A great place for jet skiing: Hudson River

By Mike Ferraro
Poughkeepsie Journal

But do you immediately think of it as a place to take your jet ski (commonly referred to as personal watercraft, since jet ski is technically a brand name) out for an adventure, reaching speeds similar to what you would see on the Thruway -- or just a carefree ride with some friends on a bright, sunny summer day?

Those who know do.

Billy Beers of Hyde Park started racing in 1987, and he competed in International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) events from 1991 to 1997. One reason he enjoys the ride on the Hudson River is the sights.

''There's a lot of scenery,'' Beers said. ''You've got all the mansions as you come up, like the Roosevelt and the Vanderbilt.''

Beers added that the length of the river allows for a more fulfilling ride, because one can go for a length of time without having to turn around. Poughkeepsie resident John McDowell also enjoys this freedom.

''I like the river,'' McDowell said. ''On the river, you can go down to New York City or you can go up to Albany.''

McDowell said he gets onto the water about three to five times per week, and has a group of friends who are interested in the sport. He said he can reach speeds near 70 miles per hour, and he has participated in the sport for three years.

McDowell has started racing in IJSBA events this year, and has enjoyed success with three victories. His favorite spot to go in the Hudson is from Chelsea Yacht Club.

''The people are nice, and everybody helps each other,'' McDowell said. ''Everybody is upbeat and happy. There's no stress, and everything is cool there. Plus, it's free.''

Jeff Conston knows about personal watercraft through his own adventures, and through his job at Dutchess Recreational Vehicles in Poughkeepsie. He said that Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie is a favorite spot for locals to go onto the water.

Conston said that part of the attraction to the sport is the thrill factor.

''It's like a roller coaster ride,'' Conston said. ''It's just a lot of fun. It's a water sport, so you're out on the water on a hot day. It's (also) the attraction of going on a roller coaster ride, but you're in control.''

McDowell said he had raced bicycles since 1973, and was the state champion in downhill mountain biking from 1996-98. But injuries curtailed his competitive mountain biking days for a year -- and subsequently laid the foundation for him to become competitive in jet skiing.

''I bought a jet ski, got on the river, and I've been hooked ever since,'' McDowell said. ''It feels like freedom. It's freedom plus racing, and it's a lot of fun racing in competition.

Karl Rabe/Poughkeepsie Journal Town of Poughkeepsie resident John McDowell rides his Yamaha GP1200R personal watercraft on the Hudson River in the Town of Wappinger.

''It's actually adrenaline. When you're racing against other people, it's competitiveness. I just try to make the best of it and have fun, win or lose.''

Beers said the sport's popularity has increased significantly. In fact, the number of races in IJSBA has climbed 24 percent from last year.

''It's one of the fastest growing sports out there,'' Beers said. ''The past few years, the numbers have been growing so fast.''

Another reason behind the recent spike in popularity in the sport is due to improved machinery.

In 2000, governor George Pataki signed a law that enabled communities to regulate personal watercraft. According to Conston, the threat of government intervention resulted in a drop in sales. However, sales have been back on the rise this year as a result of manufacturers come out with cleaner and safer machines.

''There's a four-stroke jet ski, which doesn't mix any oil,'' Conston said. ''There's also a two-stroke, but it's fuel injected, which does not waste any extra fuel out of your exhaust, so they are very clean also.''

McDowell said that a speed of 40-50 miles an hour is sufficient at the novice level to ensure safety, and to expect to spend approximately $7,000-$8,000 when buying a personal watercraft.

Watercraft restrictions: There are restrictions placed on personal watercraft that do not apply to other boats.
- Operation of a personal watercraft is prohibited from sunset to sunrise.
- A personal flotation device must be worn by the operator and all passengers.
- If equipped, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the operator.
- Visual distress signals and a sound signaling device (horn or whistle) must be carried.
- Personal watercraft are not allowed within 500 feet of a marked swim area.
- Reckless operation, defined as wake jumping, playing ‘‘chicken’’ and weaving in and out of congested traffic is forbidden, and constitutes a misdemeanor.
Source: www.nysparks.state.ny.us/boats/pwc