JET SKI FAQS

THE BASICS

Where can I find your Watercraft Agreement?

You may click HERE to locate our Watercraft Agreement and Rules

How old do I need to be to recceive a Jet Ski?

All drivers must be 18 or older with a current valid driver's license.

Are life jackets included in the delivery?

Yes, with each watercraft delivery we provide a Coast Guard Approved life vest

Is there a separate charge for gas?

Yes, we strive to satisfy our customers by not including additional fees that other companies may add (such as oil) onto their pricing.  If gas runs low during your activity, you may return to the marina for refueling.  Operators will be provided a full tank upon departure, however, refueling will be at the expense of the operator. Gas is never included. Gas charge calculation is $30 per quarter tank for Boats and $15 per quarter tank for Jet Skis.

How fast do Jet Skis go ?

It depends on the water condition (How choppy the water is due to wind and waves) and the total weight onboard. One person on a ski will obviously go faster than three people on a ski. All of our rentals are capable of going over 55 miles per hour and are fully capable of reaching the limit at 65 miles per hour depending on the water conditions. However, on the water - that's fast! You don't have to go fast of course, but if you want to, our exclusive riding area allows enough freedom to keep your machine full-throttle for the entire ride!

Can we take the Jet skis anywhere we want?

This depends on the type of reservation you book.  For all day rentals, yes you may take the Jet Skis anywhere within the agreed upon location (which will be stated in the contract). For hourly rentals, JetSkis must stay within visible sight of our highly trained guides in a designated area (they are there for your safety.) This means that each trip has a personal lifeguard (or two) along with them for the duration of your adventure. However, you may book an Unguided Tour, which will allow you to explore the waters without an escort (an added expense applies due to the increased risk to the company).  

**There is a $75 fee associated with taking the watercraft outside of the designated boundary area as well as an additional $75 if the vessel is not returned on time**

What are the requirements for passengers (non-drivers) and children under 18 yrs?

Children must be 44" or taller typically 6yrs old to be a passenger on a ski. A parent or guardian must fill out a waiver. Non-drivers over 18 must also fill out a rental and liability wavier.

How do I make a reservation?

Reservations can be made online. For additional information, please call us at 314-800-5695.

What is your cancellation policy?

All reservations are final. Reservations require a 24 hour notice of cancellation. Any reservation not canceled 24 hours prior to trip will not be eligible for a gift certificate. Anyone requesting a cancellation prior to within 24 hours of the reservation may be issued a gift certificate for 75% of the full value of the activity.  All activities must be paid for at least 48hrs in advance to secure a reservation or your tentative reservation slot may be automatically forfeited to a person on our wait list. All reservations are final during holiday weekends, except for when there's inclement weather during the reservation time.  If this occurs, then a gift certificate will be issued for 75% of the full value of the activity only if the inclement weather begins prior to halfway through the rental period.

When is the Jet Ski season?

River Road Watersports delivers watercrafts anytime the weather is consistently above 75 degrees. **Please visit the Schedule on our website for pre and post season availability.**

How long is each trip?

Watercrafts are available in 1 hour intervals (which can be combined, but not exceed 4 hours per day). However, for first time operators, a 15 minute training session is mandatory prior to your first trip out.  Actual on-water time is approximately 45mins.  This is to leave time for cleaning and refueling.

Do I need Boating License?

The law requires that Jet Ski drivers born after January 1, 1984 obtain a certificate of boating safety education. Click HERE to obtain a boating safety education certificate. Go online to Rentalboatsafety.com and complete the 10min online training.  Email yourself the certificate and present it at check-in. 

Do I need a Driver's License?

Yes, but if you for some reason don't drive a car you will need some other form of photo ID.  Your ID will be needed on the watercraft during your activity.  There is watertight storage available on each jet ski for your ID, car keys, and cell phone.

I've never ridden a waverunner, will someone show me what to do?

You bet! Our On-water guide (escort) will go over the "rules of the water", including safety information and familiarizing you with the equipment and how it works before you hit the water.

How do I know when my time is up?

For tours within the designated area, we will provide an On-water guide that will be on hand to assist with any assistance that you may need, they will also let you know when it's time to come back in. For unguided tours, we can provide a water resistant watch to use for time. 

What is the On-Water Guide for?

