
Jet Ski Wakeboarding: The Pros and Cons & a Beginner’s Guide
By now, you must know that wakeboarding or other tow sports are very much possible with just about any kind of inboard boat.
But can you wakeboard with a jet ski? This a typical question of many tow-sport fans.
The simple answer is yes, you can wakeboard with a jet ski easily! Moreover, beyond wakeboards, most jet skis can effortlessly tow a waterski, wakeskate, or even a tube! Of course, factors such as the jet ski in use or the weight of the rider matter.
All factors play a part in the suitability of each jet ski for wakeboarding, but you will be hard-pressed to find a jet ski that doesn’t allow it. In general, these are mainly the vintage 2-stroke and stand-up jet skis which do not meet the requirements.
Are you still unsure if you should go ahead with wakeboarding on your watercraft or not? Consider four key pros and cons, as well as some vital buying tips, if you want to choose the best jet ski for tow sports.
Additionally, we’ve gathered the basics of jet ski wakeboarding to make it easier for you to get started!
What is The Best Jet Ski For Wakeboarding?
The first and most important step in preparing yourself for many memorable rides as a jet ski wakeboarder is selecting the right jet ski.What is the best jet ski for wakeboarding?The best jet skis for wakeboarding are the biggest 3-seater models with 120-180 HP engines and large weight capacities. Speaking of features, you may want the most spacious swim platform available, while cruise control and a reboarding step make it easier to get back to the jet ski.
Although, you don’t necessarily need a customized jet ski simply for tow sport they do exist. Jet skis in this category are fitted with a number of special features that make your wakeboarding that much more enjoyable. If you look at Kawasaki jet skis, every sit-down models are perfect for tow sports.
It’s good to know that beyond jet skis, most of the PWC models from other manufacturers are able to tow a wakeboarder or a tube.
If you look at Sea-Doo, the Sea-Doo Wake series is a specially designed tow sport watercraft. It is fitted with features such as wakeboard racks to ensure the wakeboard is not in the way.
Ski pylons help you get the rope high enough for the person being pulled and a brilliant “Ski-Mode” allows you to set the takeoff and cruise speeds.
This watercraft comes with 170 HP naturally-aspirated and 230 HP supercharged engines. The 170 HP version is perfect for the average person while the 230 HP version is built for heavier or more professional riders.
If you don’t wish to buy a wakeboard-specific jet ski, your options are almost endless. Just about every jet ski can serve for wakeboard towing but you must go for bigger sized models.
With regards to power, PWCs with no less than 120 HP are the best models for pulling wakeboarders and tubes.
However, the more horsepower you get, the better and performance is much better as you approach the 250-300 HP mark. Another feature to watch out for is the quality of throttle control–the result of good mid-range power and bottom-end.
Although Yamaha does not have a specially designed tow sport watercraft, it boasts some of the best Waverunners for tow sports. One such machine is the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO.This model is arguably one of the best WaveRunner for tow sports from Yamaha due to its pricing and features.
Note that even though jet skis are great for towing a wakeboard, for some, a personal watercraft still ranks behind a boat on the preference scale.
As you will see, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to take into consideration before using a jet ski for any tow sport. These are summarized below:Advantages:
- A jet ski’s propulsion system makes it safer for tow sports
- It is more affordable than boats
- Easier storaging, trailering and launching
- Jet skis are small, nimble, and more maneuverable
- They restart the wakeboarder faster after a fall
- Special towing jet ski models are available
- It does not smooth over the water as well as a boat
- Its small size limits the storage of accessories and the number of passengers
- A jet ski does not produce big enough wakes for professional wakeboarding jumps and tricks
- Jet skis have not enough weight so the wakeboarder may pull it around
- The rope is held too low, which limits higher jumps
- The jet ski can easily such up the towing rope, what’s really annoying
You want to keep this in mind while making your purchase!
How Can You Wakeboard Behind a Jet Ski?
Once you’ve decided to wakeboard with a jet ski, you probably want to know how you can do it properly. Riding a jet ski is thrilling, but flying behind one on a wakeboard is enchanting, fun to its core. However, the higher the fun threshold, the higher the risk, too.Pulling someone in tow while on your jet ski is a tremendous, often unheralded responsibility. It is one that needs to be safely carried out. Moreover, as you can see, there are many differences between jet skis and boats. So even if you’re an experienced wakeboarder, you have to learn how to ride a wakeboard behind a jet ski.
After all, it’s easy to get stranded, injured, or even worse out in the deep waters. As a result, it’s important that you’re a responsible rider, in order to ensure that your tow companions are perfectly safe through the ride.
