Joshua Smith

Some people have asked me the difference between the PWC and jet ski terminologies.

The term “Jet Ski” is actually derived from Kawasaki’s first PWC model. Everything was called personal watercraft in the early years of the industry.

Today the industry has really evolved from the days of unreliable marine vessels.

Often Sea-Doo and Yamaha will use the term PWC formally because they have to.

They (loosely) do refer to their own watercraft “jet skis” especially when you go into a dealership.

They can’t use this word in their marketing materials though as this could lead to a lawsuit.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki has full ownership of the USPTO trademark.

Let’s be clear: this is the singular word “JETSKI” as opposed to the two words jet and ski.

Jet Ski Vessel

Unique characteristics of a jet ski include:

• Designed and manufactured by Kawasaki for 40 years
• Was designed in the early days for stand up jet skis only
• Today is used as the standard word globally to described PWCs

Personal watercraft

Unique attributes:

• Is the technical term given to PWCs from any manufacturer
• Has no trademark and the name cannot be trademarked
• Refers to stand-up and sit down machines globally

What is Really a Jet Ski?

A jet ski is really a stand-up Kawasaki personal watercraft used for tricks and jumps.

A stand-up jet ski holds only one person because you will be standing up with it. Quite often they have much less stability than a sit-down jet ski.

One key difference is that a stand-up jet ski will have a very small fuel tank. The smaller footprint and capacity result in less storage space.

Fact: While you will have a preferred style of riding, either sitting down and cruising or standing, you are often still referring to it as a jet ski.

It will be known as a jet ski when hiring, touring or competitively racing.

It has become the norm to call jet skis any marine vessel produced by Yamaha and Sea-Doo.

Why Call It That?

We have to ask: “why does the general public call it a jet ski?”

“Can it not just be known as a personal watercraft in the industry?” I’ll tell you why we don’t use the proper name.

It’s easy – people like short and simple words. I personally like that we call them jet skis today.

See: lots of syllables are used when using the word “personal watercraft” in conversations, whether that be online or offline.

Humans are naturally lazy and we would prefer to be out riding the waves and cruising the coastlines!

It is simply easier for people to just say “jet ski” and get on with discussions. It’s nice and short plus easy to remember.

As you go to a dealership to buy some accessories, the salesperson will likely use the term ‘jet ski’ in their communication. The word loosely describes all personal watercraft.

Summary

I have been doing some research to get more understanding in this field.

Through this, I can see Kawasaki as the rightful owner of the trademark with the US Trademarks and Patents Office. Everyone uses the word “jet ski” to describe any personal watercraft on the market.

The most popular manufacturers such as Yamaha, SeaDoo and Honda are being careful in their marketing materials. I have seen copyright infringement with other brands.

In years passed, this term referred to stand-up jet skis only.

The industry did start 40+ years ago. The marine industry today is much more evolved. Many people forget just how much the world has changed.

A common mistake that beginners make is using the word “personal watercraft” with other riders.

Expect a blank look if you ask about someone’s personal watercraft at the boat ramp.

See – no one really uses that technical term in casual talk.

Not only that, but very few people are using the PWC term during active verbal or online conversations.

I have seen this as quite rare.

My experiences are that if you ask marine enthusiasts about their jet ski, they are much more likely to understand you. It really avoids the confusion!

That’s about as clear as it gets! I hope this is valuable to you! 🙂

Here at Jet Ski Advice, we do recognize that we don’t own the trademark “Jetski” which belongs to Kawasaki.

We are simply an online advice site for PWC enthusiasts. Our name is in the non-formal (plural) sense of the word as it is colloquially known worldwide.

I’ve built a solid following here at Jet Ski Advice, especially on buying and selling jet skis in the used marketplace.

In this guide, I’ll be showing you how to get the best price with a Jet Ski Trade-In. If your old PWC is ready for replacement, then read on.

Chances are that you’re wanting to not lose too much in the depreciation. Dealerships are notorious for low-balling offers, so let’s look at ways you can prevent this from happening.

