All You Need to Know About Riding a PWC
Riding a personal watercraft, or PWC, on the open water is both fun and exciting. The speed, the wind, and the spray can create unparalleled on-water experiences, and you can, as a PWC owner, enjoy this whenever you want. However, you’ll want to prioritize safety when operating your PWC. This is crucial for both you and other boaters around you.
Read on to learn more about riding a PWC, and for more information, contact Tracy Motorsports. We are in Tracy, CA, and proud to serve Stockton and Modesto!
1. Get Familiar with Your PWC
First, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with your PWC's controls, features, and safety equipment, then venture out into the water. Refer to your owner’s manual to see what each control does, and seek help from other PWC owners in your community to learn a few safety hacks.
Understand the Controls
You’ll want to start by learning how to operate the standard controls, such as switching the engine on and off, steering your PWC, and braking. If your machine has advanced features, learn to use them after you’ve mastered the basics.
Learning to Steer and Braking
Ideally, practice your steering and braking skills before planning your outing. These are easy to learn and master, and knowing them will give you the confidence to hit the water safely. Be alert and watch your surroundings before going full throttle. The off-throttle assisted steering feature in the latest PWCs makes handling simpler and more manageable. However, be careful on the water and mindful of obstacles and other boaters around you.
You should also know your PWC’s braking mechanism to avoid becoming unsteady on the water. Avoid braking abruptly and go slow when moving from one speed to another.
2. Wear a Life Jacket
You should always wear your personal flotation device, regardless of your skills and PWC experience. These life-saving devices can come in handy during emergencies, so invest in a robust, high-quality, and well-fitted model for extra safety on the water. If you have a passenger with you, ensure they, too, wear their life jacket.
3. Observe Proper Dividing Etiquette
As a PWC operator, you should follow traffic rules on the water, especially when entering and exiting the dock or marina. This can help prevent accidents and make your outing more fun and memorable. Be aware of the posted speed limits for PWCs, stay alert, and avoid riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
4. Check Weather Forecast
More importantly, avoid riding your PWC during inclement weather conditions. Check the weather forecast in your area before leaving home to avoid getting caught in a storm.
We hope you find these tips handy when riding your personal watercraft. If you need more information or are still searching for your dream PWC, visit Tracy Motorsports. We happily serve Tracy, Stockton, and Modesto, CA, so reach out today!