The intake pump under your ski is pretty much a big massive powerful vacuum cleaner. For wakeboarding behind a Jet Ski, you need a rope at a suitable length of approx 12 meters and designed for the purpose of a wakeboarding or designed for tow sports behind a jet ski. Weaved to an appropriate length of 40ft for a jet ski rather than 70ft for behind the boat. This length will enable you to be placed at the perfect distance behind the jet ski where the wake is pitching nicely with a lip to assist you getting air to the other side.
Too short and you will be wakeboarding in the rough white water caused from the jet pump Too long and you will be way back and the wake will be flat and too wide.
Another great feature of the Jet Tech tow rope is the fact that the first 10 ft of rope has been designed with an anti suction core. This part is thicker and more buoyant to make it harder to suck up the intake. While not completely suction proof, it will most likely save you on many occasions. This wakeboarding rope also has a quick release shackle in case the rider is caught in the rope and you need to dis engage the rope from the ski.
Home Shop Expand submenu Collapse submenu. Collapse submenu. Menu Cart 0. The metal blades on the propeller spin at high speeds in the water and have no guards surrounding them. This leaves the wakeboarder vulnerable if they get too close, and at risk of a very serious injury — or even fatality.
Wakeboarding accidents involving boat propellers are fortunately very rare but the risk remains. This prevents any possible contact between the wakeboarder and the blades. Boats cost many thousands of pounds to purchase, even without the added expense of running costs and maintenance. Due to their lighter weight and smaller size, jet skis are far more agile than a boat, a dream for wakeboarding.
The greater maneuverability means far more tricks are possible with a PWC compared to a traditional boat. This is because they are able to turn more sharply, allowing them to get closer to ramps than a boat would be able to do. This opens up more options for the wakeboarder, creating a better transition onto the ramp. This provides a cost-saving but also convenience, scoring big ticks all round.
Find out about the legendary PWC in our guide. There are some aspects of using a jet ski for wakeboarding which can be problematic, such as:. Although the comparatively smaller size and lower weight of a jet ski can be a benefit, it can also cause potential problems too. Regulations typically specify that jet skis must be at least a three-seater to be able to tow. Having three seats provides sufficient room for the wakeboarder, the observer and the driver.
High, fast jumps and carving through the water can drag on the jet ski and pull it out of its position. Larger vessels have the right of way and failing to notice the tow puts the wakeboarder at much greater risk of a fall and potential injury. Connected to the size of jet skis is the issue with the type of wake it produces.
A jet ski wake is much smaller than that from a boat, and that can be difficult for a wakeboarder to ride effectively. However, as skills improve and participants want to move onto bigger and faster tricks, a larger wake will be required. Another problem for wakeboarding behind a jet ski is the way that it distributes spray. Wakeboarding is often enjoyed as a group activity, with multiple wakeboarders taking to the water at once.
One of the biggest barriers to jumping is a tow rope which is anchored too low. This is a particular problem on jet skis as they lack a proper wakeboard tower to affix the tow rope to. It is possible to correct the problem by installing a towing pylon behind the seat. And when you consider the affordable price and convenience of storage, jet ski wakeboarding is a winner all round.
However, there are a few things that can most definitely make things a lot easier, and more fun. These are a few accessories worth considering. Just like with normal tow rope, a wakeboard tow rope is pretty useful to have.
Keep in mind that some states do not allow a single jet ski to tow multiple wakeboarders. Check the age requirement in your region for the driver and wakeboarder to ensure that you are on the safe side. Engaging in any form of drugs or taking alcohol before or during the sport is highly prohibited. This rule applies to the observer, the driver, and the wakeboarder. Some people believe that such substances improve performance. Unfortunately, they will only increase the chances of accidents, injuries, and even death.
Some areas also outline the minimum tow rope length required, so you must pay attention to this as well. Be sure also to check the speeding limits and riding hours in your region. Vocal communication is quite a challenge while out in the waters, so some states require that you learn visual communication through hand signals.
Your wakeboarding experience will be as enjoyable as the type of accessories you use. There are various items designed to increase your comfort and boost your water adventure experience. For instance, you can use a re-boarding step or ladder if you wish to climb back to the jet ski while in deep waters. You can also purchase a skier-down flag to signal when you are preparing to tow or in case someone falls into the water. Since space is limited on a jet ski, you can buy wakeboard racks to store your board.
If you have a dog that enjoys outdoor activities, you can take them along in your jet ski. Ensure that you buy them a doggie life jacket for safety purposes in case your hyper dog decides to jump into the water. Some accessories are essential, while others are meant to make your experience better. Wakeboarding with a jet ski is an exhilarating sport that is entirely legal, provided that you comply with the regulations in your state. The jet ski propulsion system is safer compared to that of other watercraft.
On the contrary, a jet ski propeller is safely fitted within a pipe, so you are less likely to get into contact with it. You can prevent this risk by fitting an impeller protector at the end of the tow rope. A jet ski is a more affordable alternative that makes the sport accessible to many. For a tow sports lover on a budget, you are more likely to find a more affordable solution in a jet ski than in a boat.
Jet skis are generally smaller and weigh less than boats , which increases their maneuverability. They, therefore, accommodate more tricks compared to other watercraft. The Jet Ski can change direction very fast. They are also easier to restart even after a wakeboarder falls.
This vessel can turn more sharply to get you closer to the ramp for a better transition on the wakeboard. The small size also makes a jets ski easier to store and move around.
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