Our guide is there for your safety. He's there (on his own ski) to lead you through any of the speed restricted safety zones (NO WAKE ZONES), he'll even point out some local points of interest as you are led to the area where the serious play begins. Once there our guide will be on hand to provide any assistance that you may need. When your time draws near to an end, the guide will lead you back to the dock and assist you with safely docking your ski.

Wow that's great, how much does it cost for the river guide?

There is no additional charge, it's all part of the top-level service that River Road Watersports provides our guests. However, it is customary to tip your Guide (escort) if you feel he or she did an exceptional job! Tips are usually $25/hr.

Does the instruction time count as part of my driving time?

No way! Your Jet Ski adventure does not begin until you physically leave our docks heading out for the water! By the time you get back, we promise you'll agree that of all the many things to along the Great River Road, Jetskis are one of the most fun and memorable attractions! However, arriving late will forfeit time into your activity.

What's up with the deposit?

This is part of the Damage Waiver Agreement that you will need to fill out and sign when you receive a watercraft from us. Each unit requires a $500.00 cash or credit deposit if watercraft protection is not purchased (sorry no debit cards). This is for the damages that you and or someone else may cause to the equipment while in your care. Deposits will be refunded at the completion of the activity if returned undamaged.

How does Watercraft Protection work?

At the time of the rental, operators will have the opportunity to purchase Watercraft Protection. If purchased, no deposit is required, and operators will only be liable for damages in excess of $500. Click HERE to purchase Watercraft Protection for your delivery.

Am I allowed to jump waves?

You are not permitted to jump waves at any time during the activity period.

Am I permitted to dock or "beach" the watercraft?

NO!! You may only dock the watercraft at the Grafton Harbor under the strict direction of the River Road Watersports staff.  At no time can you visit a sandbar or dock the watercraft along the riverbank.

What happens if I damage one of the Jet Skis?

That's what the deposit or Jet Ski Protection is for, at that time one of our managers will walk you through the process. Your deposit will be held until the actual cost of the repairs has been determined. Commonly it takes a few days to have the unit taken to the repair shop, at that time the cost of the repairs will be determined, a repair order listing what repairs and parts are needed is written up. A copy of the repair order and some other paper work is prepared and mailed to you, if the repairs cost less than the deposit that was held at that time a refund will be issued for the overpayment. If you purchased Watercraft Protection, then you are only liable for damages more than $500.

What is the difference between a Jet Ski, WaveRunner, and SeaDoo?

Each are types of PWC's or Personal Watercrafts. JetSki is the trademarked name for Kawasaki's line of PWC's. WaveRunner is the trademarked name for Yamaha's line of PWC's. SeaDoo is the trademarked name for Bombardier's line of PWC's. Some people commonly think of "Jet Skis" as the stand up type of PWC, and the WaveRunner as the sit down type. This is not true. There are stand up jet Skis, and Seated Jet Skis. The same is true for the WaveRunners, etc. Most manufacturers offer a line of two-seater, three-seater, and stand up models, however, we only offer 3-seater Jet Ski's.

What type of Jet Skis do you offer?

We offer a fleet of Yamaha watercrafts at 1000cc's and Seadoo GTI's at 1500cc's.

How many people can ride on your Jet Skis?

Each Jet Ski is sized for three people, or a 500-pound maximum. However, two riders or less give you a more enjoyable ride.  Additionally, waverunners are more likely to tip over with three riders due to the additionally top weight.  Therefore, we require the driver of a Jet ski with three riders to be experienced prior to the rental.

Am I permitted to switch Jet Ski riders during the activity period?

Yes, however, there are restrictions.  You may switch within riders already on the watercraft.  You may not switch between riders on different watercrafts.  Operators must stay at least 15 feet from other watercrafts always within the rental period.  If you would like to use a dock to switch riders, you may only return to the Marina once to switch riders.  This is due to the heavy traffic at the Marina during peak hours and to reduce the amount of traffic going in and out.

Can I learn to drive the rental boat?

Yes, Power boat lessons are required prior to a boat delivery without a captain provided.  The boat lesson consists of a 15min dryland orientation as well as a 45min on water demonstration.  Learners will have the ability to operate and dock the boat during the training.  After completion, learners will be entered into a database so that future rentals won’t require taking the lesson again within the season. Cost is $80 for the session.

How do we enter the Harbor at the end of our River Rafting Float Trip?

When approaching the Harbor, riders will radio the deckhand for a tow in.  The deckhand will go into the channel and support the tow via jet ski towards the dock.