Jet ski

[Amadeus]

I've been given a go on a jet ski for a crimbo present which I'm looking forward to. I don't know whether yo go for the smaller ones that you stand up on or the bigger ones (which accommodate 2 I think tho there would be just me). Any suggestions?
I'm thinking that the small one would be faster and maybe I could do little jumps off waves but do you need o be super fit for those?

Thanks

[Specialone]

If you never ridden one before, do not have a go on a jet ski (stand up) unless you want to spend most of your time in the water, jet bikes (sit down) are much better IMO.

[Red Herring]

The ones you sit on have serious power (my mates has an R1 engine in it) so if you want outright speed go for one of these, but unless it's somewhere with some waves you might bore of it a bit quick.....

The smaller type that you stand on the rear of are, I think, ultimately more fun as you can do all kinds of tricks on them, but as someone has said they take a bit more sussing out initially so unless you're one of these people that just takes to these things naturally you might waste a big chunk of your time just trying to get going.

Either way wait until it's a bit warmer, cold hands after ten minutes are no fun!

[Amadeus]

Thanks guys. Guess I'll give the big ones a go to start with. Not sure i understand why the little ones are harder but I'll take your word for it.

Thanks

[Red Herring]

If they have both why not ask for a go on each, you'll soon see what we mean!

[BanannaMan]

The stand up models are made for cutting up, jumps, etc.
Note you cannot stop on one of these without going into the water.
If you are an avid water skier, you'll love it.

The sit down models offer dry storage, room for a passenger and being able to stop without going for a swim as well as high performance.
Fun as well as practical (compared to stand up models) this is the best choice for most buyers.

HTH

[keith_d]

The small ones need to be going at a decent speed, then you pull yourself on the back and stand up. If you're a shrimpy waterskiier that's fine and they offer the most fun. But if you're a bit larger you can find it a struggle getting on board, particularly because your hands loose their grip in chilly uk waters.

The sit on variety are a doddle to ride. Just clip on the safety line and go. But the rental ones aren't as powerful as the ones you see jumping from wave to wave at high speed and they can be a bit boring on calm days. If you get a choice, pick a day with some waves.

Keith.

[Mrs DJ Fridge]

I cannot believe I am saying this, but in this instance the smaller ones are more fun. Only my opinion. Are you desperately unfit? That is the only reason I can think of for going on the sit on one.

[Amadeus]

Thanks all.
I'm not unfit but I'm not a triathlete either. I think I'd be able to manage half an hour on either but as RH suggests, I'll ask to split my time between the 2 types.

Will try and get some shots so everyone can see what a natural I am (I'm similar to Kim Jon Il who got something like 8 holes in 1 on his first round of golf...). Or maybe just get some good wipeout shots when my enthusiasm overtakes my ability.., :-)

[Tomor]

I think Granty has a jetski of some sort. May be worth a PM?

[Amadeus]

I finally got to go on a jet ski today - went with your recommendations and went for the sitdown ones.
Was a huge amout of fun. The one I had wasnt' particularly fast - at the fastest, the speedo read 36knots and I could pin the throttle for the entire course other than when I hit someone's wake.

A lot of fun - thoroughly recommend it to anyone who hasn't had a go.

[Red Herring]

36 knots isn't exactly slow. Put it this way, I bet you didn't fancy jumping off the back at full chat....... Glad you had fun anyhow!

[maviczap]

Yep, hitting water at 36 knots will hurt :)

[Amadeus]

I think I'd worry a lot more about hitting a road at a similar speed! I did wonder how accurate the speedometer was.

Ooh, just looked. They're a lot more expensive than I thought they'd be.