There are increasingly more jet ski wakeboard fans out there who are aware of all the rules and regulations. But on the other hand, there are increasingly more beginners who would like to try tow sports with a jet ski.
We want you to have the best time on each and every watersport adventure with your jet ski, so we have put together a list of the most critical steps you should take before you begin.
Although these tips are designed with jet ski wakeboarding in mind, the bulk of them also apply whether you are towing a wakeskate, a waterski, or a tube.
Jet Ski Wakeboard Guide
#1: Know the Laws
Every state and, sometimes, every waterway has a number of rules and regulations guiding the use of jet ski, as well as wakeboarding activities. The first step to a safe and hassle-free wakeboarding experience is getting fully acquainted with the applicable laws guiding your use of each waterway.
For some states, powerboat towing rules are simply applied to jet ski towing as well. For others, these laws are separate. A great way to start is by checking out the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Resource Center’ website.
You can also enroll for a jet ski license (boater’s safety course).
We strongly advise you to undertake a boater’s safety course for your particular state to be well acquainted with your individual state regulations. However, we have highlighted some of the most common regulations you will find below:
Required on-board observer: Many states require having a second person on-board to act as an observer, with some further stating the minimum age of the person. The observer on the jet ski is meant to face behind, closely and continuously watching the wakeboarder.
Towing multiple wakeboarders: Some states do not allow the towing of more than one wakeboarders for any reason. For the rest that allow, a common regulation involves keeping both tow lines equal in length.
Life jacket usage: A U.S. Coast Guard-approved jet ski life jacket is required of every jet ski rider and wakeboarder. Note that inflatable life jackets and ski belts are not USCG-approved. An approved life jacket must have a high-impact rating. Neoprene jackets are highly recommended and much more comfortable.
Jet ski mirrors: Although some jet ski models come pre-fitted with factory-installed mirrors, not all of them do. But it is a requirement in most states again. Likewise, in cases where wide-angle mirrors of specific sizes are required, factory-installed mirrors may not comply with your state’s mirror regulations!
Tow rope length: Some state’s set a limit to the length of the tow rope, so you want to pay attention to this before purchase. This is often set at a maximum of 75ft. Still, make sure to check with your state.
Re-boarding step: A jet ski re-boarding step or ladder is not a universal requirement in every state law, but it is a very important and helpful wakeboarding accessory. It helps you climb back aboard in deep water.
Skier-down flag: A skier-down flag is required for display whenever you are preparing to tow, or after someone falls into the water. The flag is usually bright red or orange in color, and is meant to be mounted so it is visible from every direction. The flag should not be displayed when out of water or while wakeboarding/skiing.
Riding hours and speed limits: Be sure to check with each waterway to be sure of the time limits applied to the operation of a jet ski. Waterskiing, and thus wakeboarding, is often limited to hours between sunrise and sunset, but you want to check state and waterway laws for more specific hours.
Drug and alcohol usage: Engaging in any form of water-based or watersport activity is strongly prohibited while under the influence. Rather than enhance your performance, it only serves to increase the risk of accidents, injuries, or even death, while also endangering the safety of the life’s and property of others. From the jet ski rider to the observer and wakeboarder, you are only legally required to enjoy your alcohol after enjoying tow sports or other water-based activities.
Learn the hand signals: Vocal communication is difficult between the jet ski operator and the wakeboarder. To this end, it is recommended, required, and helpful that the jet ski operator, wakeboarder, and everyone else on board learn visual communication using hand signals. You can get a head-start on hand signals here to ensure communication lines are kept open at all times.
Be sure to double-check your state’s laws before going into the waters for a ride; do not just assume them. Make sure you comply with these laws at all times. To be on the safe side, it is strongly advised that you take a boater’s safety course (jet ski license) for your state, even if it is not required by law.
#2: Choose the Right Accessories
Wakeboarding on a jet ski is only as interesting as the accessories you possess.
Beyond the jet ski, these accessories are needed to improve your water adventure experience, with some of them particularly designed to provide safety and comfort. Some of these fixtures and accessories, such as the life jacket, mirrors, skier-down flag, etc. are required by law, while some of these are simply critical to a seamless wakeboarding experience.
You can find the best jet ski watersports accessories here.
While you do not need to purchase just about every jet ski or wakeboarding accessory you can think of, there are some that just cannot be excluded. Beyond those required by law, some of these include a proper jet ski gear, an impeller protector, a tow rope, etc.
