At Get Lost Sailing we know a thing or two about boats and being on the water (even though we are always learning something new). We also know a few things about the RYA syllabus and the RYA PWC course.
In this post we’ll explain what it’s like to be a student on the RYA PWC course.
Before we get to that though lets look at some background. Most water users dislike personal water craft (PWC’s) or jetskis as they are more commonly known. This is a sad fact but it’s true. In fact, some places and harbours ban the use of them completely. But why?
There is no denying that PWC’s are a ton of fun. One of the things that makes them so great is the fact that they are so easily accessible. For not too much money (in boating terms anyway!) you can buy a PWC and get on it and go.
This accessibility is also what works against them and gives them such a poor reputation. This is because most users haven’t done any training to learn how to use them properly. More importantly, they haven’t learned the rules of the road on the water or any safety training for emergencies. For these reasons, riders are seen as inexperienced and incompetent.
So what are the benefits of taking the RYA course and what’s included?
RYA PWC COURSE SYLLABUS
Launching
Handling and recovery skills
Passage planning and decision-making
High and low-speed riding skills
Essential safety information
Collision avoidance and orientation at sea
This short syllabus is achieved in a day but it really is a day well spent. All the practical handling skills are great and can be easily refined with practice. The things that set you apart from other riders are learning about navigation and the tides, what to do when things go wrong (breakdowns are common at sea), how to recover a man over board safely and quickly and what rules everybody follows to avoid collisions.
Learning which way to point a PWC when approaching somebody in the water is really important. Also, knowing which way to turn and which way an approaching power boat is going to turn is a basic for avoiding collisions. Likewise, if you breakdown on the day are you going to get washed into the shore or blown out to sea? Who knows where you are?
The benefit of learning the above syllabus is that you and your friends will know how to stay safe. other water users will learn to respect you as well as you have made the same effort to be part of a great sport as they have. Then, you can get on with just having a ton of fun!
On the course you will be with up to 6 other students with a maximum of three PWC’s (one between two). There will be a theory session that covers all the essential information that you need to know. You’ll also get a copy of the RYA PWC book so you can refer to everything in the future. The practical sessions involve some low-speed manoeuvering as well as following some high-speed courses. The low-speed stuff will ensure you look like a ‘Boss’ when you’re in the marina. usually in front of everybody who is having lunch ashore. The high-speed stuff will put a big smile on your face and the coaching points will get you cornering like a professional racer.
You can find a local school on the RYA website: RYA SCHOOLS
If you already have your own PWC and want to refine your skills, give us a call, we’ll be happy to help and give you some tuition.
If you have done the RYA PWC course then we’ll certainly look forward to seeing you on the water too. We’re out there all the time so come and say ‘hi’.
