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The Solent Skiers Association (SSA) is one of the oldest and largest of the many Personal Watercraft Clubs that have sprung up across the UK. Formed in 2002 to protect the interests of PWC users launching from the Daedalus Slipway at Lee-on-the-Solent. The Hampshire group promote the responsible use of PWC and jet-skis by sharing knowledge and advice with its members, providing a focal point for like-minded jet-ski enthusiasts and above all encouraging safe fun on the Solent. Affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and supported by the Personal Watercraft Partnership (PWP) the club runs a voluntary service of water sports patrollers on behalf of Gosport and Fareham Borough Councils and has gained recognition and support from the MCA (Coastguard), Hampshire Marine Police, the Queens Harbour Master (QHM) in Portsmouth and lifeboat rescue services.
The members, made up mainly of locals but with some travelling from across the country get together all year whatever the weather for cruises in and around the Solent area. There are trips out for the whole club as well as ladies or men only days and social evenings bowling, Go Karting or just meeting up for a curry and a beer. Other favourite trips include runs to locations on the Isle of Wight: Ryde, Sandown, Yarmouth and of course to the spectacular stacks of chalk off the western extremity, the Needles. It’s not all about the Isle of Wight though. There is so much cruising in this area and trips along the coast towards Hayling Island or west into Southampton Water are frequently undertaken. They also regularly take to the road with weekends away as a club or visiting and joining in with other clubs. Aside from PW negative attitudes, the biggest obstacle the club has encountered to date was that of finding club insurance. Undertaking the responsibility of events without liability protection is a massive no no and as one of a group of clubs who instigated a comprehensive policy cover today new clubs look to the SSA for guidance and assistance in this area. The Solent Skiers also recently became an RYA training School with some of the members now able to teach and qualify others. Blyth PWC Club
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Across the country, threats of slipway closures and restrictions have been met by determined groups of personal watercraft owners out to show authorities that managing their waters is a far more beneficial way of dealing with concerns. Working with the local councils and interested parties these organised groups or clubs have gone on to transform opinions by communicating a clearer understanding of personal watercraft with their professional approach. Far from the proposed restrictions, the clubs, run by jetskiers for jetskiers have gained assistance and support and are now considered an integral part of the seaside community. Jetman went to find out.