How To Ride a PWC
As you gear up for watersports season, you’re probably not the only one loading up your trailer and heading out for a day full of high-speed thrills. After all, nothing compares to the feeling of cool spray on your face on a hot day in the sun as you skim across the water on your personal watercraft. As fun as a day on your PWC might be, it’s still important to take the time to learn how to properly ride one.
Here at Holzhauer Pro Motorsports, we’ve got plenty of knowledge to share. We’ve gathered some essential tips on how to ride a PWC below. If you have questions or would like to browse our inventory, stop by our dealership today! We’re conveniently located near St. Louis, Missouri, in Nashville, Illinois. We proudly serve Carbondale, Mount Vernon, and Salem, Illinois.
Safety First
As is the case with many sports, safety should be your first priority when riding a PWC. Keep in mind that you’re using your body to operate a highly powerful machine. Even when you’re riding and have the water to break your fall, there are still certain scenarios that can lead to serious injury. No matter how great of a swimmer you are, you should always wear a lifejacket when riding your personal watercraft. Get familiar with the regulations in your area and be sure to follow them accordingly.
You’ll want to pay attention to any other watercraft or debris in the area. Minor collisions can still cause significant damage. Always keep a safety shut-off lanyard attached to your ignition and lifejacket. If you’re thrown from your PWC, the safety of you and those around you is critical. A craft that’s out of control can harm you and others in the water. The best way to prevent this is by rigging the shut-off lanyard so that if you’re thrown, the engine will automatically shut down.
Getting Started
When you load your personal watercraft into the water from the ramp, you’ll want to ensure that it’s in water at least three feet deep. This is essential to avoid debris or rocks at the bottom that can get sucked into your PWC and clog or damage your impeller. Stay out of the way of other people, PWC, and objects in the water prior to starting it up. You should never exceed 5 mph in ‘no wake’ zones and near coves. Also, remember to keep 100 feet of space between you and other watercraft. When you’re on plane and riding at high speed, you should be at least 150 feet away from the shore. Your PWC isn’t equipped with brakes. In order to slow down, you have to ease up on the throttle and allows yourself plenty of time and space to reach a complete stop.
Use Your Body to Steer
To turn your PWC in a certain direction, you’ll need to use your body to steer. Throw your weight to the side that you want to turn and don’t release your grip on the throttle. The jet that shoots out the back of your PWC is your power source and if you slow down, you’ll make it impossible to complete the turn with enough power. Your goal is to maintain a constant speed as you turn. Use your body weight to guide your personal watercraft in the right direction.
Respect Other Water Users
While you’re out enjoying your day on the water, it’s likely that many other people will be doing the same. Whether you’re surrounded by swimmers, other PWC users, or a group of people cruising by on a yacht, you’ll need to watch out for them and give them all a wide berth. You should only pass other crafts on the right and signal your approach with a horn or whistle. Remember to slow down when you approach the ramp and don’t ride your personal watercraft in less than three feet of depth.
For more tips, be sure to visit us at Holzhauer Pro Motorsports before you head out on the water. We’ve got a great selection of PWC for sale and we also offer a service and parts department right here at our dealership! We’re located near St. Louis, Missouri, in Nashville, Illinois. We proudly serve Carbondale, Mount Vernon, and Salem, Illinois.
