5 Things to Know for First-Time Sea-Doo Riders
We can all agree that safety should come first regardless of what it is you are doing. So when it comes to riding a Sea-Doo for the first time, there are a few things you should keep in mind. We put together this list of our top Sea-Doo tips. Whether you’re new to PWCs, or you’ve ridden a few times, these tips should keep you safe while you’re out having fun.
Before we get into our tips for riding a Sea-Doo for the first time, let’s answer a couple of frequently asked questions about riding a Sea-Doo.
Will I get wet?
Yes! Even if you do not fall in, you’ll likely get wet one way or another. That’s all part of the fun!
What Should I Wear on A Jet Ski?
Usually, a bathing suit and your life vest are enough, but if the water or weather is on the colder side, you may want to wear a wetsuit or dry suit. This is a great investment if you want to keep your Sea-doo on the water a little longer or start summer off a little early.
Are Sea-Doos Dangerous?
Any water activity has the potential to be dangerous. However, if you take the necessary precautions and proceed while keeping safety in mind, the risk of injury is greatly diminished. That’s why we highly recommend that you pay attention to our first-time Sea-Doo rider tips below!
Here are 5 Things to Know for First Time Sea-Doo Riders:
1) Keep it Straight!
First-time Sea-Doo riders often have difficulty keeping their PWC straight. The good news is that this is easy to correct. Riders often stare at the handlebars or the water just off the front of the ski. We suggest that you lift your head up and look off in the distance. This will allow you to drive straight and enjoy your trip. If you continue to struggle, simply pick a stationary target on land or water and steer directly at it. Learning this type of trick can help you stay straight and lessen your worry about losing control of your PWC.
2) Remember, You Can’t Turn Away from Danger Without Throttle
When you are approaching a potential collision, it may be your first instinct to let go of the throttle. However, when you slow down or stop giving the machine thrust altogether, your ability to steer is diminished, and you may lose it completely. So, if an emergency arises, and you need to avoid a collision, don’t take your finger off the throttle as that will make it impossible to steer away from danger. Keep your speed up and steer away from the threat! However, each situation will be different, and you will need to use your best judgment to keep yourself and others safe!
3) Splash Down…How to Re-Board Your Sea-Doo
Sometimes people fall off their PWC. This is usually no big deal, and it can even be part of the fun. However, there is a method to get back on your Sea-Doo. You always reboard a Sea-Doo from the stern (back). Simply reach up to the handle behind the seat and pull yourself out of the water onto the back deck of the Sea-Doo. If you are riding tandem, only one person should board at a time. Attempting to reboard from the side will cause the Sea-Doo to flip. We recommend taking it slow and not rushing back onto the PWC as it may cause the Sea-Doo to flip, and then you’re right back where you started. If you have tried and failed several times to reboard you can get very tired, very quickly. Relax in the water, think about how you’re going to get back on board, and then slowly climb back aboard.
4) Relax! It’ll Hurt Less!
Many first-time riders complain that their hands get tired, or they feel a slight soreness in their shoulders. This occurs because new riders often grip their Sea-Doo like they are holding on for dear life. Instead, we suggest you lean forward slightly and relax your grip. Keep your elbows slightly bent. This will allow you to ride without fatigue! Don’t lean too far forward, and always be careful not to hit your chin or nose on the handlebar when you hit a wake. This can be a painful lesson and one we recommend you avoid learning.
5) Hold Tightly…But Not Too Tight!
We’ve talked about driving, but there is a trick to being a good and comfortable passenger as well. Holding the driver’s waist or the back of their life jacket is a good method for staying on. However, don’t hold on so tight that you make it difficult for your partner to drive. As with normal driving, you need to find a comfortable, relaxed position. Keep your body loose, not stiff! This will lower fatigue and increase your enjoyment.
Now you’re ready to ride!
BONUS TIP
A lot of people want to stand up on the ski. However, for a novice rider, standing will make controlling the ski much more difficult and will make your chances of falling significantly higher. Driving from the standing position is something to attempt after you become an intermediate or expert rider.
Looking for a new PWC? Let the professionals at Gull Boats & RVs help! You can reach out to our professionals at 406-549-6169 or stop by and visit in person at 2601 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59808. You can also shop our inventory online!
