Jet skiing is both fun and beneficial. It improves blood circulation, reduces stress, and burns calories. It is also a very memorable experience, which you can do both alone and together with others. However, few people own jet skis. If you want to try them, you will probably try to rent one. You can easily rent and enjoy a jet ski even without prior jet skiing experience. We will tell you all the main things about renting a jet ski for the very first time so you can do so without any fear.
How do jet skis work, and how do you control them?
Jet skis work by sucking the water and pumping it out. First, you have to plug in a key. Then you turn ithe jet ski on by pushing a button on the left side. The accelerator is on the right side. Squeeze the accelerator slowly and bit by bit if you don’t want to start jumping out of the water. When turning, you have to accelerate at the same time. Watch this video for the basics of riding a jet ski:
Remember that jet skis are only supposed to suck up water, not sand or rocks. Only turn it on when there are at least 24 inches of water under you. Also, the key should be always attached with a cord to your jacket or wrist. This way your jet ski will stop if you fall off. Wear a life jacket, eye protection, gloves, footwear, and maybe even a wet suit.
Who can rent and operate jet skis?
In most cases, you can operate a jet ski from 16 years old. You can also rent a jet ski from up to 16 years old, at least from some companies. However, if you are under 18, you need to have a signed waiver from guardians who are at least 18 years old. Also, have a valid photo ID.
Remember that usually, the same laws apply to jet skis as to boats. So, if you need a license for boats, you also need one for jet skis. You need a license to operate jet skis in over 40 states in the US. Jet ski drivers may also need to go through on‑site training. It is best to look up local laws on jet skis to be certain about rules.
Licenses are cheap to obtain. And the boating course is very educational even for experienced boaters. We recommend getting it if you are in the US. License is also often required when you want to rent a jet ski.
However, passengers can be of any age and must not have valid licenses or ID cards. Just make sure they wear a life jacket.
How much does it cost to rent a jet ski?
There are hourly rates and daily rates of jet ski rentals. Some companies rent out for half an hour too. Usually, it costs from $70 to 100 to rent a jet ski for an hour. A full day would cost $300-400.
Sadly, you might be paying more than that. Companies often provide prices without additional fees. Such fees include minimum rental hours, fuel charges, pick up and drop off fees, life jackets, wet suits and goggles rental fees, even car parking charges. So, it is important to read what is included or not. And prepare more money than you think you might need!
Learn more about jet ski rental prices here.
Tips for safe jet ski riding
You can have a great jet ski experience without much experience. However, you have to follow some safety rules and be careful. Here are some tips and precautions:
Wear a life jacket. The probability of an accident is not likely, but they do happen. Life jackets can save a life. Each person on the boat should have a fitting jacket: do not give adult jackets to children and vice versa. Have eye protection and gloves too.
Make sure the weather is good. If a storm is approaching, you should not be out on the water with a jet ski. Just check out weather forecasts from time to time.
Ensure that the passenger is holding on tightly. They must inform the driver if they are not ready to start or if their hands start slipping.
Never operate the jet ski drunk!
Read about the best boating and jet skiing locations in South Florida, California and the whole US.