E
3-15
EJU00466
RIDING YOUR WATER VEHICLE
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR WATER
VEHICLE
Riding your water vehicle requires skills
acquired through practice over a period of
time. Take the time to learn the basic
techniques well before attempting more
difficult maneuvers.
Riding your new water vehicle can be a
very enjoyable activity, providing you
with hours of pleasure. But it is essential
to familiarize yourself with the operation
of the water vehicle to achieve the skill
necessary to enjoy riding safely. Before
you begin to ride be sure you have read
this Owner’s Manual completely and
understand the operation of the controls.
Pay particular attention to the safety infor-
mation on pages 1-7 to 1-12. Read all cau-
tion and warning labels on your water
vehicle.
Also read the Riding Practice Tips booklet
supplied with your vehicle.
Remember: Your water vehicle is
designed for one operator and one pas-
senger only. Never have more than two
people on the vehicle at any time.
EJU00472
LEARNING TO RIDE YOUR WATER
VEHICLE
Before riding, always perform the Pre-
Operation Checks listed on page 3-3. The
short time spent checking the machines
condition will reward you with added
safety and a more reliable water vehicle.
Check state and local laws before operat-
ing your water vehicle. Read the Boat
Handling Instructions issued by the U.S.
Coast Guard for basic safe boating infor-
mation.
Select a wide area to learn in, where visi-
bility is good and other boat traffic is
light. Have someone in a boat accompany
you if operating far from shore. Keep the
proper distance from other boats and
vehicles. Do not ride where people are
swimming.
Always attach the engine stop switch lan-
yard to your left wrist before operating.
You must always wear a U.S. Coast
Guard approved personal flotation device.
Strong streams of water from the jet noz-
zle, or impact with the water surface can
be dangerous. You must wear a wetsuit.
Normal swimming attire may not ade-
quately protect you. A wetsuit will help
protect against internal injuries to orifices
(rectum and vagina) from strong jet
streams, and from impact with the water
surface. Wetsuits also help protect
against hypothermia (low body tempera-
ture) and abrasions.
You should wear water shoes to help pro-
tect feet from objects hidden under water.
Wearing gloves can also help protect
hands from abrasions.