Jet Skiing
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Introduction
Like other watersports featured in Adrenaline-Sports.net, a jet-skiers buzz comes from playing around in the country's gigantic wet playgrounds, that are the lakes and seas.
Borrowing much of their technology from motorcycles, Jet skis come with powerful engines ranging in size from 550cc to 1200cc. It is no surprise that some companies famed for motorcycles also make jet skis. The original manufacturer of jet ski back in the 70's was Kawasaki, these days a number of other manufacturers compete for this fast growing market, including the recent addition of Honda.
Function
Jet Skis also go under the name of personal water craft (PWC). Various craft are designed for differing functions: For example there are solo jet skis which are designed for one person standing. There are also seated machines that can take up to 3 passengers.
Bombing around on a jet ski is fun enough by itself, and this caters for most people's enjoyment. But there are further events for the more competitive riders. These include freestyle, in which all kinds of stunts and tricks are pulled off during a 2 minute display to impress the audience and judges.
Racing
There is also racing, which can take place on the sea, in lakes or in stadiums capable of holding aqua events (stadiums more common in Europe than Britain). Racing is governed by the International Jet Sport Racing Association (IJSRA) and it's associated national affiliates.
Governed by this, racing is broken down in to 3 classes of craft:
The Ski class - uses the original stand up machines.
The Runabout class - uses sit-down machines.
The Sport class - uses single-seater machines.
General Precautions
All sea sports are subject to similar important precautions, such as:
- Know the tide strengths and timetable for high & low tides.
- Be aware of shipping channels, and watter courtesy
- Know the behaviour / trends of the seaa (E.g. current paths / sandbanks).
Due to the value of some machines, similar security precautions should be taken as you would if you owned a motorbike. Popular methods are; garaging, imobilisers, alarms and Datatags.
The similarity with motorbikes however, ends if the worst happens and you break down at sea, which is why it is very important to ensure your craft is well maintained. Ways to decrease this risk include riding with a club, or on a lake.
Summary of Jet Skiing
Supremely fast crafts using motorcycle technology.
Accessible sport, can be practiced in many areas.
Racing and Freestyle elements are growing rapidly.
Require the means to transport and/or store a Jet ski.
Fairly high initial cost to buy your own Jet ski
Bad press in the past regarding head-on crashes of untrained tourists on holiday.
Many locations offer hire of all necessary equipment for you to try jet skiing for a tiny sum compared to buying your own.
Find out about nearby clubs before you buy your jet ski, and investigate if anyone is selling second hand at the club.
Treat a jet ski as you would a treasured motorbike - Apply security to it and ensure it is well maintained.
To hire out a jet ski on average costs �30 per 1/2 hour.
A private lesson with instructor, safety equipment and hire of jet ski is around �100 for an hour.
To buy new, crafts range between �4,500 - �10,000.
To buy secondhand crafts start around �800.
The fee to use your own jet ski on a private lake is normally a minimal �25 per day.
(Click to open in new window)
JSRA - The Jet Sport Racing Association of GB
Jetsmart - See the where to launch section for an example (but not exhaustive) number of suitable locations. Also authorised dealers and further jet ski info.
Related sports featured on Adrenaline-Sports.net include: Powerboating, Surfing and Motocross
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Jet Skiing Resources
Adrenaline-Sports.net users are looking for reputable businesses to purchase from. Your business can be featured right here!
Action Watersports - Kent based watersports training and sports lake.
Tallington - Linconshire based lake with a wide range of sports on offer, including jet skis.
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