#3: Preparation
Now you have all you need for a great ride, it is time to pick up your jet ski and head into the waters. For a truly awesome experience, though, there are other considerations to keep in mind while riding. Some of these include:
Practice Ahead of Time
This is not unlike other tow sports, like waterskiing. The point of practicing first on land doing drills is so that you learn to relax while you’re being pulled into a standing position. Do this without resisting the pull or trying to stand on your own. Your practice partner should be doing all the work.
But this is not always an option. Once you’re actually in the water, your wakeboard’s front edge should be at the water’s surface with the board itself floating on its side. Practice by bending your knees up to your chest and stretching your arms out in front of you.
If you have access to a swim platform, have your practice partner stand on the platform, with each of you clutching opposite ends of your tow rope. Have your partner keep pulling you in with the tow rope until you are as close to the platform as can be and then have him/her pull even more until you are actually up on the platform itself, standing up on your wakeboard.
If you get tense or find yourself fighting the pull, ask your practice partner to just release you. Keep going until you can relax and let yourself get pulled up out of the water and onto the platform.
Preparation
#4: Riding tips
Starting
- The driver towing you will throw the tow rope in the water, so grab the handle. Relax yourself while waiting for the jet ski to get into position.
- Position yourself with your knees bent up to your chest and arms fully stretched out in front. Keep your body relaxed. Position the front edge of your wakeboard so it is perpendicular to the tow rope, slightly out of the water.
- Give the jet ski operator the signal that you’re ready for him/her to pull you up. When you’re experienced you can raise your hand to give the signal but letting go with one hand can cause a beginner to lose his/her grip. For now, just signal by raising the handle up while still holding onto it with both hands.
- Allow yourself to be pulled up on your jet ski wakeboard while still in a crouched position. Once the jet ski begins to move forward, you’ll feel the rope pulling you. Just as you did in practice, stay relaxed and allow yourself to be pulled with your knees still bent. Don’t rush trying to stand up because if you move too fast, you may lose your balance.
- Gradually raise yourself up until you’re standing. Keep in mind that the jet ski will increase in speed, so you need to balance yourself with a steady stance. Your knees should be slightly bent, not in a locked position. Your arms will still be outstretched in front of you.
- Pull the tow rope handle to your side, lining it up along your forward hip. Now turn your head to the side to glance over your forward shoulder.
Steer your board by leaning into your toes and heels. Do not try turning your board to steer because you’ll probably fall. Apply pressure to your toes (at the forward edge of the board) and pressure on your heels (at the back edge) will make your board turn as it carves through the water.
The tow rope handle should be kept aligned with your hip. If you inadvertently raise the handle up towards your chest, gradually move it back down to your hip. If you hold the handle too high while jet ski wakeboarding, you could fall. Falling is a part of every sport, especially tow sports!
Learn all the hand signals so that you can use them properly. The only way you can communicate with the driver is with hand signals. This is why you need to learn them, which you can do here.
Pros of Jet Ski Wakeboarding
Tow sports with a jet ski is both legal and safe
Legal
We wouldn’t be surprised if, like many, you are unsure whether it is legal to tow a wakeboard behind a jet ski or not.While jet ski wakeboarding is not exactly new, it isn’t so common either. Thankfully, it has been around long enough to have its own legislation. And while requirements for towing with a PWC may vary by state, jet ski wakeboarding or other tow sports with a watercraft are perfectly legal.
For some states, the legislation governing powerboat towing is simply applied to watercraft without any major tweaks. But this will likely need you to have a boarding ladder, mirror, and/or a rear-facing observer.
For other states, there are more specific rules for tow sports with a jet ski.
Before hitting the water with your wakeboard in tow, make sure to check with local state regulations. You can always find local rules online or at public boat ramps.
Safety
Although it may not initially seem like it, jet skis are safer for towing than regular boats. This is especially the case when the wakeboarder is in the water close to the watercraft. This is a result of the difference between the propulsion systems of boats and jet skis.A typical boat, whether it has an inboard or outboard engine, has a fully exposed propeller. These fast-spinning metal blades have no protection around them.
The result is that someone who gets close to the boat while the propeller is still rotating faces the hazard of a very serious accident. While this may be a rare occurrence, it is a sad possibility.
Unlike boat propellers, the jet ski propulsion system has its propeller (officially known as impeller) safely fitted within a pipe inside the jet ski. This protection prevents you from getting in contact with the impeller.
A less dangerous, but equally annoying possibility occurs when the tow rope is sucked up by the impeller. To prevent this from happening, it is advised that you get an “impeller protector” fixed to the end of your tow rope.
