BEGINNERS GUIDE

 Here is an overview of what you need to know and keep in mind while riding a rental jet ski. These tips are designed to help you get comfortable driving the jet ski, control its speed, and maneuver it effectively on the water. By keeping these things in mind, you can ensure a safe outing and minimize the likelihood of incurring damage to the watercraft you are operating.

 It is recommended to practice in an open area away from objects and people to enhance your skills and confidence.  

 To ensure your safety and avoid fines, it's important to familiarize yourself with boating regulations and take a boater education course. These courses provide valuable information on safety equipment, navigation rules, boat operation, and state laws for boating. In Texas, for example, anyone born on or after September 1st, 1993, who wishes to operate certain vessels on public waterways must take a boater education course and carry a copy of their certificate while riding and operating a vessel. You can start your free course by following the link below. Remember, being knowledgeable about boating safety is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water 

Texas Boating Safety Course: BoatUS Foundation 

  Ignoring the 50-foot rule and engaging in activities like splashing your friends or jumping a boat's wake too closely not only violates Texas law but also attracts the attention of game wardens in the area. It's important to remember that Texas law requires you to maintain an idle speed with no wake when you are within 50 feet of the shore or any other watercraft. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the water. Developing the habit of following this rule at all times is a responsible and safe practice. By doing so, you contribute to a safer boating environment for yourself and others. 

  Jet skis do not have brakes, which makes it crucial to keep certain safety measures in mind while riding. One of the most important things to remember is to maintain a safe distance from other boats and jet skis. It is advised to never follow directly behind another watercraft. Riding side by side is a safer option.   When following someone, it is best to keep a greater distance between yourself and the leading watercraft, especially if you are traveling at higher speeds. This ensures that if the leading watercraft suddenly stops, you have enough distance to react accordingly by either stopping or maneuvering out of the way.   By practicing these safety guidelines, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safer and more enjoyable jet skiing experience for everyone on the water. 

  Jet skis WILL NOT turn without power, which means that giving the jet ski some throttle is necessary to maneuver and make turns.   A good way to practice this is in open water with no obstacles around you. Start by getting up to a little speed and then release the throttle. You'll notice that the jet ski will continue straight without turning. Now, give it a little throttle and you'll see that the ski will start to turn.   It's important to practice this maneuver in open water until you feel comfortable with the controls and become familiar with the amount of throttle needed to execute turns smoothly. By practicing and gaining confidence in your ability to control the jet ski, you'll have a safer and more enjoyable riding experience. 

  It's important to stay away from the shore while riding a jet ski, especially considering that lake levels in North Texas can be quite low at times. Water levels on and near the shore can be deceiving, and it's better to be safe than sorry. By staying out in the deeper parts of the lake, you can ensure that you avoid hitting sandbars or encountering low water levels with rocks that could be present on or near the shore. This precaution will help you have a smoother and safer riding experience. 

  Using the knee deep rule is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your jet ski and ensuring a fantastic day out on the water. Before starting the jet ski and letting it run, always make sure that the water is at least knee deep. If the water level is lower than knee deep, there is a risk of sucking up rocks and debris from the lake's bottom into the jet pump of the ski. This can lead to various problems and potentially ruin your water adventure.  It's essential to be aware of how shallow the water is when approaching the shore for any reason, such as properly beaching the jet ski or taking turns while riding. When nearing the shore, ensure that you shut off the engine while the water is still deep. When beaching the ski, carefully choose an area with a clay, mud, or sandy bottom and an appealing shoreline. Avoid areas with large rocks, boulders, or other potential hazards that could damage the ski's bottom upon contact.  After shutting off the ski in knee deep water, step off the ski and push or pull it towards the shore until you feel it make contact with the lake's bottom. If you are briefly stopping to let another person ride the ski or take turns, there is no need for the ski to come all the way up to the shore. Instead, have the person walk out to the ski and proceed to push it out until the water is at least knee deep before stepping on and starting it.  

Remember, running the motor in less than 3 feet of water is like operating a 150 horsepower vacuum cleaner.

 If you suck up rocks by running the motor in shallow water, your ride will be over, and you will be charged a $100 fee if we have to remove the rocks. You may even risk forfeiting your deposit if there is damage to the impeller. Therefore, it is crucial never to run the motor in less than 3 feet of water to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on your jet ski. 

 Stability is vital when riding a jet ski, and just like riding a bicycle, movement is key. The slower you go, the less stable you will be. It's important to maintain a steady speed to keep the jet ski balanced and stable. Avoid sudden stops or jerky movements that can throw off your balance and potentially cause damage to the ski.  Stopping to grab something out of the water can be risky and may result in a loss of stability. It's advisable to avoid this whenever possible. If you happen to lose something, like a hat, try to grab it as you go by slowly, but it's best not to come to a complete stop. If all else fails, it's safer to stop, jump into the water, retrieve your items, and then reboard using the ladder at the back of the jet ski.  By maintaining a consistent speed and avoiding sudden stops, you can enhance the stability of your ride and minimize the risk of accidents or damage to the ski. Remember, steady movement is key to a safe and enjoyable jet ski experience.

 No wake zones are commonly found on lakes, and it is crucial to be aware of and abide by them. When you are in or near a no wake zone, it is important to operate the jet ski at idle speed or slightly above idle, using the throttle only for maneuvering. Speeding in a no wake zone increases the chances of being issued a citation by a game warden or park ranger.  Treat no wake zones like parking lots, maintaining minimal speed and keeping a close eye on other boats and people swimming in the water. It is advisable to avoid high-risk areas, especially if you are renting a jet ski for the first time. Stay away from docks, gas docks, boat slips, marinas, and other high-traffic boating areas. Since jet skis have no brakes and are primarily controlled with the throttle, there is an inherent danger of colliding with these structures if you are in or around them.  Fuel is included with every rental to ensure that there is no need or desire for you to go to these places, such as boat docks, gas docks, and shore pickup docks. Collisions with these structures are the most common cause of damage to jet skis. If someone wants you to pick them up or if you are taking turns, it is better to use the shore beaching technique instead of attempting to pick them up at a dock or marina.  By being aware of and respecting no wake zones, avoiding high-risk areas, and using safe techniques for pickups and drop-offs, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable jet ski experience for yourself and others on the water. 

 When it comes to docking, it's important to note that most docks are designed for boats, and jet skis are much lower in height. This height difference can lead to significant damages to the jet skis, resulting in costly repairs that can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  To be on the safe side, it is advisable to avoid docking the jet ski if possible. Instead, consider alternative methods for securing the jet ski, such as using shore beaching techniques or finding designated areas specifically designed for jet skis. By avoiding docking, you can minimize the risk of damage and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience with your jet ski. 

 We provide a life vest with every rental, and it is crucial to wear your life vest at all times. Wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket is not only one of the most important safety measures when operating a personal watercraft, but it is also a legal requirement.  A life jacket serves as a vital safeguard against drowning or any other mishaps that may occur while in the water. It is essential to comply with the law and wear a life jacket when operating a personal watercraft. Failure to do so can result in a citation and a fine ranging from $195 up to $500.  Remember, life jackets save lives. Whether it's your first time or your 50th time on the water, practicing safe boating habits and wearing a life jacket is always a responsible choice. Prioritizing your safety ensures a more enjoyable and worry-free experience while enjoying your time on the water. 

 Now that you are equipped with important general knowledge on how to operate a personal watercraft safely and properly, we encourage you to take a moment to watch the safety video below. This video will give you a real-life perspective on being out on the water and help you gain a better understanding of safety measures.  If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and ensure your experience is enjoyable and safe. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope you have a fantastic time on the water!