Jet Ski Trade-In Strategies

If I were trading in my jet ski at my local dealership and wanted the best price, I would prepare with the following:

1. Fully clean your jet ski inside and out. It should be spotless inside and out so they can’t complain about anything. Expect this to take you a few hours to get done properly.
2. Use some marine wax to make it look almost new! There are some great tutorials on YouTube for this.
3. Get your paperwork in order. Find your registration and insurance papers for both the jet ski and the trailer. Also any logbooks and service history, plus receipts for modifications that you’ve bought.
4. Be prepared for them to lowball you. Jet ski dealers aren’t in the business in offering high prices for used PWCs because they want to make a profit.
5. Have a price in mind and stick to it. If they offer you less, then walk away. It’s really that simple. People on Craigslist or Gumtree will almost always pay more!

Probably the BEST tip I can give you is to talk about the jet ski you want to replace it with and that you’re ready to take one home today. If it’s from their dealership, they will be more welcoming to give you a good price for your current jet ski. They don’t want to lose a potential sale as they make their best money from the sale of new jet skis, especially if they purchased with finance.

Best Alternatives To Trade-ins

If you want the best price for your used jet ski, then I would avoid the dealership completely. The private selling market is the best place to begin.

Dealers don’t really care about how well you’ve maintained the jet ski or that you’ve used it only in freshwater. On the flip side, a private buyer would love to hear about this.

In my experience:

• The first place to start is with Craigslist. I’ve written an extensive guide on how to get the best prices on Craigslist. This is a website where most used jet skis are sold today, often to 1st-time users.
• More and more people are using Facebook Marketplace to sell their used jet ski. It’s great as you’re dealing with a real person with a photo and history on the platform.
• Another one you might want to consider auctions, both online or offline. You can set your own auction on eBay or send your jet ski to an auction house. Unfortunately, you won’t get a good price here, but you’ll get some quick cash.

Next Steps

Start with preparing your jet ski for sale, then decide if you need the money fast or slow. If you’re trading in your ski for a new one, then it’s a good idea to use the dealership as you can tow your old one there and bring the new one home….all in the same trip.

With a new jet ski, you’re sure to have a new smile on your face.

See you out there on the water!

Either you’re a visitor to Brisbane or a resident who’s looking to hire your 1st jet ski and explore the endless Queensland waterways. I’ve got you covered!

This is a list of 6 places where you can hire a jet ski near Brisbane, sometimes even for under $100. Both options are here: Group tours and Self-Hire (unsupervised so you go at your own pace) such as the following offer.

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If enjoying the endless Australian sunshine on a powerful personal watercraft sounds like a dream, then continue reading. I’ll share with you my top recommendations in SEQ so you can spend a few fun hours soaking it all in.

The only place to hire a jet ski within the city is Jet Ski Brisbane. Michele the owner has only just started this business and already has had hundreds of thrill-seekers through the door. You’ll several packages on offer and occasional specials offered in the off season. You’ll find them at the Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point.

Going beyond Brisbane for Jet Ski Hire

If you’re not keen to hire a jet ski in Brisbane city itself then stretch a little further out, at least 1 hour to be exact.

The obvious places are the Gold Coast (best spot) and the Sunshine Coast (2nd best spot). But did you know that Moreton Bay and particularly Bribie Island allows people to hire jet skis?

So if you’re looking to hire a jet ski near Brisbane, you’ll really need a car to get you out to these places. The Gold Coast is a bit easier with the train/tram system so you can avoid the car, especially on weekends when the M1 is very busy.

You can also hire a jet ski in Hervey Bay but that’s obviously a stretch and isn’t suitable for a day trip. Ditto with Airlie Beach.

Let’s drill down a bit deeper here.

Gold Coast

I would recommend the Gold Coast first and foremost. This is because the Broadwater lends itself to the perfect haven for beginners to jet ski riding.

The tidal variation is quite low and with the many islands, provides relatively calm waterways except for the windy days.

As I ride here often, one of the main hazards is merely other jet ski riders. There are literally thousands of people on the Gold Coast who own a jet ski. Go out on a Saturday or Sunday during the summer months and you’ll no doubt find them quite easily.

Some of them are quite irresponsible and for that reason, the water police in the Gold Coast are very present. You’ll get fined quite quickly for speeding past the 40kt speed limits.

But apart from that, it’s an epic place to ride.

Sunshine Coast

The best part about the Sunshine Coast is the lack of crowds and hooligan PWC riders. It’s really a flip around from the Gold Coast.

