New Rider Pointers Needed

Here's my first post....

I just bought my first Jet Ski (actually 2, both Kawasaki 550s). I managed to stand up a few times before being too worn out and I can tell that the more I do it, the better I'll get. But, anyone have some good pointers for learning to ride so I get to the fun stuff faster...?

Thanks,
Bert

[Edited on 23/7/2003 by BertK550]

Get some knee pads, and spend a day or two screwin around on your knees. Do turns untill you fall over both directions. Push the ski into corners and test it's limits. Doughnuts are fun and great skill-builders! As you do this, you will get a much better feel of what the ski can and can't do. Remember to always have fun!

Here's a few things CPRman forgot to mention...

Also, when riding a standup, keep your knees and elbows loose (like shock absorbers). This will lessen the fatigue you feel after riding for a while.

Also, while you are learning, stay out of choppy water until you get a feel for the ski.
Ride at a moderate speed. If you go too slow, it gets harder to keep your balance.

You'll be doing tricks soon enough.

I started on a standup. (Just thought you'd like to know.)

Hey Bert!

Welcome to the fun world of PWC's! :)

The best advice I can give you is pace yourself. My son and I trained with expert riders on buoys and that's what both of us were taught. Though I was on a GPR and my son on his SuperJet we both learned a great deal.

It may take some time to actually get the hang of it....... but hang in there!! It will come with the more practicing you do! Best of luck and have fun with your ski!! :)

Have fun Bert, and please post as much as you wish here!!! Go to RIDING LOCATIONS (forum), and post a little something about your favorite spot. If you have any mechanical questions about your ski, post away. News, photos, whatever. You have crossed the line from guest, to official "Junior Member" or as we like to say... "JSN Newbie"!!!

Also, be sure to check out the chatroom!!!



[Edited on 06/17/03 by GeneSPX]

[Edited on 1/22/2004 by GeneSPX]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the pointers. I went out last Sunday morning at Magnusen park on Lake Washington (Seattle, WA), great weather and it wasn't too choppy yet. But didn't stay out too long - got tired and didn't want to push it. Next time I will practice turns more - was a bit apprehensive this time.
Bert

We're there just about daily from 3-5pm on till dark. Sundays we do the Snohomish river (very excelent riding from 1pm on) when there aren't jetski events going on like this weekend @ JetFest.

If there's anything you need just yell!

Went out again and got a bit better. On turning, how much does body motion or leaning have to do with success compared to turning the handles? I did pretty good on my knees, but it's a bit trickier while standing up.
Thanks,
Bert

PS - Anyone have an extra 1990 Kawasaki 550 owners manual, or one I can make copies of?

[Edited on 5/8/2003 by BertK550]

Bend your knees, get low, and lean into the turns like you are riding a cafe' racer. Practice going in circles using more and more throttle untill you end up falling, then try it again, this time turn sharper and sharper untill you fall. Then you will know your ski's limatations a little better. Standups have pretty flat bottoms, so they tend to really dig in when you try to "carve" them in corners. Practice the circles over and over, they will help alot.

While turning, you will want to use more body lean then actual handlebar turning. It's a delicate balance. If you try to turn the handlebars too much as you lean, you'll tend to spin out and/or get thrown off. If you don't lean far enough while turning the handlebars, you may get thrown off. I've learned this from the days when I used to ride a dirt bike instead of a ski. Believe me... it's the same concept. Lean into your turns and let the steering follow. Don't fight the machine... be the machine. Now get out there and practice. :cool:

Also, I want to point out your stance while standing. Since I've never seen you riding, i just have to go by guesswork here. When standing, i did mention keeping your knees bent a bit and relaxed so that they act as shock absorbers and lessen the feeling of fatigue. You also want to keep one foot in front of the other... yet as close to the side walls as possible.

not like this =
or this _ _

Like this __ ---

(Those lines represent your feet)

You'll see a great improvemrnt in balance.


[Edited on 06/17/03 by GeneSPX]

Hi all, thanks for the advice. I've been out now 6-8 times, and I've improved everytime. It's hard to believe I had trouble standing up now! I can stand up instantly and can turn quite well. I've been trying to get air from wave/wakes and there seems to be an art to catching the waves correctly.
Bert :)

You'll skill-build alot more if you turn into those wake and ride them like waves :)
Drunk Post

Drunk post is right! hehe. I think he was trying to say is that you should head into the waves as if you were a surfer... from the backside so you'll get used to it. when you get better, you'll be able to go towards them.

Pass me a beer CPRman.

CPRman being the surf riding master ;)
Joe.......

I am looking for a jet ski vacation, anyone have any idea about vacation tours for Northern Ontario

[Edited on 19/12/2003 by coolhand]