Stamford, Lincolnshire, was once the “Home of the Harrier.” Nearby RAF Wittering was the base where the first squadron of Harrier Jump Jets was stationed, from 1969 to 2010. These fantastic flying machines are a triumph of British aviation engineering, as the first planes that could take off and land vertically. If you’re in Stamford and you’re feeling nostalgia for the jump jets, why not try another kind of jet powered vehicle? Jet skis don’t actually have jet engines like you find in a Harrier - instead, the motor creates a jet of water which propels the craft across the water’s surface. This results in performance that leaves other watercraft in the shallows. They’re fast, manoeuvrable and, most importantly, great fun to ride. You can get onto the back of one of these personal watercraft, PWCs, in the Tallington Lakes just outside Stamford for a wet and wild adventure.

The Tallington Lakes are just one of the features that have led to Stamford being named by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the whole of the United Kingdom. They host a leisure and holiday complex with sports and activity facilities on and off the water, one of the highlights of which is two lakes that are dedicated for jet ski use. The clean and clear water which comes from springs cover an area of approximately 40 acres between the two lakes, and are perfect for messing around on a jet ski. But you can get serious about jet skiing here too, as there are courses on offer that allow you to become a certified jet ski pilot. Whether you’re looking to let off some steam, or earn yourself a new qualification, the best way to do it is on a jet ski here - and you can do it all at great prices.

What are the options for organising a jet ski experience in Stamford?

• Jet ski hire: Do you need to take your mind off things? There’s nothing like speed and spray to give you a break from the stresses of work and daily life and put a huge smile on your face, and there’s nothing like a jet ski ride to give you both of those things in spades. You can come to Tallington lakes to get your fix on a top of the range PWC, without having to worry about equipment or fuel. Everything is taken care of, just feel your thumb on the throttle and let rip!

• Personal Watercraft Course: Jet ski training is conducted according to the Royal Yachting Association programme, under which it only takes a day to gain the status of Personal Watercraft Proficiency. You’ll learn about launching and controlling a PWC, as well as planning excursions, decision making, problem solving and recovery skills. Completing a RYA jet ski course can save you a huge amount of money on insurance premiums, and give you access to public launch sites around the country - it’s truly a gateway to enjoying jet skiing in the UK.

• Self launch: Holders of RYA PWC certificate can bring their own jet skis to the Tallington Lakes and enjoy the idyllic setting at their leisure. In this way, you can get your kicks whenever you want, without having to book in advance.

How long does a session last?

If you’re coming to the Tallington Lakes in Stamford to hire a jet ski, you decide how long you want to spend out on the water. For a quick blast across the water, you can rent the PWC for just 15 minutes. From this length, sessions increase in 15 minute increments up to 60 minutes. A full hour on a powerful jet ski is a real treat, and you’ll get the hang of controlling the machine as you go. Of course, you’ll also figure out how to pull some cool stunts to impress anyone watching you from the shore.

A Personal Watercraft Proficiency Course takes a full day to complete. The programme will take you from novice rider to confident captain with a series content that’s delivered on land and on the jet ski. That’s right, just because you’re studying doesn’t mean that you’ll leave Stamford dissatisfied, you’ll have plenty of time on the water during this course.

Requirements to do this activity

The Tallington Lakes are a real beauty spot, and a popular leisure facility for inhabitants of Stamford, and visitors from further afield who stay in the holiday park. And the good news is that they can all enjoy jet skiing here. Well almost all of them. Although to ride a rented jet ski you have to be at least 18 years of age, children can be carried as passengers on 2-seater models.

When it comes to taking a jet ski course, the minimum age is 12 years old, so youngsters can finally get their hands on the handlebars of a genuine PWC right here in Stamford. It’s necessary that they’re accompanied by an adult during the course, but this is the best way for tweens and teens to experience jet skiing.

What activities can you enjoy alongside?

Riding a jet ski can be just one part of a fun packed day or holiday in Stamford. The Tallington lakes host a whole range of other watersports that you can try, such as water skiing, the sport of skimming across the water’s surface on a pair of skis while hanging onto a tow rope attached to a speed boat. You can take classes here, or just pay the tow price. Another great option to enjoy with a group of friends is banana boat riding, or you can take on the challenge of raft building as a team building activity. Other watercraft that you can rent include sailing boats, canoes, kayaks, and the new phenomenon of stand up paddleboards - SUP. Or if you prefer, you can relax at the lakeside bar and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

So what do you say? Even if you didn’t expect this activity to be an option here, you can’t deny that it’s an attractive one. Book with us today!