Holding on tight!
There was a real reason I have never ridden a jet ski before. Fear! I’m not a big fan of having no protection around me. For instance, riding a motorcycle is not my idea of fun-- again, no protection. Including “riding a jet ski” on my Year of 50 list was outside of my comfort zone, but I decided to seize the day with an attitude of “what a really fun idea! The kids and I would have a blast. The adventure would be worth it!”
We were celebrating a dear friend’s 50th birthday and he wanted to ride a jet ski. I thought, perfect another item on my list! He, my two college kids and I would rent two jet skis and enjoy the intercoastal waterway in Tequesta and Jupiter, Florida. It was all set!
We went to the rental location in Tequesta. The kids had to pass a boat safety test so they would be licensed and able to drive the jet skis. They both passed- yay, almost time for the fun!
I thought an hour’s time would be plenty; they all wanted more, so we settled on an hour and a half. Life jackets on ✔. Jet ski safety reviewed ✔. Jet ski operation reviewed ✔. Time to go!
My son, Michael would be my partner for this adventure. I graciously let him drive first, while my underlying fear increased. My daughter, Alexandra and our friend were all ready to go on their jet ski with our friend leading the way. An instructor from the rental shop went with us to make sure we were all set.
We left the safety of the cove and headed into the intercoastal waterway in a fast zone. I immediately wrapped my arms around Michael’s torso, under his lifejacket as if I was worried he would be the one to fly off. It took a little bit to get used to the throttle, but once he did we flew! All I wanted to do was to bury my head in his back, but was too concerned to close my eyes. If my end was coming near, I was going to see it approaching. We made it down to the Jupiter inlet where there is a manatee slow, no wake zone. I have never been more excited!
For the next half hour, we drove no more than 5mph in the slow zone, toddling around the lighthouse and the lovely homes along the Jupiter intercoastal. Not surprisingly Michael and the others wanted to turn around and head back into the fast zone. I reminded them my favorite two types of watercraft are my kayak, which goes nice and easy and a motorized boat big enough to have a bathroom aka has lots of protection. The slow zone on a jet ski was perfect for me.
To the fast zone we went, but this time I was at the helm. I was hesitant at first to really pull the throttle. When I finally did, I was worried I was going too fast so I’d release it. This made Michael and I do a herky-jerky dance up the intercoastal. Finally I had the hang of it and I was able to go a whole 25 miles an hour fast. I felt accomplished! Alexandra was driving the other jet ski and went double my speed, Michael was envious.
Poor Michael got the short end of the straw riding with me. When we approached the rental place, I suggested I get dropped off so he could have more fun. He didn’t want to, so we just switched seats and I let him drive again. With a quick pull of the throttle, we were flying up and down the waterway. I was squeezing Michael so much I was worried I might perform the Heimlich maneuver on him accidentally.
It was around noon on a glorious warm 80 degree day and the traffic on the intercoastal increased as it was a perfect boating day. More boats meant more wakes. Most people on a jet ski would celebrate! More waves to jump! I, on the other hand was more fearful. I knew the wakes, with the speed would be our demise and send us flying off the vehicle or worse flip us with the jet ski. I was the worst backseat driver. I pointed out all wakes well in advance of us getting near and demanded Michael to go slowly over them. Being a sweet son, he’d slow down just in time. I did have reason for some of the fear since Michael did almost capsize us while doing slow donuts in wakes on the side of the intercoastal while we were waiting for Alexandra and our friend to catch up with us. As the water traffic increased, the possibility of going super slow over each wake decreased too. We rode some waves and I held on tight, praying and squealing through the ride. Finally it was time to return the jet skis. I’ve never been happier to be on dry ground!
Our friend and the kids had a blast! I’m glad I did it and gave them something to laugh about. I don’t see jet skiing in my future, but it is undoubtedly in theirs. #6✔
Photographic note: We didn't take our camera with us on the the water. Many of the pictures are Rob's when we used to boat on the intercoastal. Michael and I took some over spring break so I could have pictures for this blog. The photo of me with the jet ski shows the beautiful weather we had on this adventure!
