When going jet boarding, most people don’t realize the dangers and risks that come with participating in this powerful sport.
_The rule of thumb is_ – always invest what you can afford to lose. What I mean is that you should always ride the distance you are ready to swim back! Yes, swim! As most newbies have no experience paddling on a board and they will be swimming (especially with boards that have next to no flotation like jetsurf).
Biggest Dangers
⚡️ River with a current.
Only ride UP the current. If you go down the current and the board stops or the engine is too weak to battle the current, you are done. In most cases the river banks are impossible to walk and carry a heavy board, they are full of bushes and trees.
⚡️ Seaweed and fishermen’s lines.
This is very dangerous in the ocean. Once this mess gets on your propeller, the board will stop running, and you can’t clean it with your bare hands unless you take a knife with you and will swim back to the shore. I had this issue many times at the ocean.
⚡️ Rocks
Goes without saying, underwater rocks and logs will break your fins. If the water is dirty, be especially careful, you might not notice them until it’s too late.
⚡️ Rip currents
Rip currents are very dangerous in the ocean. Learn about the spot before you go! Notify your friends or lifeguards where you go.
⚡️ Shore break
Big waves breaking straight on the shore makes it hard to go out even without a heavy board in hands! Avoid days with a strong shore break.
⚡️ Policeman and regulations
In countries like Germany, you have to register your watercraft and respect the rules like 15km/h max speed limit. Also, most lakes are private, so you must get permission to ride.
What’s the solution? Come to ride to Spain! 🙂
⚡️ Hard to spot swimmers
Especially snorkeling guys that pop up from nowhere, you can easily hit their head. Avoid the popular snorkeling spots and reefs.
⚡️ Helmet
It goes without saying you cant jet board without a helmet. It’s too dangerous if your board hits your head. The helmet, however, limits your side vision so be careful.
⚡️ Leash
Unless in a lake, always use a leash. You don’t want to get stranded without your board in the middle of nowhere, trust me I’ve been there before, and it’s not a nice experience.
⚡️ Flippers / Fins
Take a small backpack with a pair of small flippers and fins. They might be your plan B in case of strong currents and winds
⚡️ Offshore winds
Same as rip currents, they will pull you away from the shore very quickly. Avoid days with strong offshore winds.
P.S. Learn to wipe out before you go full speed. Falling at the speed of 50km/h even in the helmet feels like you hit a concrete wall. Understand your limits. Most newbies get too excited and go way too far!
Good luck and ride safe!