freeride/ freestyle laws

[Lake Erie Monster]

what are the laws in ohio reguarding freeriding/ freestyle. is it illegal to wave jump or go out in a group or just do tricks in general? i saw some videos where everyone skeedalded after the water police showed up. im just curious what i should'nt do when and if they pass by.

 

[Roo]

On my local lake, we NEVER get hassled (stand up 'ski) - cops just wave :wavey:

Meanwhile they pull over EVERY sitdown 'ski and pontoon boats full of people.

 

[Waternut]

Wave back and smile (only if you can control your ski with one hand)... "Yes Sir, No Sir" if they pull you over and politely answer any question they have.

Act like you've got some sense around the cops and show them that you have control of your craft and they'll probably only stop you if they think you're in trouble or just have a grudge against jetskiiers.

I've been in a group of people in SC (I'm from GA) when the cops pulled up to make sure we were alright. He checked my buddies couch and his boat for everything and barely even looked at my ski.

 

[aramis]

I wish I knew what the "laws" were here, regarding wave jumping, hood tricks, fountains, etc...I've never been hassled but always feel like I'm supposed to tone it down whenever the sheriff shows up.

On the other hand, we "know" the coast guard folks good enough that they realize we know what we're doing and aren't causing trouble. They (rightfully so) go and question the newbie couch riders instead, most of whom don't have taken the required boating safety course and cause plenty of near misses or worse.

The best is when the waves get bigger and all the boats are coming in (or being towed in) while we're just heading out...we get the sly smirk and that "your nuts" head shake as we pass by.

 

[Soul Man]

Safest thing to do is pull to shore and take a break when the cops are around.

I've been told (by marine patrol) that is illegal to jump wakes within 150' or another boat ("cause your hull to leave the water"). Pretty sure that it is illegal to ride unless you in the operator's position (standing in the tray, so hood tricks are illegal). I know there are rules against operating within certain distances of other craft.

I tried to find all the rules online, without sucess. You may want to see if a local boating store has a copy of rules/laws.

As mentioned above, I think the main thing they look out for are the a-holes who turn sharply infront of other skis/swimmers to "spray" them and other dangerous activities. If they see that you are keeping away from swimmers/boat/skis/fixed objects, looking around for other water traffic before doing a move etc. etc. you'll be less likely to get hassled.

Be polite, and if you know the actual laws it helps (I'm sorry Sir, but when I read the boating laws it said you can't leave the water within 100' off a boat wake, and i was at least 150'. And I made sure there were no other vessels coming in my direction...."

 

[blaster800]

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/statelaws/Ohio.html#Reckless

 

[keegan]

Fk the po po! jk, my bro is water po in Missouri. Obviously he doesnt care, but we normally just keep an eye out and hit the shoreline until we are clear...we are supposed to stay 50ft away, but if you are hitting the wake, they could probably hassle you for not having control of the ski in some sort of manner...

 

[kawyjunki]

Whats up Keegan!! How you doing in this friggin freezer were living in? I figured WP would get you for noise polution. i.e... NO waterbox!!! LOL!!! :biggrin::nana:

 

[keegan]

Whats up Keegan!! How you doing in this friggin freezer were living in? I figured WP would get you for noise polution. i.e... NO waterbox!!! LOL!!! :biggrin::nana:

lol, whatever...they love the no waterbox sound!!

i actually rode 2 days ago, i know call me crazy, it was a kawi! nooooooo!

 

[Wilke]

No occupant of a vessel shall sit, stand, or walk on any area not designed for that movement except as necessary for safe and reasonable operation or navigation of the craft.

Guess that rules hood tricks/fountains as illegal

 

[iPollute]

I thought I remembered reading PWC rider's must have their feet in the footwells at all times:shrug:
And what does everyone else do in no wake zones? Knees?