How To Sea Doo Without Getting Wet…
Related: More Jet Ski Riding Tips
Deliberately getting wet on a steaming hot day is a great relief. But most people assume that being soaked all the time is a given when riding a Sea Doo, jet ski or waverunner personal watercraft. But getting wet usually doesn’t happen by chance while Sea Doo riding on a PWC adventure. So just to set the record straight, there are specific reasons a jet ski rider is likely to end up being splashed. But it’s not inevitable or even the norm, unless it’s your preference. That being said, I always wear quick drying gear just in case.
Many personal watercraft models are designed to minimize getting wet inadvertently. They tend to keep the operator dry most of the time. So in normal riding conditions, an experienced Sea Doo rider, PWC beginner or jet ski renter can choose to stay dry instead of always getting wet. But sometimes, being soaked is the outcome. And here are the most likely ways for it to happen while Sea Doo riding…
Product Characteristics Can Cause Getting Wet
Like any other powersports units, personal watercraft come in various purpose-built models. Some are for high performance, others for tow sports. Some are for touring and others are for playing. A good example is the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx model, designed for playing on the water and inevitably, for getting wet. So any rider doing tail stands, spins or sharp turns better be used to being splashed frequently.
Hard braking also means getting wet. All Sea Doo watercraft are equipped with iBR (intelligent Brake & Reverse). So if you’re breezing along and suddenly squeeze the left handlebar lever to the bar to engage the brake, your PWC’s nose will drop like a stone and a wall of water’ll quickly drench you – but you’ll be stopped.
You’re bound for getting wet if something like weeds block the grate to your impeller. It’s located underneath the PWC. So unless you can stay dry by beaching it and turning it on its side to access the grate, you may have to swim underneath to clear the obstruction.
Rider Behaviour Can Cause Getting Wet
Getting wet will likely result from Sea Doo riding in or across the wake of big boats. If you’re not prepared or hit the wake at the wrong angle, your payback will be getting soaked. Similarly for waves, especially on big water and if it’s windy. Strong gusts can stir up a turmoil of cross-waves that it’s almost impossible to ride without getting wet. Add boat wake into the mix and you’re getting soaked for sure.
Another way of getting wet on a jet ski is playful companions. All it takes is for one Sea Doo rider to zip past another, either inadvertently or deliberately drenching him or her with the spray that shoots from the sides and back of a personal watercraft. Inevitably, this leads to retaliation and before you know it, multiple riders start getting wet.
How To Get Wet For Sure
Three other ways of getting wet while Sea Doo riding are foregone conclusions. One is if you tip over your jet ski or fall off. Another is if it rains and you’re not prepared with protection. And, as previously stated, on steamy hot summer days, getting wet is the best way to cool off. This either happens by deliberate splashing or jumping off your jet ski for a quick swim. Whatever the case, staying dry isn’t an option.
There are probably a few other ways of getting wet on a Sea Doo ride that I’ve missed. But frankly, I prefer getting wet of my own volition and at a time and place of my own choosing. Because staying dry is the way I prefer to ride on Sea Doo tours.
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If you enjoyed this post, check out my other riding tips.
The tips and advice in this article are the opinions of the author, may not work in every situation and are intended only for the convenience and interest of the reader, who has the personal responsibility to confirm the validity, accuracy and relevancy of this information prior to putting it to their own use.