10 Jet Ski Gifts That Put the Fun Back in Riding

LEARNING/TRAINING

• Coaching / Training Access
  
  • Stand-up riding clinics – For example, Freestyle Clinic in Lake Worth Beach, FL, offers one-on-one training sessions catering to a wide range of experience levels, from complete beginners who have never ridden a stand-up jet ski to seasoned professionals aiming to enhance their freestyle riding skills. 
  • Race schools and training: While WCJ found no national or prominent regional schools or organized training, local programs through powersport organizations often exist, andSome local race organizers occasionally host free or low-cost introductory sessions on the morning of an event.  
  • Private coaching sessions (flatwater, surf, buoy riding)

• Technique-focused accessories
  
  • Adjustable handle poles (Adjusting the pole forward shifts the rider’s weight over the nose, improving nose control and agility)
  • Performance-oriented sponsons and ride plates that allow for quick transitions and sharper turns – designed for responsiveness, not stability: Companies like RIVA Racing and Pro Watercraft are known for performance-focused upgrades for stand-ups, offering specific products for different needs (freeride, race, freestyle). Look for features like RIVA’s adjustable sponsons with fins that let you dial in turning radius for tricks or racing, improving handling over stock parts. Go for curved edges and fin designs that “bite” into the water for better grip and quicker lean-in, rather than just flat, wide designs.
• Books / media about riding craft
  
  • Vintage stand-up manuals – Some vintage manuals are available through Haynes, while others can be purchased second-hand through outlets like Ebay. A vintage stand-up manual isn’t just a repair guide—it’s a history lesson in how jet skis were meant to function. The mechanics, features, and design priorities laid out in those pages help riders understand not only how stand-ups evolved, but why they still demand more skill, awareness, and involvement than most modern machines.
    
  • PWC race history books – The Inventor by Clayton Jacobson is an  essential autobiography from the father of the Jet Ski, covering early days and adventures.

FITNESS FOR RIDING

• Balance boards / wobble boards like the Revolution Swell 2.0 Balance Board, which  is specifically designed for water sports enthusiasts to translate skills to real-world water performance. It offers bi-directional training: Allows for both heel-to-toe and side-to-side movement, adjustable difficulty, high-strength design and Durasoft traction surface that is comfortable to use with or without shoes.
  
• Grip strength trainers like  handheld grippers (adjustable or spring-loaded), wrist rollers,  and Gripedo help with endurance, prevent fatigue, and help with those death grips and numbing hands.
  
• Core-focused training tools like the Khaos Water Ball, Waterboy, or Bulgarian Water Bag use dynamic water resistance to challenge balance and engage stabilizing muscles.
• Suspension trainers (TRX-style) ​​ build core stability, balance, rotational power, and full-body strength using bodyweight
  

MAINTENANCE & MECHANICAL

• For building out a basic tool kit, focus on durability from brands such as Snap On, Craftsman, GearWrench, ChannelLock,  Klein Tools or Proto.
• After building a basic toolkit, check out resources like RIVA and Greenhulk to snag specialized tools for your giftee’s specific machine like  correct-sized torque wrenches, jet pump tools and even work stands or ski dollies.

ANALOG OVER AP

• Mechanical tachometers – The Sierra Eclipse analog tach delivers clear, at-a-glance RPM without the distraction of screens or menus. It reinforces throttle control and rider feel, keeping the focus on connection rather than convenience.
  
• Simple GPS lap timers (no subscription) The RaceBox Mini delivers precise lap timing and acceleration data without locking riders into a subscription or complex ecosystem. By focusing on real performance metrics—lap times, consistency, and throttle application—it encourages riders to improve their skills on the water rather than just collect data. The Wavve Boating app offers simple GPS-based lap timing using a device most riders already have in their pocket. With an emphasis on track layout, lap times, and repeatable riding lines, it’s an accessible way to focus on technique and consistency without adding more hardware—or distractions—to the ski.
  
• Old-school stopwatches for lap timing – A simple stopwatch keeps lap timing honest. No data layers, no automation—just time, consistency, and rider awareness. The Accusplit Survivor 2 Stopwatch is known for its ruggedness, large display, 5-year battery, and simple 2-button operation, plus water resistance.

GEAR FOR RIDING, NOT RELAXING

• Wetsuits: For stand-up riding, a form-fitting, flexible suit that offers protection without restricting movement is ideal. Look for 2-piece sets: (sleeveless John + jacket) in breathable/quick-dry fabrics. For neoprene gear, choose 1.5mm or 2mm for warmer conditions; 4-5mm for cold water.
• Classic-styled helmets & wetsuits like the Sandbox Classic 2.0 Low Rider helmet that provides a classic, low-profile look that is certified for water sports  For classic styled wetsuits, head back over to RIVA and check out the vintage-styled JetPilot gear.
• Gloves focused on grip and feel, not insulation –  look for lightweight, thin neoprene or synthetic gloves with rubberized/textured palms and featuring breathable fabrics and minimal insulation, such as the Jetpilot Superlite Glove or H2Odyssey Thermagrip styles, 

PWC CULTURE

• From Vintage & vintage-style race photos and posters and old-school brand merch to frameable magazine covers and reproduction race numbers, these items celebrate the history of stand-up PWC riding. They’re more than décor—they’re reminders of a sport built around skill and rider connection. 

STAND-UP SPECIFIC ‘STUFF’ FOR YOUR BUDDY (OR YOURSELF)

• For riders building or restoring stand-ups, a “first stand-up toolkit,” rebuild parts, training poles, or even a rescue rope all support skill development and hands-on engagement with the machine.
  

RACE READY GIFT IDEAS

• Race entry fees, buoy kits for practice, lake permits, and travel vouchers for great riding destinations give riders something money can’t buy: time on the water, practice, and experience.