The thrill, fun, and adrenaline rush you get while cruising through water in a jet ski is incredible. Incidentally, most people jet ski during the warm weather, but when winter comes, they store their jet skis until the temperatures improve. Some people wonder whether you can jet ski in winter and when it’s too cold to jet ski.
You can jet ski in winter if you wear warm clothes and if the temps are not around or below the freezing point of 0°C (32°F). The reason is that it’s dangerous to expose your body to freezing weather. Extreme cold can cause your body temperature to drop, which could lead to health issues.
This article will discuss if you can jet ski in winter and when it is too cold to jet ski. I’ll also discuss the kind of clothing you should wear and precautions when jet skiing in winter. Here we go.
Why You Need the Proper Attire When You Jet Ski in Winter
You need to wear the proper attire when you jet ski in the winter, but the temperatures should not be below the freezing point of 0°C (32°F).
If you’re out jet skiing in the cold weather without adequate protection, you’d be exposing your body to the cold, which can be dangerous. The proper attire should keep you warm and dry throughout your adventure. It should also cover your skin thoroughly so that there’s no exposure to the cold or wind.
There’s special jet-skiing attire designed especially for cold weather. Let’s take a look at this attire now.
What To Wear Jet Skiing in Winter
If you decide to go jet skiing in winter, dress the part. Wear clothes that’ll keep you warm and dry. It’s advisable to wear clothes in layers to remove or add them when temperatures change.
Below is what to wear when jet skiing in winter:
- A wetsuit: This should be the first layer that you wear. Wet suits are available in different thicknesses to give you the warmth you require, and it gives you comfort and flexibility that helps your skin maintain acceptable temperatures as you ski.
- A spray jacket: The second layer of clothing is a spray suit that you wear on top of the wetsuit. The jacket keeps you dry if there’s a slight shower or if water sprays on you as you ski. The jacket is usually light and comfortable to protect you against the wind as you cruise at high speeds.
- Reflective life jacket: Wear a reflective life jacket as the last layer of clothing. The jacket is waterproof, and it also protects you from the wind. Most importantly, if you accidentally fall into the water, it can keep you afloat and help people find you if you’re stranded or even unconscious.
- Wetsuit boots: These are specially designed socks that keep your feet dry and warm when skiing. They also give you some good grip if you decide to stand while riding your ski.
- Jet ski shoes: Wear these to give you the comfort, grip, and protection you need when jet skiing. They should also keep you warm in the cold weather.
- Earplugs: There’s a lot of wind during winter, and it could make your ears uncomfortable as you ski. So, place earplugs in your ears before you start skiing.
- Warm gloves: The gloves should be made of a warm material such as neoprene. Wear them to keep your hands warm because you need your hands most while skiing. The worst thing would be to have your hand freeze as you ski.
- Latex gloves: Wear these on top of ordinary gloves to keep your hands dry, because if your hands come into contact with the cold water, they could freeze and interfere with your steering of the ski.
- Warm beanie: The beanie should be made preferably of neoprene to keep your head warm. It also reduces the amount of wind hitting your face as you ride.
- Sunglasses: As you jet ski in winter, there’s a lot of water spray that hits your entire body, including your eyes. The sunglasses will reduce the amount of wind and water spray hitting your eyes, thus making your adventure more comfortable.
When Is It Too Cold to Jet Ski?
It’s too cold to jet ski when temperatures are below or around the freezing point of 0°C (32°F). When temperatures reach those levels, your body temperatures could drop as you jet ski, and they might not go back to normal anytime soon.
If this happens, you could experience hypothermia characterized by:
- Shivering
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
In addition, in winter and other seasons, the water temperatures are usually lower than the air temperatures. If you accidentally fall into the water, your body temperature can drop very fast, even if you wear the best wetsuit.
In the worst-case scenario, hypothermia may set in, and if you don’t get help quickly, it could lead to cold shock and eventual death.
Also, fog and mist are intense during freezing weather, and they reduce your visibility to almost nil or nil. If this happens, your ride can be dangerous, and you would be lucky to live and tell your story.
Precautions To Take When Jet Skiing in Winter
If you want to ski in winter, you should take some precautions because winter weather is unpredictable. Let’s now look at some precautions you should take.
Check the Weather Forecast
The weather forecast gives you an idea of how the wind will be the entire day and how low the temperatures will dip. High winds mean rough water conditions, while calm winds signify calm water and thus a smooth ride.
The weather forecast can therefore help you to make an informed decision.
Ski With Someone
Winter conditions are unpredictable, and if you want to go jet skiing in the winter, consider having someone to accompany you. Your companion can be on a boat or another jet ski. You’ll have each other’s backs and be there to help each other in case something happens to any of you.
Conclusion
Jet skiing is a water sport that is popular with people of different ages. Some people jet ski for fun, while others do it for fun plus the health benefits associated with the sport.
Some of the health benefits include weight loss and relieving stress.
Although most people prefer to jet ski during the warm weather, some diehards like to ski all year round. If you decide to jet ski in winter, dress appropriately, look at the weather forecast, carry someone along, and keep your eyes on the changing weather as you jet ski.