Safety
Never ridden before? No problem.
Jet skis are easier to operate than most people expect. Here's what North Carolina requires and what we cover before you leave the dock.
North Carolina boater education
North Carolina does not issue a general boating license. It does require boating safety education: anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete an approved course before operating a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. A personal watercraft counts. Approved courses are listed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and several can be completed online in an afternoon.
Minimum age
State law sets 14 as the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft in North Carolina, with the education requirement attached. Younger riders can ride as passengers. Our own driver and passenger minimums are being finalized and will be listed here before bookings open.
Life jackets
Everyone on a personal watercraft in North Carolina must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket — not just have one aboard. Whether jackets are included with your rental is being confirmed and will be stated here plainly rather than implied.
What the briefing covers
Before you ride we walk through starting and stopping, the safety lanyard, steering (a jet ski needs throttle to turn — that surprises people), no-wake zones, distance from swimmers, boats and the shoreline, and what to do if you come off.
Weather
Light rain generally does not stop a ride. Lightning, high wind and unsafe water do. Read the weather policy and the rental rules.