How to Ride a Yamaha Wavejammer

Yahama's WaveJammer 500, a personal watercraft commonly known as a jet ski, made its debut in 1987, just a year after the original WaveRunner. Unlike WaveRunners, WaveJammers accommodate just one rider and allow the rider to be seated during operation. Other than your riding posture, operating a WaveJammer is much the same as operating a WaveRunner or other type of PWC.

Things You'll Need

  • Personal flotation device
  • Wetsuit
  • Shut-off cord
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with your WaveJammer's owner's operating manual and riding practice guide before setting out on your first ride. Yamaha produced the WaveJammer for years, so models may vary slightly.

    • 2

      Wear a coast-guard approved personal flotation device and a wetsuit to protect yourself when riding your WaveJammer.

    • 3

      Mount the stationary WaveJammer by stepping onto the watercraft from behind. Sit down on the seat with one leg on each side of the PWC. Plant your feet firmly on the footrest floor. Keep your feet planted throughout the ride.

    • 4

      Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left wrist. Insert the tab into the WaveJammer's stop switch. Press the “Start Engine” button to turn the PWC on. The craft will begin to slowly move forward.

    • 5

      Apply throttle to the handlebars to propel the WaveJammer forward. Turn the handlebars to the left or right while applying throttle to turn -- unlike other Yamaha jet skis, only the handles of the WaveJammer move, as this model has a fixed steering column. Apply more throttle for tight turns and less throttle for gradual turns. Avoid sharp turns, especially if you are a beginning rider. Practice your turning ability in a wide-open space.

    • 6

      Scan the area consistently to avoid collision with swimmers, obstacles and other watercraft as you ride.

    • 7

      Release the throttle to gradually slow the WaveJammer. Remember, you loose turning ability as the vehicle slows. Allow yourself plenty of space to come to a stop, as WaveJammers do not have brakes -- they rely instead on the stopping power of water. Depending on the model, it may take up to 360 feet to come to a complete stop.

    • 8

      Press the “Stop Engine” button or remove the shut-off cord to end your ride. Once you take either of these actions, you lose turning ability completely.