Wave Jumping (on sit-down skis)

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.

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 a 2-seater ski and maybe 8-9 ft. deep for a 3-4 seater. 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.

9] You should wear a helmet when jumping waves, especially if they are over 6 ft. high. Dental repairs and nose jobs aren't cheap.....and what if you get knocked out? Sure you have a vest on and you'll float, but, what if you're floating face DOWN.