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Please read this if you plan on riding my Jet Ski.
OCEAN RIDING IN GENERAL
1] DON'T "beach" (riding it all the way up onto the sand) my ski. This is very bad for the impeller and cooling system. It has also been suggested that you shouldn't start (or) run your engine in less than 3-4 feet of water. The waves (even small ones) in shallow water, continually churn up sand from the ocean floor and this would have a lessor, but similar effect of "beaching" your ski.
2] When taking a break from riding, should you anchor your ski out away from the shore (in about 4 ft. of water) [OR] float the ski (with the engine off) up onto the sandy beach. Most people float it up onto the beach letting it rest on the sand, however, I personally don't feel comfortable with this. While the ski rocks back and forth on the sand, water is lapping up all around the nozzle and intake grate allowing sand to settle in both. People who do this say that all you have to do is float the ski back out into waist deep water, rock it from side to side and front to back, BEFORE starting the engine. While this probably does get out most of the sand (in the nozzle and grate/impeller), I would prefer the anchoring in 4 ft. of water method.
3] Try to avoid riding over patches of seaweed (or any floating debris). Your grate may not be able to prevent it from being sucked up into the impeller. This may not cause any permanent damage, but, it sure will cause a sudden loss of power until you can get it out, AND, it should be removed quickly.
4] Due to oceans usually having quite a bit of chop, learn to ride your sit-down ski, STANDING UP. This will prevent you from having the "raw arse". You'll also feel more "in control" of your ski. This isn't totally necessary on my ski as i have a shock-absorber under my seat
5] DON'T ride too close to the shoreline where swimmers are playing. AND it sucks sand & shit up.
JUMPING WAVES (on sit-down skis) - For the Advanced User
You may find that jumping waves just might be the most fun you'll ever have on a jetski. There is a slight added risk to your ski as well as your body, BUT, if done right, the risks will be minimized to the point where the "rush" will far outweigh them.
1] First, you should start out on small waves to get the "feel" of your ski leaving the water and how it handles when landing back in the water. As your confidence builds, gradually try jumping *slightly* bigger waves. This isn't the type of thing you NEED to conquer in an hour - let your confidence level be your guide.
2] The main 2 factors that determine how much air you'll get are: A] wave height, and B] your speed at the time you reach the top of the wave. The nice thing about PWC wave jumping is that if one of the above factors, either A] or B] is lacking, you can make up for it with the other factor. For example, if the waves are small, you can increase your speed up the face of the wave and get as much air (and fun) as jumping a bigger wave at a slower speed.
3] The best time to be at the top of a wave is about one second BEFORE it starts to break. This is when the wave will be at its maximum height and you'll get the most air. The worst time to be at the top of a wave is 1-2 seconds AFTER it starts breaking. You'll get drenched, the air you'll get will be reduced significantly and you will usually jump straight up, come straight down, sometimes falling over backwards as you land back in the water. This isn't necessarily a riskier jump - it's just not much fun. I usually abort if the wave starts to break before I can get to the top.
4] You should approach and ride up the face of a wave straight on, not at an angle.
5] There are 3 basic ways you can land back on the water. Nose first, tail first and "flat" (hull parallel to the water). You do have some control on how you land, depending on your "body english" while in the air - i.e., leaning forward or back or right and left. Landing nose first - you DEFINITELY don't want to do this if you're on a sit down ski. This could cause bad face or chest injuries. Let the stand-up ski riders have fun doing the submarines, everyone else...... keep your noses ABOVE the water. Landing "flat" (w/o any forward motion) doesn't do your body or ski any good. Shockwaves from toe to head and possible broken motor mounts may result, but, it's nowhere nearly as bad as a nose first landing. However, landing "flat" (WITH forward motion) is an O.K./good way to land. Landing tail first at about a 45°-70° angle (or "flat" WITH FORWARD MOTION) is the right way. Fortunately, in MOST cases, without any extra effort on your part, you will *naturally* land tail first.
6] Jumping a wave from the BACK (as you're riding toward shore) can also be sort of fun.....but it's a little different than jumping from the front (the normal way). Both ways you get air, but, with back jumping you get air going "down" instead of up. Imagine it like riding over a small waterfall. In this case it doesn't matter if the wave has already started to break. Your body should, however, be more to the rear of the ski. Also, be prepared to pull up on the handlebars and lean backwards, IF needed, to prevent landing nose first. Always be observant when back jumping a wave to make sure someone else isn't trying to jump the same wave from the front AND there are NO swimmers!
7] You should always jump waves STANDING UP on your sit-down ski. You CAN do it both ways, but, you'll have a LOT more control (and therefore confidence) if you stand up. Your butt won't get rubbed raw either. fuck that is bullshit
8] Always know the approximate depth of the water under you where you're jumping. I would say, make sure it is at least 6 ft. deep. For. There have been some nozzles and trim systems broken and rear end hull fractures due to hitting the ocean floor in too shallow of water.
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Id live to go, if i had my liscence by then id go
