I consider myself to be an adventurous person—with the exception of watersports. Those are a challenge for me.

Last year, my husband bought a jet ski and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Especially when he wanted me to ride with him out into Tampa Bay. I’d been on a jet ski once before and just didn’t love it. But, adventure-lover that I am, I said yes. And I survived.

And before you question my adventurer claim, I will have you know that I LOVE being a passenger on my husband’s Indian FTR1200 motorcycle. I’ve also been skydiving, bungee jumping, canyon swinging, zip lining at 70 mph… you get the idea.

But something about jet skiing takes me a bit too far out of my comfort zone. I am more terrified of falling off a PWC (personal water craft) than I am about going full speed on the motorcycle or jumping off high places—and I think it’s because being on the water feels so unpredictable.

Yet, I’ve continued riding our jet ski (as a passenger), hoping to get used to it. After numerous rides in both Florida and around Knoxville, TN, I will admit I enjoy it more than I did at first—yet, if I never rode a jet ski again, I certainly wouldn’t be mad about it. I’d seriously rather go skydiving.

Here are three key things I’ve learned about being a jet ski passenger that have helped me feel more comfortable and less likely to fall off.

Three Tips for Jet Ski Passengers

Keep Your Mouth Closed on a Jet Ski

This applies mainly when your cruising at a higher speed. You never know when you might hit a wave or wake, and I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of biting my tongue.

Keeping my mouth shut and teeth together has saved me from numerous tongue biting incidents, no doubt!

Keep Your Feet Firmly Planted on a Jet Ski

You might think that not falling off is a matter of holding on tight. And you’re not wrong; however, I’ve learned that it’s a lot easier to hold on—to the strap across the seat or to my husband while he’s driving—when my feet are planted wider and a bit further back.

This way, when we catch some air over a wave or another craft’s wake, I use my legs to absorb the bounce with my feet pushing down on the footwells. I feel so much more balanced and in control when I intentionally focus on my legs while bouncing over waves.

Stay Alert on the Water

As the passenger, you may be very trusting of your jet ski driver. At least, I hope you are!

Still, no matter what speed you’re going, it’s important to be aware of what’s around you and the water in front of you. You never want a big wave or series of wakes to be a surprise. Hitting a “bump” in the water without being prepared could easily cause you to fall off the jet ski.

I have yet to fall off myself, and I have no desire to see what that feels like.

Whether you’re like me and jet skiing isn’t your favorite, or you’re new to jet skiing and need a few pointers—I hope these tips help you to feel safer, too.

And if you need tips for riding a jet ski with your dog, I’ve got you covered here.