Enjoying a PWC boat ride is a pleasant activity that is rarely missing in summer camps. The boat is designed for one person only, and it is not very difficult to navigate, which is why it is very popular with teens and young adults, so long as safety precautions are observed.
Sometimes, a PWC might be capsized. Don’t worry though, because PWCs feature a specific design that will help you turn them over immediately, and that is actually part of the fun of owning a PWC! What is the best way to reboard a PWC in the water? This article will provide the information you need!
Contents
What is a PWC?
PWC stands for personal watercraft. True to their name, these boats are designed for personal uses only, and you can usually carry a max of two people at the same time. These boats are powered by water-jet engines, and they are very quick and agile, allowing you to have plenty of fun under the sun with your buddies.
PWCs are towed to the camping site or a body of water by a tow truck or other similar vehicles. Due to their relatively small size and their low maintenance needs, these boats cost very little in terms of maintenance. They are also very highly fuel-efficient.
PWCs are generally used for activities such as cruising and surfing. A surfer can grab hold of a rope attached to the watercraft, and the boat will take them on a great ride. The boat’s small and agile frame will also allow it to easily navigate through tight corners with relative ease.
What is the best way to reboard a PWC in the water?
PWCs are designed to be easily reboarded once they are capsized. This is one of the defining traits that make PWCs so fun to have around. That said, you should also be careful when reboarding a PWC in the water to ensure that there will be no accidents.
Look for a directional decal on the PWC
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that PWCs should only be reboarded through one direction only in order to keep the process quick, easy, and safe. The reboarding direction should be described in a sticker which is located underneath or at the rear of the PWC.
Swim to the stern of the PWC
You should never try reboarding a PWC from either side. This is because the PWC is very likely to crash on you, which will cause serious injuries. For that reason, always try to reboard a PWC from the stern, where it is much safer to do so.
Begin reboarding the PWC
To start the reboarding process, you should use the handlebar or the seat to pull yourself up from the water. Then, you will first have to place the knees between the boarding platform to make sure that you are securely fastened to the seat, ensuring that you will not be knocked off the watercraft.
Move towards the seat and attach the safety lanyard
The safety lanyard’s purpose is to keep you fastened to your seat, making sure that the vibration and the waves will not knock you overboard. Because the lanyard is very important to your safety, the first thing to do once you are reboarded is to stay comfortably seated and attach the safety lanyard immediately. Your safety will be guaranteed if you follow all the steps.
Some tips for a successful reboarding process
Reboarding might sound easy on paper, but it can be particularly daunting if you are not prepared. The issue might get compounded by the fact that you can be under a lot of stress, or even a panic attack, if you are thrown overboard. To minimize the risks and to make it easier for you to reboard a PWC, here are some tips you could consider taking.
Practice with someone else
Practice makes perfect, and it still applies in this scenario. The best way to improve your reboarding technique is to practice, preferably with someone else. That person should also be a very skilled PWC controller as well, so that he or she can provide assistance whenever you need it. Having another person on standby will also improve the safety of the training sessions.
Never reboard with the engine running
The engine can be a very scary place, since it contains a high-powered spinning rotor. If your clothing, hair, or the straps of your lifejacket get sucked in by its powerful suction force, it can complicate the situation even further. This is why you should never try reboarding with the engine running. Wait until it has stopped spinning before you try.
Never start the engine when someone is boarding
Similarly, if you are waiting for someone to reboard, do not start the engine until they have gotten on board. The engine can cause serious injuries to the other person if it is running.
PWCs are a fun way to enjoy water-borne activities, but you will have to know how to reboard a PWC in the water to enjoy these activities with ease. The key is to stay calm and to follow the instructions closely.
