The enjoyment one gets from owning a personal watercraft (PWC) is not in question — what is often overlooked is the additional benefits, outside of fun, excitement, adrenaline and good company, that come along with riding a personal water. Proven benefits, according to a number of sources, include improved cardiovascular and mental health, reduced risk of premature death and chronic diseases, stress reduction and more.
As stated by the folks over at A2Z Powersports, “Jet skiing is not only a thrilling water sport; it is also a great way to improve your physical fitness. By hopping on a jet ski and gliding through the water, you can reap several health benefits. Firstly, jet skiing provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. As you race across the waves, your heart rate increases, improving your cardiovascular health and stamina. This enjoyable activity allows you to stay active while having fun in the sun.”
In addition to boosting your cardiovascular health, jet skiing also strengthens your muscles. The constant balancing and maneuvering on the jet ski engages a variety of muscle groups throughout your body. Your legs, arms, and core all work together to maintain stability and control, resulting in strengthened muscles over time. This full-body workout can lead to increased muscle tone and improved overall strength.”
Furthermore, jet skiing helps to enhance your coordination and balance. As you navigate through the water, you must use your body and balance to control the jet ski’s movements. The need for precise coordination and balance engages your brain and muscles, improving your overall coordination and motor skills. These benefits not only enhance your performance on a jet ski but also transfer to other areas of your life that require agility and balance.”
Action Watersportz adds, “Jet skiing is a great way to burn calories, especially when considering the activity’s fun. Some say you can burn up to 238 calories in a half-hour of riding a jet ski. This means you burn around 476 calories an hour; You can lose 1lb a week by riding a Jet Ski,” and Crab Island Watersports adds “Riding a jet ski requires continuous movement and effort to control the watercraft. This constant engagement of your muscles results in calorie expenditure that can aid in weight management and boost your metabolism.”
Over at Powersports Marine, they chronicled numerous benefits to getting out on the water on a PWC, including:
Full-Body Muscle Engagement
A jet ski workout is a unique, whole-body experience. While you may be sitting, maintaining control over the jet ski requires using nearly every muscle group, especially as you steer through waves and maintain balance. Key areas that benefit include:
Core Muscles: Your core is constantly engaged as you stabilise yourself over waves, providing an intense abdominal workout that’s crucial for balance and posture.
Leg Muscles: Standing and adjusting on the jet ski forces your calves, hamstrings, and quads to work hard. You’ll feel the burn after a long session as these muscles help absorb shocks and stabilise you.
Arm and Shoulder Strength: Steering and manoeuvring the handlebars works your forearms, biceps, and shoulders, increasing upper-body strength. These movements can also improve flexibility in your arms and shoulders.
Back Muscles: Jet skiing also strengthens your back muscles as you adjust and lean to maintain balance and control, promoting better posture over time.
Enhances Balance and Coordination
Balancing on a jet ski while navigating waves and turning requires coordination and quick reflexes. As you continue to ride, your balance and coordination skills improve, translating to better agility in daily life.
Improved Stability: Balancing on water challenges your core stability and enhances proprioception (your awareness of body position and movement). This can help improve balance for other activities, from running to yoga.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Controlling a jet ski involves simultaneous hand and eye coordination as you navigate water and respond to sudden changes. Improved hand-eye coordination benefits daily activities, from driving to playing sports.
Quick Reflex Development: Adapting to changing wave patterns or adjusting for a turn helps hone your reflexes, training your body to respond quickly and effectively.
Boosts Mental Health and Wellbeing
Jet skiing is as beneficial for your mind as it is for your body. Being on the water offers a natural escape from daily stresses, allowing you to connect with nature and feel a sense of freedom.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The rhythm of the water, fresh air, and exhilarating ride create an ideal environment for reducing stress. Studies have shown that spending time near water can reduce cortisol levels, helping you feel calmer and more relaxed.
Mood-Boosting Endorphins: The thrill of jet skiing releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, which lift your mood and contribute to mental wellbeing. It’s an easy way to enjoy an adrenaline rush while also benefiting your mind.
Mindfulness and Focus: Jet skiing requires you to stay present and focused, which can be a form of mindfulness. Paying attention to the water, handling your jet ski, and responding to changes in the environment help clear your mind of other thoughts.
Encourages Outdoor Adventure and Connection
One of the often-overlooked benefits of jet skiing is that it encourages you to get outdoors, explore new places, and even connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
Vitamin D Exposure: Jet skiing outdoors exposes you to natural sunlight, which boosts Vitamin D levels – essential for healthy bones and immune function.
Opportunity to Explore: With a jet ski, you can explore coastal areas, lakes, and rivers that you may not otherwise have access to. This sense of adventure can make your fitness routine feel more like a holiday, keeping you motivated to stay active.
Social Benefits: Jet skiing can be a social activity, allowing you to ride with friends or family. Social interactions and shared experiences are also excellent for mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Physical Benefits for All Levels of Experience
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, jet skiing is an adaptable activity that offers physical benefits for all fitness levels.
Adaptable Intensity: Beginners can start slowly and gradually build up their endurance and strength, while more experienced riders can tackle higher speeds and tougher waters for a greater workout.
Non-Weight-Bearing Exercise: Jet skiing is a low-impact activity, making it ideal for people who want to stay fit without placing stress on their joints. It’s suitable for anyone looking for a fun yet effective way to get in shape.
And it’s not just people in the industry touting the benefits of PWCs; Healthsite.com reviewed jet skiing in terms of its health benefits, saying riding PWCs “can help you to improve your overall well-being and also give you that much-needed adrenaline rush.”
