Essentials To Enhance Your Jet Ski Riding…
Photo ©2016 by Craig Nicholson
Related: Planning Your Sea Doo Tour
So what is the most essential Sea Doo riding gear for experienced jet ski riders and beginners on self guided PWC adventures? Going on a Sea Doo tour in Ontario and throughout Canada is easier now than ever. This is thanks to the rider-friendly technology on Sea-Doo watercraft. Brake, reverse, neutral starting and cruise control are just a few of the innovations that making riding a Sea Doo like my GTX a breeze.
In fact, going Sea Doo riding is so comfortable and hassle-free that it’s easy to overlook essential non-tech PWC riding gear. But their absence can turn your jet ski ride from awesome to abysmal. There are many more on my list. But these are the basic essentials that Sea Doo riders should never to leave home without…
Riding Gear Essentials – Sea Doo & Jet Ski Personal Flotation Device (PFD)…
Along with your bathing suit, a PFD is the most essential PWC riding gear item. For safety’s sake, both operators and passengers must wear one while riding a Sea Doo watercraft. Your PFD keeps you afloat in the water. it also offers some protection for your torso from cold, waves and sun. Sea Doo offers a range of PFD’s with comfortable styles and affordable prices to suit every need. So be sure you buy one that’s properly sized. Keep it on and properly fastened whenever you’re on board your jet ski.
Riding Gear Essentials – Sun Protection…
Don’t be fooled by the cooling breeze and spray. So, don’t think that your skin’s not frying while riding a Sea Doo watercraft on a hot summer day. You don’t want to be burned to a crisp by the direct and reflected sun rays. So always apply a generous coat of a high SPF sunscreen. Put this PWC riding gear essential on about half an hour before heading out on the water and renew it regularly.
Riding Gear Essentials – Eye Protection…
You won’t get far on a bright sunny day on dazzling waters without a good pair of goggles or wrap around sunglasses. Make sure the rating for your sunglasses will remove 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Otherwise, you might suffer eye damage. And that’s the other good reason for eyewear: it protects from the wind, water and things like flying insects. Use a floating eyewear retainer so your glasses don’t sink. Especially if they’re prescription eyewear.
Riding Gear Essentials – Hydration…
It may seem strange when water surrounds you without anything to drink. You may not even be thirsty. But nothing sucks the moisture out of your body like a hot day in the sun on a PWC adventure. So carry several bottles of water as part of your PWC riding gear. Sip them frequently throughout the day to avoid getting dehydrated.
Riding Essentials – Mooring Line…
As much as you’re out to ride, eventually you’ll need to stop somewhere. And that’s when a mooring line becomes a PWC riding gear essential to tie up to a dock, tree, buoy or other craft. It keeps your jet ski from floating away or getting damaged. Acquire a long, strong one that can also double as a towrope if needed. For best selection in person or online, check out The Rope Store.
Riding Essentials – Communications…
Typically, you’ll never need them on a PWC adventure. But should you get into any difficulty, having a whistle, flare, cell phone or sat phone handy will get you out of trouble sooner. Use waterproof bags for anything that water will damage.
As you become a more experienced Sea Doo rider, you’ll add many other PWC riding gear “essentials” to your own personal jet ski riding list. These will cover the many different riding conditions you’ve encountered, and that’s a good thing!
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.