The Complete Guide to Jet Skiing in the UK

CONTENTS

1. WELCOME TO A WONDERFUL WATERSPORT
2. TYPES OF JET SKI EXPERIENCE
3. WHO CAN RIDE A JET SKI?
4. THE BEST PLACES TO GO JET SKIING IN THE COUNTRY

WELCOME TO A WONDERFUL WATERSPORT

So, you’ve decided you want to go jet skiing in the United Kingdom. Congratulations! Jet skiing is a fantastic pastime that can help you relax, get your heart pumping or allow you to explore amazing aquatic environments - the choice is yours!
 

What is a jet ski?

Technically speaking, we’re talking about Personal WaterCraft or PWCs. Jet ski was a brand name which, like Hoover or Biro, has come to be used as the common name for the product. The idea of skiing comes from the fact that they were inspired by snowmobiles, but a PWC uses a jet of water to propel itself through the water in place of the tracks that make a snowmobile move. They’re ride-on-top craft which seat one or two people, designed for short or medium distance journeys on lakes, rivers and the open sea. Some of the important parts of a PWC are:

• The body: a buoyant, streamlined structure which houses the motor.
• The handlebars: which are used to control the direction of thePWC.
• The throttle: a lever-like mechanism which is located on the right handlebar next to the hand grip and controls the speed of the craft.
• The brake/reverse: Especially common on newer jet skis, this control is usually found on the left handlebar.
• The kill switch: Undeniably the most important part of the jet ski, this mechanism cuts off the watercraft’s power. The rider wears a lanyard attached to the switch, so if they fall, the jet ski stops.

How do you ride a jet ski?

Manoeuvring a jet ski is simple. You just need to understand the function of each of the controls - and that includes your body. When you go forward, as well as opening the throttle, you need to lean forwards. Similarly, you should lean into turns - like when skiing on snow - and remember to keep the throttle open as you turn to keep water moving over the steering elements. To gain confidence, we recommend that you start slow, to get comfortable with basic manoeuvres controls before gaining speed.

TYPES OF JET SKI EXPERIENCE

Jet Ski Rides

The great thing about the world of jet skis is that it’s very easy to get into it. There are plenty of operators around the country which offer people of all kinds the chance to ride a PWC, even if they’ve never used one before. These jet ski rides usually last just 30 minutes or an hour and take place in a limited area - around a lake or on a designated part of a beach, for example - under the supervision of an instructor. They’re an excellent way to blow off some steam and kick up some spray. There are some restrictions on participation including a minimum age, see more about this below.
 

Safaris and Tours

Jet ski safaris and tours are longer experiences - up to 2 hours - which are designed to take advantage of the sightseeing applications of PWCs. Compared to boats, jet skis are small, manoeuvrable and have a low profile below the water. This means that they can navigate narrow channels and shallow waters in a way that few other powered craft can. If you want to explore the British coastline in all its intricacy and eccentricity, a PWC is your best friend. In addition, jet skis are quiet, which can make them excellent for wildlife watching. These rides are led by qualified guides, who’ll help you see the best of the area and use your craft correctly.

Remember, jet skis generally have space for two people. This means that both long and short rides can be shared - a good option for parents with children or larger groups of adults, where the couples on each PWC can switch seats and take a turn each at the controls.
 

Courses and Qualifications

To break beyond the limits of guided and instructor-led experiences, you’re going to have to earn a qualification from the RYA, the Royal Yachting Association. Their Personal Watercraft Proficiency Course is a one-day programme of training, in which you’ll learn how to use a jet ski safely and correctly, follow navigation rules (the nautical equivalent of the Highway Code) and learn essential skills such as launching.
 

Hire and Ownership

Once you’ve got your certificate, you can start having fun on your own terms. This is because most harbours and launch sites require you to have a RYA qualification in order to use their facilities, and most rental services need to see documentation before you ride a PWC without supervision. Enjoy!

WHO CAN RIDE A JET SKI?

Age Requirements

Jet skiing is a high-adrenaline sport for all. To take part in an activity with a guide/instructor, no licence or previous experience is necessary, how cool is that? The only thing to bear in mind is age. Riding a jet ski solo is usually reserved for adults of at least 16 or 18 years of age. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that families aren't welcome. Some providers will let teens take the controls if they're sharing the craft with an adult, and children can ride along as passengers.

When it comes to training, the RYA will teach youngsters from the tender age of 12 years old to learn to ride a jet ski,so long as they take the course in the company of an adult. From the age of 16, no chaperone is necessary.
 

Go prepared

To avoid falling at the last hurdle, make sure you have everything you need before travelling to your jet ski. You’re going to get wet during a jet ski ride, so wear a swimsuit, shoes that will retain their grip in the water and something like a rash vest. Goggles or sunglasses are highly recommended to keep the water out of your eyes, whilst suncream is essential in the warmer months - there’s no shade on open water! In some cases, there will be a dry box available on the craft where you can store your valuables, but we recommend bringing your own dry bag or a waterproof case for your phone, camera, etc.

Last and by no means least is a life jacket or buoyancy aid. If you’re taking part in a guided PWC experience, you won’t be allowed on the craft unless you wear one. The good news is that you will be given one by your guide/instructor. Just make sure you keep in on for the duration of the ride!

THE BEST PLACES TO GO JET SKIING IN THE COUNTRY

If you’re completely new to jet skiing, maybe you haven’t been on a powerboat or speedboat before either, you might be most comfortable having your first experience on the flat waters of a lake. We recommend the Tallington Lakes in Lincolnshire. They have a 40-acre expanse of sheltered water, perfect experimenting with the craft and having some fun. On top of that, RYA proficiency courses are offered here, so you can get really confident on a PWC here before hitting the waves. To find out more, click here.

To enjoy jet skiing as a sightseeing experience, you can’t do much better than the Gower Peninsula. This spur of land, jutting out into the Bristol Channel just outside Swansea, is a natural paradise, the first place in the UK to be declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Taking a short ride around Oxwich Beach or a longer tour along the shoreline, you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty of the unspoilt coastline, and you might even spot some seals, dolphins or porpoises! You can also take your proficiency course in the Swansea area. Check out the options here.

Another scenic destination for jet skiing is East Sussex, where you can whizz along Brighton Beach or take a tour to the stunning Seven Sisters cliffs from Newhaven Harbour. Click here for more information.

Jersey, in the Channel Islands, is an option for those who like beaches, history and warm waters. Short rides around the pristine cove of St Brelades are on offer, as are longer guided experiences that take in views of cliffs, castles and sea creatures. If you can, go for a sunset ride around the southwest headland of the island. You can get all the information about jet skiing in Jersey by clicking here.

Finally, we should point out that there are many PWC experiences that are within easy reach of London. To the East is the Essex coast, Whitstable Bay in Kent isn’t far away, and there are highly respected schools that offer jet ski training in Southampton, just a 90-minute train journey from London Waterloo. Browse all of the PWC opportunities in and around the capital by clicking here.