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Tips to Ride Your PWC with a Passenger

Sep. 24 2021 Safety By Sky Powersports Lakeland

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Are you thinking about riding double with your PWC? Maybe our guide can help you do it safely and efficiently.

For starters, riding with a partner can be very different from solo riding. Your craft may handle differently, and you will be responsible for your safety and the safety of your partner. However, having a companion with you can be a fulfilling experience, and you can make the most of your rides by referring to our handy guide. For more advice, visit Sky Powersports Lakeland. We’re in Lakeland, FL, and happily welcome our friends from Tampa and Orlando, so reach out today.

Benefits of Riding with a Partner

Going on PWC rides with a partner can be a rewarding experience, providing you with plenty of opportunities to socialize with your favorite people and create fantastic memories of your trips. Also, when you have a partner with you, you can seek their assistance for various tasks, including launching, docking, refueling, and spotting obstacles.

Determine the Passenger Capacity of Your PWC

Though many models can accommodate a passenger, don’t assume that your PWC can handle the additional weight. So, refer to your owner's manual for your manufacturer’s recommendations and confirm that you can safely bring a passenger on your rides.

As you may know, the extra weight of your passenger can affect how your PWC handles, including when accelerating and turning your craft. So, be prepared to take the first few minutes of the ride to get used to this.

The Passenger’s Responsibilities

When you have a partner with you on your PWC, make sure that the individual is aware of and able to handle the responsibilities of a passenger. Essentially, they will need to:

  • Wear a well-fitting life vest.
  • Be able to maintain their balance and avoid falling off. You can help the person grab onto your craft’s seat strap, rear grab handles, or driver's life vest, and so on.
  • Know how to communicate about their needs with the driver, such as slowing down or stopping. You’ll want to help them pick a few hand signals before the ride.

Tailor the Ride to Your Passenger’s Experience Level

More importantly, you’ll want to consider your passenger's experience level with PWC riding to make the outing safer and more enjoyable for both of you. If this is their first ride, you might want to plan a shorter excursion, which will help them warm up to personal watercraft adventures. Once they are more comfortable and confident, you can plan a longer ride.

Also, you’ll want to know your passenger's riding preference. Find out whether they seek a high-speed and thrilling adventure or a smooth and relaxing cruise. Make sure you customize your ride to your passenger’s expectations to avoid any bad experiences.

We hope this guide to PWC riding with a passenger helps you enjoy safer and more memorable outings. For more advice or help upgrading your craft to the latest model, visit Sky Powersports Lakeland. Our friendly staff can address your concerns and help you choose the perfect personal watercraft for your rides. To chat with our experts, swing by our dealership in Lakeland, FL, where we proudly serve those from Tampa and Orlando.