Water jet packs are the latest addition to water sports, right behind flyboarding and if flyboarding terrifies you, it is a good idea to opt for the other option. Water jet packs work much like flyboards but instead of having water jets attached to your feet, you get to have water jets that you can wear, much like a back pack. The mobility that this offers you is unbelievable because you don’t just get to walk on water, you get to fly, levitate and enjoy mobility on all angles with the help of a water jet pack.
Completely safe for use, water jet packs are quickly becoming popular as using them doesn’t have such a steep learning curve as flyboarding does. Moreover, beginners can enjoy water jet packing without any worries. However, if you’re considering indulging in this activity any time soon, the following are a few helpful do’s and don’ts that will make your experience even better:
Do’s
When you are indulging in some jet packing, pay attention to these following do’s:
- Let the Instructor Handle It – When you’re just starting out, your instructor will largely control the throttle in order to allow you to comfortably get used to the water jet pack. Once you are feeling comfortable, they will hand over the controls to you but in the start, it is generally advised that they will handle the whole situation.
- Be Prepared to Feel Weird – Being propelled above water with the help of a jetpack is going to be a surreal feeling so be prepared to feel a bit weird. In some instances, people have compared it to be like being on a roller coaster in water. If you’re afraid of heights, you will also have to be careful as the water jet pack is a powerful enough to propel a person up to 12 feet into the air. Nonetheless, be prepared to give yourself some time to adjust to it.
- Wear Goggles – Keep your eyes safe and free from water with the help of some goggles. Since the water jet pack relies on water to function, you can expect to get a bit of spray on your face as well. In some instances, combined with the wind, this can end up marring your visibility so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on this aspect and ensuring that you have perfect vision when you are using it.
- Keep Your Safety Gear On – Ensure that you have your other safety gear with you such as the life jacket along with knee and elbow guards as well as a helmet for your head. While accidents and injuries from water jet packs are rare, few and far in between, it is always a good idea to be safe than sorry. Your instructor will usually provide you with the safety gear but you can also confirm this fact from them when you’re making a booking.
- Relax – You might be feeling nervous, particularly when you’re just starting out but do your best to relax and truly enjoy the experience. Water jet packs are safer than flyboards and aren’t as strenuous on the body either. Due to the fact that you’re going to be strapped into the jetpack, you also have more control over it which will allow you to relax more.
Don’ts
Some of the don’ts that come with using a water jet pack include the following:
- Start Doing Tricks – When you’re just starting out with the water jet pack, it can be very difficult to avoid showing off, especially when you feel like you’re getting the hang of it. However, it is a good idea to curb your enthusiasm and avoid trying to perform tricks, until and unless, you are being guided by your instructor. Follow their commands and do a trick when they show you how. Don’t just try to wing it as it will result in disaster.
- Lie About Your Health – Almost anyone can sign up for water jet pack classes, including elderly people but you should still mention if you any health conditions that might negatively impact the overall experience that you have. Even if your condition might appear harmless to you, give full disclosure so as to ensure that the instructor and others can help you, in case you require emergency medical services.
- Panic – In some cases, being up in the air and the sudden change in balance that is caused by the water jet pack can induce panic. In such instances, please try to remain calm and signal to your instructor to lower the throttle speed. In many cases, the instructor will make sure to allow you to get used to each level of elevation before you are up in the air. If you’re feeling unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask the instructor for more information.
- Mess with the Controls – When it comes to the controls, the instructor will be more than happy to maintain them until you are comfortable enough to use them. However, be gentle, allow yourself time to adjust and more than anything, ask the instructor about a certain action or control in order to find out what it does. Don’t just flip a switch and hope for the best in this scenario.
- Ignore the Instructor – As the person who has the most knowledge regarding the water jet pack, you shouldn’t be ignoring your instructor when they’re sharing information with you. Whether they’re explaining the controls to you, explaining the whole process or some other important piece of information, don’t get cocky and start believing that you know more than them. They are there to ensure that you have a good time and don’t suffer from any injury.
At the end of the day, a water jet pack experience is truly one of a kind and one that wasn’t available for quite a few years. Despite its extreme newness in the market, it is a completely safe sports activity that is safe for everyone to try.