When it comes to safety, preparation is key. In the boating world, we often discuss whether you have the right equipment or if your vessel is ready for the trip. A few years ago, I wrote an article about the equipment I gathered and the checks I performed before embarking on a jet ski trip to Bimini.
Recently, I completed another long-distance jet ski journey, and the experience made me rethink what it means to be prepared. Of course, before the trip, we ensured we had all the necessary equipment and that our skis were fit for the journey. But the first day was riddled with unexpected challenges – some might even call it a nightmare. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t. The important thing is that we made it through because we were prepared. When I say “we,” I mean we were both mentally and physically prepared for whatever the adventure had in store.
Mental preparedness
Let’s be honest. If you’re just heading out on the lake for a day of fun and relaxation, you probably don’t need much mental preparation. You’ve likely done it dozens if not hundreds of times, and it’s more relaxing than mentally taxing. However, planning an adventurous week-long excursion is a different story. These types of adventures can be mentally draining, especially when things don’t go as planned. The question is, are you mentally prepared to handle situations when things go awry?
There are several variables beyond your control that can impact your trip: weather, mechanical breakdowns, and delays caused by unforeseen events, to name a few. When these things happen, how do you respond? You could get upset and quit, feel sorry for yourself and lose focus, or make poor decisions. Alternatively, you could tackle the issue head-on, develop a plan B, and stick to it.
During our most recent excursion, we encountered several unexpected challenges, including mechanical breakdowns and bad weather. What should have been a 5 to 5½ hour trip turned into an 11-hour ordeal. Thankfully, we kept our cool, made smart decisions, adapted our plans as needed, and ultimately arrived safely.
Physical preparedness
Spending a weekend on my boat usually gives me a good workout. Handling anchors and lines, climbing up on deck and back down – boating is an active endeavor. Now, imagine undertaking a trip like the Great Loop or a 300-mile journey on a personal watercraft (PWC), where you’re battling the weather, waves, and whatever else comes your way.
These kinds of trips are definitely fun, but they can be physically demanding. After a long PWC trip, my body often takes a beating from the waves, leaving my arms, legs, and shoulder muscles sore. I’ve also been on rides where someone fell off their ski simply because they were too tired to hold on.
Physical exhaustion and pain can lead to a loss of focus and poor decision-making. You don’t need the conditioning of an Olympic athlete to enjoy such an adventure, but you do need to be prepared for the physical demands.
I believe that water-based adventures are some of the best ways to spend your free time. Life may dictate that they won’t always be perfect, but they can be incredibly rewarding. You can help ensure that you reap those rewards by getting your gear – and yourself – ready.
