As the winter months are starting to approach, we would like to remind you that some of the most spectacular days afloat can be during the winter months, so don't put your jetski away just yet, instead look at investing in a bit of extra kit to make your winter riding more enjoyable. Why waste half the year with your jetski sat around doing nothing when you could be out enjoying it!
Not only are there less people afloat but there are plenty of phenomenal weather days to enjoy. This picture to the left was taken in January 2019 when we headed out for a jurrasic coast tour on a beautiful flat calm sunny day.
In addition to your usual riding gear, most importantly an Impact Buoyancy Aid, please find some other ideas of what to wear to make your winter jet skiing a whole lot more comfortable and enjoyable :)
goggles / eye protection:
Though goggles can be useful anytime you're riding, they are particularly advantageous when riding in the winter months as they stop the 'sting' of the water spray whilst riding making for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Drysuit:
Generally drysuits cost a little more than wetsuits, but they offer a ton of benefits.
Drysuits allow for much more mobility than wetsuits. This is a huge factor for a lot of people who simply can’t get over the constricting feeling of a wetsuit.
Other than how they fit, drysuits are often times favored because they’re rated for colder temperatures.
The last major benefit of drysuits is how they retain body heat. Rather than trapping in water like a wetsuit, drysuits simply keep people dry. This is possibly the biggest reason why people choose drysuits over wetsuits. However as drysuits remember Drysuits do NOT have any thermal integrity so what you wear under your drysuit is what will keep you warm. Check out the thermal undersuits below:
Thermal Undersuit:
As drysuits do NOT have any thermal integrity an undersuit is a fairly essential bit of kit. If you're buying your first drysuit look out for the offers where an undersuit is included in the price with your new drysuit.
Footwear:
A good pair of shoes or boots is key to ensuring your feet are always warm. Neoprene boots work similarly to the way wetsuits work, and they can help keep feet warm even when submerged in the water. If you opt for the 'trainer' style shoes, make sure you invest in some neoprene socks for the winter months.
Gloves:
In colder weather, Neoprene 3 - 5mm gloves can be great for keeping hands and fingers warm.
Gloves come in a variety of thickness but the 3mm and 5mm versions will be best during the winter months.. Usually it’s better to go with the 5mm style, simply because they’re going to be thicker and warmer than the 3mm.
Even though they are somewhat thick, this gloves are still very flexible. They provide more grip and protection just like other gloves, but keep hands warm as well.
Head wear:
Protecting your head from the wind, cold air and water temperatures will ensure you day is a much more pleasurable one. Theres nothing worse than having an 'ice-cream headache' within a few minutes of being afloat !