Jet skis are more affordable than boats
Owning a jet ski may not be a low-budget hobby, potentially digging up to a $18,000-sized hole in your pocket.
However, with an average price range of about $12,000, they are much less expensive than a standard boat. Indeed, a special inboard boat may cost you more than $100k in initial purchase costs alone, without mentioning the much higher maintenance and running costs.
If you are a tow sport lover on a budget, there is no doubt that jet ski wins against the boat the day on the basis of cost.
Jet skis are more maneuverable
Because jet skis are generally small and light, they are easily maneuverable – a wakeboarding delight! This small size and weight, besides making it easier and less expensive to store, also provides many advantages for anyone with designs on wakeboarding.
For instance, due to their sizes, jet skis are nimble and can change the direction of movement very fast. They also restart the wakeboarder quickly after a fall.
This is in sharp contrast to boats that are big and bulky. It also means that you can comfortably try a number of tricks in much less time with your PWC. You really need to appreciate the size and agility of jet skis when prepping for a ramp.
Its small, maneuverable nature allows you to turn faster and get close enough to the ramp for a good transition on your wakeboard.
Likewise, the weight of your average jet ski is an advantage when it comes to storage.Rather than having to store your boat in a marina, a PWC can be stored right at home. Weighing in at a fairly modest 1,000 lbs (with the trailer), you can comfortably tow your jet ski even with your car.
This is far from a boat that could weigh 2,000 lbs. at the very least. This lightweight is highly beneficial as it improves the ease of trailering, moving and launching your jet ski.
Cons of Jet Ski Wakeboarding
Potential weight problem
If you are planning on towing with a jet ski, it is highly advised that you stick with bigger models and get the largest hulls possible.
Indeed, one of the most common legal requirements for towing with a PWC is that the jet ski must be a 3-seater at least. This gives enough room for the driver, an observer, and the person being towed on the ski.
However, even the 3-seater models are sometimes too light for more experienced wakeboard riders. Carving or jumping high and fast with the wakeboard requires speed and power. This is sometimes too much force for the jet ski and may pull it around – forcing it out of its planned direction.
A final problem with its size and weight has to do with traffic on the water. Jet skis also face difficulties with smoothing out water as efficiently as bigger boats.
Riding in waterways opened to boaters and other larger vessels – particularly in peak season or areas – exposes a rider to the risk of falling. Because bigger vessels have the right of way, they sometimes pay no attention to you or the fact that you are towing.
You want to watch out for this traffic and weave your way expertly through it. Be sure to keep your wakeboarder in the loop as you do this, to minimize the risk of falling.
Lack of space
Beyond the weight problem, there is an issue with space – or lack of it. The problem of spacing on jet skis is one that cuts across many different areas. As a watercraft requires at least one passenger as an observer, it doesn’t have that much room for other passengers.
This is in sharp contrast to a boat that boasts enough seats for several passengers and can be enjoyed by a group of friends and family members at the same time while doing tow sports.
A boat also has enough power to tow more than one wakeboarder at the same time. It is much harder to do so with a jet ski, and at times it is not allowed at all. Similarly, it is difficult to switch between wakeboard riders on a jet ski, which is almost seamless on a boat.
A jet ski’s constricted size also means there’s little room for storage. Where boats may comfortably accommodate plenty of gears, a jet ski would hold just a few accessories, which could sometimes be an issue. Nonetheless, many riders still enjoy riding behind a jet ski.
Comparing different tow sport activities, many riders find wakeskating to be a more enjoyable activity than wakeboarding.
A wakeskate is smaller owing to a lack of bindings. It is also more versatile and great for a number of tricks – including carving and jumping. Other important advantages include its low prices and the ease of switching around to let others get a ride.
Small wakes and the “Jet spray” problem
Since jet skis are smaller and lighter than boats, many wakeboarders find it difficult to ride small wakes generated by a watercraft.
A jet ski’s hull has the ability to exceed the water when it is in motion. All of this ensures that they generate much smaller wakes than you would expect from a boat.
These smaller wakes are great for waterskiing, tubing or other tow sports, but not so much for wakeboarding where bigger wakes are needed for bigger jumps.
That said, wakeboarding is not a problem behind a jet ski if you are a beginner. By the time you get a full grip on wakeboarding and start learning more tricks, you will be inclined to ride bigger wakes.
This explains why most pro riders stay away from riding behind a PWC.
A similar, but different problem to small wakes is known as the “jet spray”.
