Jet Ski Protection From the Elements…
Photo © Martin Lortz
I chuckle every time I see a PWC or jet ski brochure. Mostly, they show personal watercraft riders wearing nothing but bathing suits and PFD’s on a Sea Doo tour. Maybe their smiles are frozen in place!
I bet the first time those jet ski riders get painfully zapped by some flying bug splattering their epidermis, they’ll think twice about going bare! So when you embark on a Sea Doo tour like my best river rides or top 10 day tours, check out my tour advice and how to be comfortable on a PWC adventure…
Sea Doo Comfort Tip #1. Cover Your Bod…
For me, unless the day is sunny with low wind and air temperature of 22-23˚C (73-4˚F) or warmer, it’s too cold for bare extremities. And then I factor in the cooling feel of ride-generated air moving against my body. So, long pants and sleeves plus gloves are a must for my long jet ski outings. Even when it’s warm enough, they prevent sunburn.
Sea Doo Comfort Tip #2. Protect Your Skin…
Before any long Sea Doo ride, I apply a generous coating of a water proof sun lotion. 35 SPF or more goes on any skin areas not covered by long pants, sleeves and gloves. From painful experience, I pay special attention to face, neck, ears and ankles.
Sea Doo Comfort Tip #3. Plug Your Ears…
The combination of natural wind and ride-generated moving air can really buffet sensitive ears. This can cause considerable discomfort on a longer jet ski ride. And maybe even a lingering ear ache. So on windy days, I wear earplugs. I find the ones with a string connecting them don’t get lost them easily.
Sea Doo Comfort Tip #4. Shield Your Eyes…
I rarely ride without polarized, wrap around, sun glasses. Also, PWC goggles work for those who don’t need prescription lenses like me. Not only do they protect my eyes from too much sun and water glare while jet ski riding. But they also act as a wind and bug break to help prevent drying out or being damaged. I secure my glasses with a floating strap.
Sea Doo Comfort Tip #5. Defend Your Dome…
The sun beating down on my head all day can not only fry my scalp, it can also cause dizziness or headaches. So for jet ski riding, I wear either a peaked ball cap or a doo-rag. I clip it to the back of my shirt or PFD with two alligator clips joined by a string.
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.