Joshua Smith

So you’re looking to buy a jet ski or you’ve just bought one and need a place to go right. Fortunately, the year-round great climate lends itself to some great riding potential.

The best part is that there are some great places to explore, tow a donut around and go fishing.

Most PWC owners in LA ride in these areas:

1. Catalina Island

Doing a trip to Catalina Island with a jet ski is somewhat of a right of passage for PWC owners. You’ll really fell like you’ve accomplished something upon returning to the boat ramp.

I’ve actually written an entire guide on this. Read it now 👉 How to Jet Ski to Catalina

You typically won’t need additional fuel for this trip but I would recommend taking someone along with you just in case. Don’t forget the safety gear either.

2. Newport Beach

If you don’t mind the open ocean swell then Newport Beach becomes quite popular with jet ski riders every weekend. You’ll need to be mindful of the other marine vessels including boats, windsurfers and kite surfers. Aim to stay 1,000 yards offshore and you’ll be just fine.

3. Long Beach

Another great option is Long Beach though there are some limitations here too. Certainly, it’s convenient and that means the boat ramps can get real busy. I’d aim to reach them real early by 7 am if you want to avoid queuing up. The parking can be a problem too if you arrive too late in the morning. Trust me – you’ll only make this mistake once!

4. Lake Elsinore

I much prefer to ride in freshwater environments to keep my engine going strong in the triple digit range. Lake Elsinore is therefore a great option and beginners will relaly enjoy this pristine environment. Like most places out of town, it does get busy on weekends but you’ll still find some areas to let loose or throw a line in the water if you prefer fishing.

5. San Clemente Island

Once you’ve got yourself a few return trips to Catalina Island, you’ll want to make a further dash for San Clemente Island. This is going to definitely require an EPIRB and VHF radio just in case given how far you are offshore. Check the weather conditions before you ride your jet ski here and make sure you fuel up first at one of the several Catalina Island gas docks.

6. Channel Islands and Santa Rosa Island

If you’re wanting to escape the crowds then go north and aim for these two islands. While there isn’t as much to see and do, sometimes you just want to open that throttle without looking over your shoulder wondering if the water police are right behind you. This is the sort of destination best experience with 2 to 3 other jet skis. Jump in one of the local Facebook groups if you’re keen to meet other riders.

7. Santa Monica

While you’re up north, don’t forget about Santa Monica right off the beach. It’s more sheltered which reduces some exposure to the elements. Personally, it wouldn’t be my top pick but I do sometimes see other personal watercraft users venturing up this way.

8. Silverwood Lake

Another great freshwater location is Silverwood Lake over at Hesperia. The fact that there are numerous jet ski hire/rental businesses here shows that this is quite popular. To avoid the tourists, I’d aim for a mid-week ride and avoid any of the national holidays because it gets real busy out here otherwise.

9. Castaic Lake and Pyramid Lake

Last but not least, we have Pyramid and Castaic Lakes! These aren’t as popular but certainly worth a mention on our list. Castaic Lake is more touristy and it’s small while Pyramid Lake is more open. Given their size, there are limits to how many jet skis and boats they allow on each day so book ahead and get there arly.

In Summary

I hope this guide has really helped you discover some great riding areas. Certainly there ain’t no need to make a trip down to San Diego or heading up north at all. LA is blessed to have some really incredible places in which to explore. Do the right thing and they’ll stay open to us all.

Catch you out there!

P.s. I’m writing a completely seperate guide soon on the best places to ride jet skis in San Diego. Stay tuned for that one!

Houston is really spoiled to have some epic places where you can ride with a jet ski without limitations and restrictions.

If you’re new to the world of jet ski ownership, then allow me to help you in finding some great areas in which you can explore today.

Here are where Houston residents often ride their jet skis:

1. Lake Houston

The most populated spot where you’ll find jet ski riders every single weekend is Lake Houston. All that fresh water and places to roam means that just about everyone rocks up. If you’re new to the world of watersports then they’ll always be someone there to help you if you get stuck. Just don’t forget to plug up that drain plug!

2. Taylor Lake

The calm waters of Taylor Lake make this place ideal for beginners. If it’s your first trip out then I’d aim for this one with an early start before the crowds show up. The scenery here is really beautiful as is the bountiful camping opportunities.