This refers to the water spray that follows a typical watercraft. The craft creates a small spot in the middle as it glides along where it feels like it is raining behind it. This can leave you soaked to the bones by the time you get off your wakeboard.
Of course, the problem differs by model, so you may want to check out different models through a jet ski rental before investing in one.
Absence of jet skis wakeboard tower
Many boats are equipped with wakeboard towers for better tow sports experiences.
These might seem like one of those not-too-important bells and whistles. It is, in fact, an important feature for wakeboarders, given its ability to hold the tow rope to a high connection point.
Wakeboard towers on boats might also have other important additions like wakeboard racks and Bimini tops which are all very useful additions.
For a jet ski, this is very different. Rather than a wakeboard tower, jet skis are typically equipped with quick-release tow hooks or a U-bolt, positioned behind the seat designed for tow sports.
While these are great for pulling like waterski or a tube, it holds the wakeboard tow rope too low. This limits your jumping room while wakeboarding!
In order to connect your rope to a higher position on your jet ski, you would have to install a small towing pylon.
This can be fixed behind the rear seat. Although it is smaller than your regular wakeboard tower (it is just 17 inches), it is still better than tow hooks and U-bolts.
It provides more jumping room than both and is easy to attach and detach. This helps keep your ropes away from the impeller.
FAQs About Jet Ski Wakeboarding and Waterskiing
Can you waterski behind a jet ski?Yes, you can waterski behind a jet ski! Today’s jet skis are powerful enough to pull a skier or a wakeboarder. But be aware that it’s not easy to handle a waterski on a jet ski due to its larger size. That’s why jet ski wakeskating has become increasingly more popular against skiing and wakeboarding.
Can you wakesurf behind a jet ski?
Even if it seems impossible at first glance, surprisingly, you can wakesurf behind a jet ski! But it has to be mentioned that it’s not a beginner level and requires some skills and practice from the jet ski operator. Moreover, not all jet ski models are good for this purpose, as they come with different weight and hull shapes. According to this video below, the jet ski operator should maintain a steady speed (8 mph) and stand in one of the footwells to shift his weight to the side of the jet ski.
Do you need a spotter on a jet ski?In most states, you’ll need a spotter on a jet ski if you’re considering tow sports, while some other states require only mirrors to stay legal. Moreover, there may be an age limit for the spotter in many cases! Always check the applicable laws before you hit the water!
What size jet ski will pull a skier?
Just like in the case of wakeboarding, the biggest 3-seater jet skis with 120-180 HP engines are the best models to pull a skier. Make sure that you can place your waterski on the jet ski, as they are considerably bigger than wakeskates or wakeboards.
Do jet skis have ladders?
Most of the newest jet skis have ladders, which are known as reboarding steps. But if you want to purchase a model which doesn’t have one, don’t worry, as OEM or even aftermarket reboarding steps can be mounted for almost every jet ski model easily.
How much weight can a jet ski pull?
Although factory specifications for jet ski towing capacities are not available, based on real-life experiences, a jet ski can pull an adult weighing around 200-220 pounds.
How do you tie a ski rope to a jet ski?
If you want to tie a ski rope to a jet ski, the best practice is to attach it to the ski eye. The ski eye (known as U-bolt or towing hook) is a small metal connection point designed to attach tow ropes to it, and which can be found behind the rear seat of the jet ski.
Final Thoughts on Jet Ski Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding with a jet ski is all fun and entertainment, but it does not offer as much excitement for pro wakeboarders as a boat may do.The presence of wakeboard towers and larger wakes gives riders the opportunity to try out more tricks and dare higher jumps for “big air”. It also contains more room for storage and for companionship, which is crucial and more enjoyable when on a family vacation.
However, jet skis still offer enough excitement for wakeboarders to put them in good books of many. It is small and nimble, which is a major advantage even for pro riders. PWCs allow you to try out a number of tricks and jumps in the shortest possible time, thanks to its fast restart time.
It is also a great option if budget is an issue. Not only is it cheaper to purchase, but it is also easier to trailer across town and costs less for maintenance.There are many jet ski wakeboarding accessories available for reasonable prices like jet ski wakeboard racks or jet ski wakeboard towers. (called jet ski pylon as well)
The thrill of riding a PWC, even if you choose not to wakeboard on it, is adrenalin inducing. What if you are able to combine wakeboarding with jet skiing? We’d say that it will be a lot of fun!
Do you already have a jet ski and are just considering whether wakeboarding or doing other tow sports on it will be a good choice? Go for it!