One challenge that makes it less popular is the lack of riding areas. The waterways here aren’t so developed so jet ski tours on the Sunshine Coast are quite limited in their offerings.

It’s clear that the Sunshine Coast has a very aging population. Very few retirees are into personal watercraft, so you’ll find relatively very few riders here. Most of them actually travel up to the Whitsundays for a multi-day trip to go riding.

When it comes time to own a jet ski, you’ll find the Sunshine Coast to be ideal if crowds aren’t your thing.

Moreton Bay islands

This really is the best of both words. Take the flat waterways of the Gold Coast and mix it with the less crowded Sunshine Coast and you’ve got the Moreton Bay region.

Bribie Island is where you’ll find a couple of jet ski hire shops. You won’t get to explore so much as it’s not scenic as the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, but if you just want to ride in a place that’s very accessible, then start with Bribie.

I would try to avoid the weekends here too just like the Gold Coast. It just gets too busy. Winters in Moreton Bay are totally fine and a little warmer than the Gold Coast actually.

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As for owning a jet ski, it isn’t the best place but certainly an idea for learning how to ride and develop your skills!

Top 6 Brisbane jet ski hire shops

Time to discover who actually has the best jet ski hire businesses near Brisbane. All of these are Australian owned which is great for our local economy!

The best jet ski hire businesses in Brisbane are:

1. Breakwater Jet Ski Hire (My #1 recommendation)
2. Caloundra Jet Ski Hire
3. Ocean Jet Ski (Mooloolaba)
4. Noosa Jet Ski Hire
5. Gold Coast Watersports
6. Moreton Bay Jetski Hire and Ride

All of these are quite affordable with their pricing actually.

Note that while some cost under $100 AUD, this would be a short ride and the induction process is longer than the ride itself.

I would recommend a longer tour if you’re able to afford it (or handle the power, for that matter). Take a friend and split the cost between the both of you!

Every personal watercraft hire shop has a sliding scale. That is – you hire by time, but it gets cheaper for the longer you hire. A 3-hour tour generally costs under $400 but you can ride for 5x more than you can for a $100 tour.

I would recommend booking a few days in advance, especially for a weekend booking. This is because it’s otherwise booked up by Brisbane locals who want to take a jet ski for a ride on the weekends.

Who to Pick?

Bribie Island really only has one jet ski hiring shop, but the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast has numerous. This way you can pick and choose the right one for you.

It’s good to look at online reviews. Both Facebook and Tripadvisor are great resources to research these companies.

Here is what I would be asking:

1. How much is the jet ski rental bond?
2. Will they charge if your friend joins on the back?
3. If you can get a refund if it starts to rain or get too windy?
4. The top speed of the jet skis in their rental fleet.
5. Frequency of tours (Like, do they run them on weekdays?)
6. How old their jet skis actually are (old often means slow)
7. If you can ride yourself or if you need to join in with a tour.
8. Discounts available if you simply hire for the entire day.

I’ve noticed that some places are open to you hiring for a self-ride option if you have a jet ski licence. Others are a definite no-no. This is really a liability and insurance issue and you shouldn’t take a rejection personally if they say no to your request for a solo adventure.

When to Ride?

I’ve quite well covered where to ride. The Gold Coast simply is the best place to hire a jet ski, followed by the Sunshine Coast. You won’t be disappointed with either unless you pick the wrong time to ride.

This is why it’s important to cover when to ride.

You can see this as two different questions.

1. The time of year to ride (summer/winter)
2. The time of day to ride (morning/afternoon)

Seasonality-wise, both summer and winter are great times to ride a jet ski in Queensland. Most hire shops provide you with a complimentary wetsuit to keep you warmer in winter.

Summer naturally is a great time to ride as well, but the main issue is the wind. There is simply more swell on the waterways and it’s hard to accurately predict your days. One great resource is Swellnet.

For that reason, I would recommend morning rides. It’s much more fun to ride early morning when the winds haven’t picked up yet than it is to ride in the afternoon. It’s also warmer too so you won’t get so much windchill.

Riding in winter is certainly fine both morning and afternoon.

Riding in the Brisbane River

Some people assume that you can simply ride in the Brisbane River when doing a jet ski group hire. This is incorrect.

As I said, the only places available are the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Bribie Island which are all close to Brisbane but require some travel time.

