Riding a personal watercraft (PWC) can be a lot of fun. Trust me, I know – I do it a lot. But just because it’s fun doesn’t mean there isn’t some responsibility that comes along with it. I’m not talking about basics like having a life jacket or a working fire extinguisher (though those are important). I want you to consider some additional things. Whether you’re planning on taking one out for a ride or buying one, here are some questions you should ask yourself beforehand:
Do you know your local boating laws?
Yes, a PWC is a boat. It’s small, but it’s still a boat, and local and federal boating laws apply. Ignoring them may, at best, lead to a ticket or, at worst, serious injury.
Do You Know How to Operate a PWC?
For some reason, people sometimes think that operating a PWC is simple: you just sit on the seat, pull the throttle, and off you go. But did you know that for most PWCs, steering doesn’t work when the throttle is fully released? Or that in reverse (for those equipped with it), the steering works opposite of what you’re used to in a car? Controls differ from PWC to PWC, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the one you’re riding before taking off. Many of us have seen videos on social media where someone on a PWC hits a boat or a dock. These accidents happen when someone doesn’t have an intimate knowledge of how the machine works. You need to know how to operate the machine BEFORE an emergency arises.
Do you know what to do if you come off your PWC?
Have you ever thought about what you would do if you fell off your PWC? What if it flipped over? Do you know how to turn it back over, and can you get back on? A smaller ski will undoubtedly be easier to flip back over but more difficult to climb back on due to stability issues. Larger units are more stable and easier to mount while in the water, and many have boarding steps. They are, however, harder to flip over if they land upside down. Several factors, including your physical fitness level, determine how easy this will be for you. Don’t forget that this also applies to your passenger. If you own a PWC, don’t wonder – jump in the water and see how easily you can get back on.
Can you handle basic troubleshooting on the water?
Obviously, you’re not going to perform major repairs on your PWC while on the water, but some things commonly happen that require a little troubleshooting skill.
It’s not uncommon for PWC rider to go through debris like grass or a rope, which then gets tangled or clogged in the intake, disabling the machine in seconds. If this happens, do you know how to deal with it? Another common issue is when the constant vibration of riding causes battery terminals to loosen. This prevents the machine from starting and can even cause it to shut down if it’s already running. These are not difficult fixes, but you need to know how to recognize and handle them.
I have personally experienced both of these issues while riding. Knowing how to quickly recognize and correct them made the difference between safely riding home and being stuck.
Imagine yourself or a loved one being unprepared for one of these issues and having the unexpected happen. Don’t let that happen. Preparation is key. Once you’ve got this part down, just sit back and enjoy the ride.
