Keep your butt on the seat, conquer the waves, and throttle for epic fun
Lock your grip
A wide grip allows you to use your body weight to turn, making it easier and less fatiguing to steer. Hold the handlebar so your pinkies touch the ends. For better control while steering across bumpy waves, squeeze the handles with a force about as strong as a handshake.
Perfect the smooth turn
Beginners often try to make sharp turns but fail to maintain power, which raises the risk of a spill. When making any turn sharper than 90-degrees, don’t let up on the petrol. Halfway through the turn, accelerate to maintain speed and control and to set yourself up for the next turn.
Ride out a wave
If you see a wave approaching, position your craft to hit it head-on. As you make contact, raise your butt slightly off the seat and bend your knees about 45- degrees. Your legs and arms, not your back, will absorb the wave by acting as shock absorbers. Avoid powering over cresting waves, which could flip you from the craft.
Rein in your speed
If you’re riding an older model, you won’t have handlebar brakes. Don’t freak out. Just allow yourself time to coast if you’d like to stop – the water will naturally slow you down. So if you’re going 40 km/h, give yourself 20m to coast (about three seconds) until you come to a stop. Newer models will stop pretty much immediately.
Ride with dolphins
If you notice some friendly sea creatures, stay about 15m from them and ride parallel so they don’t feel threatened. The tiny waves you create may make it easier for them to swim, which means they may hang around just long enough for you to take some action shots.
Source: Eric Lagopoulos, former Guinness World Record holder for most personal watercraft miles travelled in 24 hours (879.86)