Brisbane itself doesn’t lend itself well to marine enthusiasts. The river is murky and very few PWC riders ever enter the waterways.

It’s quite hard to ride a jet ski in the Brisbane River. There are three main issues here:

1. The volume of ferries is quite significant and difficult for a tour to traverse.
2. Submerged logs which you can’t see until you hit them which could cause injury to a rider.
3. No real beach or scenery apart from concrete office buildings, so it’s hard to beach a jet ski.

So clearly it’s hard for a jet ski hire company to establish itself in Brisbane. There are much fewer challenges in other neighboring areas, which are more beautiful too.

Sorry, Brisbane, your dirty river doesn’t really paint a great picture!

One option if you have a jet ski licence and you still want to enter the Brisbane river system is to use Breakwater Jet Ski Hire  They have a SeaDoo GTI 130 & Seadoo GTI 155 which you can tow away and use for the day in the waterways. They are based in Ascot, Brisbane which is easily accessible for most people.

Summary

Within 2 hours of Brisbane, there are now approximately 10 jet ski hire shops that cater towards people ready to experience the thrill. Just about all of these allow you to hire a personal watercraft for less than $100.

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But with only 30 minutes of actual riding time, you’ll be wanting so much more.

I would recommend you spend that bit extra to have much more fun.

Stay safe and enjoy your day out. I’ll see you out there!

Jumping waves with a personal watercraft is fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous! Today I’ll show you how to safely jump waves with a jet ski.

Jet Ski Waves – Jumping guide

You really need to be prepared properly. This is because it isn’t like jumping on a bicycle, motorbike or skateboard. The feeling is a lot different due to the heavier weight of your jet ski.

I’ll show you in this list some of the best tips I’ve come across when you’re jumping on a PWC and learning the skill of jumping waves in the open ocean or river mouth.

Start Slowly

There is no rush to become a pro-wave-jumping expert in 5 minutes. Let’s put our own ego aside and go gently. Start with the smaller waves first.

Anything 2 to 3 feet is good for beginners. You don’t want to go too fast at all. Start at just above idle speed before progressing further.

I often advise people to use their learner key when starting out on the smaller waves. This way the power response is a lot less, so you don’t go crazy right away.

Look at the Weather Forecast

The worst place to learn jet ski jumping is when the waves are beyond 4 feet. That’s just too much for a novice.

I like to avoid windy days when riding generally, and when it comes to wave jumping, the wind knocks down the waves. This can be good for beginners, but terrible to find a good wave to plow over.

Also, avoid the early morning and early evening. The shadows make you perceive waves to be bigger or smaller than what they actually are. Lunchtime is ideal.

Scout for a Wave-Jumping Location

A good place to find an ideal place to start wave jumping is your local Facebook group. Fellow jet ski riders often post photos showing off their stunts on the weekend. You can ask them where they are riding.

I also like to scout around my local area. If I see a big congregation of fellow jet skis in the open ocean, it’s almost guaranteed that they are there to do jet ski wave jumping.

Another tip is to ask at the local boat ramp. You’ll generally find other riders launching their personal watercraft at the same time, so you can ask them where the best locations are.

How to Jump Waves

Right – so you’re ready. You’ve found the best day, the weather is good and you’ve found a spot.

Now, how do you jump that wave on a jet ski? Here is what I would do:

1. Go with idle power on the approach to the oncoming wave
2. As you’re nearing the front of the wave, immediately add more throttle
3. Lean back on your jet ski but with bent elbows and knees
4. Hold that power through the jumping action (while you’re airborne)
5. Brace yourself as you’re about to drop back into the water, tail first

When it comes to bracing your body when landing a jet ski jump, there are a few things to be mindful of. These include having your knees and elbows bent, looking up and forward, and keeping your head far back from the steering bar so you don’t knock it upon landing.

Tips for Safety

While you are learning, remember that it’s a bit more dangerous to go jumping on a jet ski. The weight of the machine and the volatility of surf waves make for an interesting combination.

