be able to see you. Jet skis usually come with a safety key, which is on a lanyard and goes around your wrist. This means that the engine will deactivate if you fall. Keep this lanyard on at all times.