3. Lake Conroe

Heading an hour from town on the north side is where you’ll find Lake Conroe. The lake has dozens of miles in which you can ride and you can even hire a jet ski here if you need. In fact, it’s the most popular place to hire a jet ski in Houston and the prices are quite reasonable. If you don’t want the deal with the expense of owning a ski and the hauling and storage, then this is an awesome option.

4. Clear Lake

Clear Lake is another favorite for beginners, however, the lake can become a bit choppy once the wind picks up. Aim to do this one if you’ve got a clear weather window. It’s also a top spot for fishing if you’re not keen to ride fast, especially with the speed limits imposed on much of this area.

5. Gulf Beaches

If you’re tired of the fresh water, then it’s time to head into the gulf and get some real sea spray up the nostrils! There are plenty of places to explore though restrictions do exist for jet ski riding around Padres Island National Seashore. Most Houston riders aim for North Packery Jetty or the Corpus Christi J.P. Luby Surf Park.

In Summary

And we’re done! 5 great spots to explore on a jet within Houston. Which of these was your favorite? Have you tried any of these? Jump in our Facebook group and let us know!

Living in Perth and keen to head out riding with your PWC? I’ve got you covered with epic places to go riding this weekend!

In this guide, I’ll find you some calm waters which are ideal for beginners.

Jet Ski Riding Areas in Perth

Life shouldn’t be all about work. If you’ve got a jet ski in the garage and the weather is good, then head out to one of these spots where you’ll come across other Perth-based PWC owners sharing in the fun.

Whether it’s fishing, towing others or simply out there to cruise around and explore, there is no shortage of places to ride. Most Perth-based PWC riders are found here on weekends:

1. Rottnest Island

A popular spot to head over to is Rottnest Island. In fact, you’ll find dozens of jet skis making the trip over each weekend and some of the local riders get together to do group rides. Legally speaking, you can only do this trip if your jet ski is 3.75m or longer.

All boats under 3.75 metres (12 feet) in length (including personal watercraft), must stay within five nautical miles from the mainland, unless they are within the limits of a port or within one mile of any island.

https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/personal-watercraft.asp

Given the nature of the island, the waterways do remain relatively calm even if the swell kicks up. Then again, I wouldn’t be heading out if it’s above 20-knots.

👉 Related: How to Get to Rottnest Island via Jet Ski

2. Mandurah

Head south and you’ll find the epic Mandurah region with a choice to either stay on the open ocean or explore the canals and million-dollar homes. If you’re hungry then simply beach your jet ski and get a bite to eat from one of the numerous eateries that dot the foreshore. The boat ramps here can get busier on weekends especially after 8 am so plan your trip carefully to avoid the crowds.

3. Swan River

Taking your jet ski along the Swan River is very much possible and an experience that you can’t miss. I especially love the scenery here and the buzzing nature of the place with all those office buildings makes you feel like Perth is finally evolving. Perfect for a day-time run during the week when others are stuck at work. The ultimate workplace grudge-maker!

Note: Waters upstream of the Windan Bridge are closed to jet skis.

4. Garden Island

If you love snorkelling then get yourself to Garden Island. It’s like Rottnest but quieter and you’ll find numerous spots where you can beach your jet ski and explore on 2 legs. Bring a towel in the front storage locker because chances are that you’ll be jumping in and making a splash! Some group rides head out here often so jump on the local Perth Facebook group for the details.

5. Penguin Island

I’ve left one of the best until last! If you’re going to Garden Island then add Penguin Island to your list as well. After all, they’re right next door to teach other! It’s not just beautiful beaches either as you can head inland for some hiking or grab a bite from the cafe there. You might even spot a penguin if you’re lucky!

Other Great Spots

I created this list to show you some of the better and more populated areas where Perth’s jet ski riders head to. However, don’t forget about the Sholwater Islands, Moore River, Rockingham and Carnac Island which are a bit less crowded on weekends. That said – they wouldn’t be my first pick for a beginner.

Getting Started

Jumping on a jet ski and exploring Perth really is a dream. The east coast might claim to be better, but they’ve never see such awesome destinations first-hand and so close to the city.

Remember to plan your trip properly with adequate fuel and check the weather before you head out. That swell can be nasty on a hot summer’s day.

Then again, if the weather’s good….then what are you waiting for?! I’ll see you out there!

And in case you don’t quite have a ski yet, you can always hire on.

Read this guide 👉 Where To Hire A Jet Ski in Perth

I’m also looking to create a master guide for the whole of Western Australia. If you’re keen for that then let me know. Cheers.