How to beach a jetski: Sunshine Coast Edition.
- Kaine Renae
- Feb 14
- 4 min read
Beaching your jetski might seem straightforward, that's because it is. The difference between doing it safely and correctly, opposed to doing it recklessly and costly, is a matter of a few very small changes. So, whether you're pulling up at Tangalooma to checkout the wrecks or stopping at the beautiful waters of Bulcock Beach for a brew, knowing how to factor in wind, tides, hull material all play a role in ensuring your jetski stays in top condition.
Lets have a look!
Why Beaching Correctly Matters
Jetskis aren’t designed to be dragged up onto the sand repeatedly. Improper beaching can lead to hull scratches, impeller damage from sucking up sand, and even mechanical failure. It's like running over speed bumps too fast in a nice sports car, silly. You could just slow down slightly for a few seconds and roll over gently, doing no damage. So, by following the right techniques, you’ll protect your investment, keep your ski in good condition, and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Key Factors to Consider When Beaching Your Jetski
1. Understanding Wind and Tide Conditions
Before you attempt to beach your jetski, take a moment to assess the wind and tide conditions.
Wind: A strong onshore wind (blowing from the ocean toward the land) can push waves onto the shore, making beaching tricky and increasing the risk of your ski being hit by swells once landed. At spots like Kings Beach, this can be a real challenge on windy days. A light offshore breeze, on the other hand, will gently push your ski away from the shore, making for an easier beaching experience.
Tide: The tide level will affect where and how you beach your ski. A low tide at Noosa Main Beach might leave you with a long, gradual approach, while a high tide at Golden Beach can mean deeper water closer to shore. Ideally, beach your ski during mid-tide when there’s enough water to glide in without scraping the hull.
2. Surface and Beach Type
Not all beaches are created equal when it comes to jetski landings. Some common Sunshine Coast beach types and their effects on beaching include:
Soft Sand (Mooloolaba, Marcoola): Soft sandy beaches are the safest for beaching, but they can still cause hull scratches if approached too fast.
Shell Grit & Rocks (Point Cartwright, Mudjimba Island): Avoid these at all costs—rocks and coral fragments can cause significant hull damage.
Shallow Sandbanks (Maroochy River Mouth, Pumicestone Passage): These can be great for stopping, but be cautious about depth changes and shifting currents.
3. Fibreglass vs. Plastic Hulls: How to Beach Your Specific Model
Different jetski models handle beaching differently due to their hull material. The two main types are:
Fibreglass Hulls (Sea-Doo GTX, Yamaha FX Series)
Fibreglass skis are sleek, smooth, and designed for high performance.
They are more prone to scratches and structural damage when beached improperly.
When beaching a fibreglass ski, aim for a slow, controlled approach and dismount before the hull touches the sand.
Plastic Hulls (Sea-Doo GTI, Yamaha EX Series)
These hulls are made from Polytec, a more impact-resistant material that can handle beaching better.
While more durable, they can still be damaged by sharp rocks or excessive scraping.
You can afford a slightly firmer landing but should still avoid unnecessary dragging.
4. The Best Way to Beach Your Jetski
To ensure a smooth and safe beaching experience, follow these steps:
Approach at Idle Speed – As you near the shore, slow down to a crawl. This prevents sand from being sucked into the intake and reduces impact when you touch down.
Trim Up the Nose – If your ski has an adjustable trim, tilt the nose slightly up to keep the jet pump clear of the bottom.
Kill the Engine Early – About 1.5 meters from shore, switch off the engine and let momentum carry you in.
Step Off and Walk It In – Just before touching down, hop off the ski and guide it by hand onto the shore.
5. Anchoring While Beached
Once your ski is onshore, securing it properly ensures it won’t float away or get hit by waves. Here’s how to do it right:
Sand Anchor: A screw-style sand anchor or a stake pushed deep into the sand will hold your ski in place, especially on windy days at in the when you are punching out of the new Caloundra bar.
Tie to a Tree or Post: If you’re at a beach with nearby trees, like Bulcock Beach, use a soft tie-down strap to secure your ski.
Shallow Water Anchor: If you don’t want to fully beach the ski, use a shallow-water pole anchor to hold it in knee-deep water, reducing hull contact with the sand.
6. What to Watch Out for When Beaching
Other Water Users: Be mindful of swimmers, kids, and other jetski riders, especially in busy areas like Noosa Spit. You MUST keep 60m from all of the above while travelling over 10 knots.
Incoming Swells: If there are waves, your ski can be pushed around after beaching. Try to beach in a sheltered spot when possible.
Sand in the Intake: Always do a quick check for debris before restarting your ski after beaching.
Environmental Impact: Avoid beaching in seagrass beds or protected areas to help preserve marine life.
Conclusion
Beaching your jetski on the can be simple and stress-free if you take the right precautions. I’ve seen many incidents where it was pretty clear that the rider didn’t know how to safely beach their ski. Understanding wind, tide, and beach types, along with your ski’s hull material, will help you make the best decisions when coming ashore. Whether you're stopping for a coffee at Mooloolaba Spit or enjoying a family day at Golden Beach, following these guidelines will keep your jetski in great shape and ensure a fun, safe experience.
See you on the water!
Caloundra Boat and Jetski Training – iLicence.
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