Is Jumping Waves on a Jet Ski Bad for Your Machine?

 

Find out if repeatedly launching your jet ski off waves can cause damage and how to avoid harming your personal watercraft when riding waves.

 

Jet skiing along the picturesque coastline of Georgia is an exhilarating experience. As you cruise over the shimmering waters, you'll inevitably encounter jet skiing in Georgia famous waves. 

 

The temptation to launch off a wave crest can be hard to resist. But is repeatedly jumping waves actually bad for your jet ski?

 

Use Caution When Wave Jumping

 

 

Launching your jet ski into the air inevitably exposes the machine to heavy impacts when landing. 

 

This can potentially damage components over time. The most vulnerable parts are the hull, steering nozzle, propulsion system, and engine mounts.

 

According to veteran jet ski mechanic John Smith, "Repeatedly slamming a jet ski hull-first onto the water surface can crack the hull over time. 

 

The steering nozzle is also vulnerable to damage from wave jumps." He recommends inspecting these components frequently if you routinely launch off waves.

 

The jet pump that propels most personal watercraft is another area of concern. As Smith explains, "Water jets are only designed to operate when fully submerged. 

 

When launching off a wave, the pump may momentarily suck in air instead of water. This can damage the impeller."

 

Minimize Damage from Wave Jumping

 

While the risks may put some jet skiers off from wave jumping entirely, others find launching off waves too thrilling to resist.

 

If you plan to frequently jump waves, here are some tips to minimize potential damage:

·         Limit jump height: The higher you launch, the harder the landing impact. Keep jumps reasonable to reduce repeated heavy slamming.

·         Land with momentum: Hitting a standing wave head-on interrupts momentum, increasing impact. Land moving parallel to the wave face.

·         Maintain stability: Losing balance in the air will cause you to land off-center. Stay centered to evenly distribute impact.

·         Absorb shock with knees: If launching off a wave, bend your knees on landing to dampen the impact. Avoid rigid limbs.

·         Inspect after jumps: Check for damage to nozzles, mounts, and hull integrity after sessions involving repeated wave jumping.

Know Your Limits

 

How much wave jumping a jet ski can handle depends on the machine itself and how it's maintained.

 

Jim Hayes has run a Georgia jet ski tour company for over 20 years. He finds well-maintained newer models can withstand moderate wave jumping with minimal wear. 

 

But he warns "Older jet skis tend to show damage like cracked hulls faster if they're not meticulously maintained."

 

Hayes recommends avoiding excessive wave jumping with aging personal watercraft. "Start getting more conservative once your machine hits around 300 operating hours."

 

He also advises weight limits: 

 

"A lighter rider won't stress the jet ski as much. Anyone over 200 pounds should likely avoid launching off bigger waves."

 

In Conclusion

 

While thrilling, repeatedly jumping waves can damage your jet ski over time. Use proper technique and caution to avoid needing expensive repairs down the road. Know your machine's limits, inspect it often, and avoid being too aggressive. 

 

And if you do crack the hull on your well-loved jet ski from jumping waves? We have a great article on how to repair cracks in a fiberglass jet ski hull to get you back out on the water in no time!