Before launching you should have primed yourself and your ski for the trip ahead. Learn the essentials with our need to know checklist.

RULES OF THE ROAD

It is essential to understand your environment and the rules that govern it. Even if there are no signs up, most beaches in the UK have a bylaw restricting all powered craft to stay below six knots within 100 metres of the low watermark. This is up to 200 metres in some places. Just use some common sense: if there are people on the beach, show them a bit of respect and stay well clear of the beach before giving it large.

PREPARATION

Work out where you want to go, what the distances involved are and how long the trip will take. Know the location of and distance to safety from any point on the journey.

-             Get an accurate and up-to-date weather forecast

-            Check tide tables and the accessibility of  your recovery site

-            Find out about by-laws and local hazards

-            Tell someone i.e. the coastguard where you are going and when you are expected back

-            Have some means of calling for help.

Make sure all your equipment is fully functional including your PW. You should also take with you the following:

- A tow rope

- Chart and compass

- Suitable clothing

- Waterproof flares and the means of contacting the shore (preferably a VHF radio)

-            A first aid kit

-             Spare spark plugs and basic tools

SKI CHECK

Check the range of your PW and that the fuel and oil levels are suitable for the length of your trip. Use one third of your fuel to get out and one third to get back. Save the rest in case you get lost.

- Check steering and throttle cables

- Check that the pump unit

is clear of debris

- Check that your safety lanyard
works properly

- Check drain plugs

- Check the hull for structural damage

- Check that the engine starts, runs and is warmed up before launching.