To stay safe while jumping the waves, I would advise everyone to:

1. Always wear a quality personal flotation device (PFD).
2. Avoid jumping alone in case you have an accident.
3. Use great form, including bent elbows and knees.
4. Wear a jet ski helmet.
5. Choose a location that isn’t frequented by swimmers or surfers.
6. Practice on the smaller (baby) waves before going for monsters.
7. Wear fluorescent clothing so that others can see you jumping.
8. Use the learner key so you don’t give too much throttle.
9. Always brace yourself for the landing, as that’s where injuries happen.
10. Wear MX knee and elbow pads if you have a fear of injury.
11. Remember the water depth – don’t go jumping too close to shore!
12. Make sure your jet ski lanyard is reliable and working at all times.

The reason I mention these is that you’re taking a 1,000-pound machine onto unpredictable waves. It’s much different than a stationary dirt jump and 20 pound BMX bike on a calm day.

I often hear of jet ski accidents in my local area, most of which are due to people who go wave jumping beyond their limits. Some people have even died as a result. It’s a dangerous sport so you need all the protective gear you can get.

It goes without saying that you should start slow and build your confidence going forward. Never go beyond your known capabilities. Showing off is just not worth it!

Getting Started with Waves

I find that YouTube is a great place to learn jet ski jumping. It’s where I’ve learned a lot of the skills from people who have done it before me.

I often find my body is very sore on the day after a good jumping session. Getting a massage is a great idea, and so is consuming some form of healthy fats such as fish oil. Most importantly – drink lots of water when you’re jumping.

Stay safe but also have fun! This is one of the best ways to enjoy the sport of jet ski riding.

So you want to take a jet ski in dirty rivers, but you’re not so sure if it’s justifiable. After all, you’ve heard of the horror stories out there.

Today I want to expand further with my helpful guides with a discussion on riding a jet ski in less than ideal conditions and areas, so everyone can stay safe.

Is it worth the risk? I’ll tell you about the dangers of riding a jet ski in dirty rivers or lakes, but how you can still ride safely too!

Let’s jump into it.

Dirty Rivers and Lakes On A PWC

Jet ski riders and PWC enthusiasts love to go riding away from the saltwater oceans and canals. There are immense benefits including the reduced risk of corrosion and the obvious lack of sharks and stingers.

Now, let’s not get confused here. You can find plenty of good and clean lakes and river systems around the world. The photo above is one great example.

What I’m referring to is obviously dirty rivers and lakes where other marine traffic is less likely to visit, given the bad conditions. If where you’re looking to ride your jet ski is very brown, then it’s certainly something that most others would avoid due to being too dirty.

Risks of Jet Ski Riding in Dirty Lakes/Rivers

There are some inherent risks that experience riders talk about, that might not be so apparent for you. For this reason, let me explain some of the riding hazards you might experience.

These include:

1. Sunken logs which are just under the surface of the water.
2. Debris such as leaves that get caught in your engine intake.
3. Staining and discoloration to the paintwork of your jet ski.
4. Lack of maintenance at river/lake boat ramps (less marine traffic)
5. Fewer people to help you if an emergency situation happens.

One huge hazard often not talked about is the risk of animal attacks. Yes, this certainly can happen as animals can hide very easily in dirty waterways.

Here in Australia crocodiles can attack jet ski riders if they get too close, so you need to be careful. You’ll find crocodiles in Australia north of the Mary River, all the way to Darwin and Broome.

Alligators in the United States have been known to chase after jet ski riders who aren’t paying attention. Let’s not forget the bull sharks either!

Benefits on the Flip Side

Now with fewer crowds leads to more open riding areas without the hazards of collisions with other riders. So I certainly understand the allure.

One good thing that you can do in dirty lakes and rivers is jet ski fishing. Instead of buying an additional boat, simply ride slowly through the waterways to find a good spot to go fishing.

You also get to visit other places that very few people will. You could even just forgo the speed and adrenaline of jet ski riding and just go camping.

Often you can also launch your jet ski in the waterways but cruise out to the open oceans. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Summary

So is it worth it? In some cases – YES. It can be worth it to take your jet ski to a dirty lake or river.

But in most cases – NO. You should strive to look further afield towards a lake, river system or open ocean where you can ride safely and securely.

Jet ski riding is a lot of fun. Having an engine die on you when riding isn’t much fun, and in a dirty waterway system, it’s unlikely that you’re going to get towed back to the boat ramp.

I would personally choose the open ocean or clean lakes/rivers any day of the week.