Jet ski riding gloves don’t get enough attention and love that they deserve.
Anyone who has ridden a jet ski more than once starts to realize how valuable gloves can be, especially the next day when sores start to show up.
In this post, I want to go over why you need gloves while riding your jet ski and what the best gloves to get.
Why You Need Gloves For Jet Skiing
Riding gloves make sense once you start riding a jet ski a few times, but let me list off the main reasons.
- Better grip – Jet skis are a wet ride, and you want a lot of grip.
- Less fatigue – People tend to have a death grip when riding a jet ski, which wears you out, and gloves help.
- Lots of friction – Along with the grip there is friction which leads to blisters, so gloves are a must.
- Jet ski handlebar grips suck – Especially older jet skis have horrible grips, or they’re worn out.
- Dock line friction – Having jet ski gloves on helps with the rope burn you may get when pulling dock line out too quickly, or it’s getting jerked away from you for whatever reason.
- Everything is hot – People ride jet skis when it’s warm, so everything you touch tends to be hot. Docks, seats, even the handlebars get hot and having gloves on helps.
- Splinters – Getting a splinter is not a common thing, but older docks and even damaged fiberglass can give you splinters, but having riding gloves on provide some protection.
- Gunk – Things get “goo” on them, even dock line can develop goo on them, and having gloves on is nice and gives better grip against the goo.
- Better visibility – Riding gloves gives you better visibility, especially when in a riding group, as you often communicate with hand signals.
- Winter rides – If you ride in the winter, you’ll need some gloves to keep your hands warm.
What’s The Best Jet Ski Gloves?
Gloves made for motorcycles, ATV’s, Pull sports, and many others will also work for PWCs.
I’m personally a fan of fingerless gloves because they allow me to be able to operate my smartphone without taking them off.
What you need might be different from what I use. So, I’ve listed off the top 3 riding gloves below.
1. Jettribe GP-30 Pixel Series*
What I like most about this style of gloves is that it’s made for watercraft in mind with its padding. Its reinforced palm is a really nice touch, along with a sticky finger silicone grip too (for the throttle and brakes).
You also have the pre-curved fingers and palm for a more natural feel, which also makes it easier to put on and off.
2. BPS Water Gloves*
I needed to add neoprene water gloves to the list, especially if you do any riding in the off-season.
This type of glove is what you want for a general-purpose jet ski glove, but also is the best option if you ride when it gets cold.
An interesting thing about neoprene gloves is that they will feel the best just by the nature of neoprene. This is the same stuff wetsuits are made of and if you’re already wearing a wetsuit this will be a practical option to go with it.
3. SANTIC Classic Fingerless Cycling Gloves*
A personal favorite of mine. While they might not be jet ski gloves, they work great for jet skiing.
They’re built for bikes, but they have the same protection and grip you would expect. Plus, they’re fingerless, which I love as I can use my phone and get a drink of water more easily.
But seriously, I love this style of gloves for jet skiing. They dry quickly from water or sweat. They’re super easy to take off. And best of all, have the soft foam insert to cushion the hands.
Oh, and the price isn’t so bad either.
You can buy them here*.
What Makes For Good Jet Ski Gloves?
There are several factors to consider when it comes to jet ski gloves.
- Grip.
- Fabric.
- Quick drying.
- Sizing, not too big or small.
- Easy on and off.
- Coverage.
Using all these factors can help you better find gloves that fit your riding style on your jet ski.
The needs of someone who races jet skis will be different from someone out for a winter ride or a warm Sunday drive.
Fingerless Vs. Full
You can get riding gloves with a full finger cover, or in a fingerless option.
I’m a fan of the fingerless gloves because I can still use the touchscreen on my phone (or jet ski) and have more precision when doing things.
If it’s winter time, I go with the full covering for the warmth.
At the end of the day, it’s more about personal preference.
Where To Keep Your Gloves?
I keep my jet ski gloves in my dry bag* that I use every time I get on my jet ski.
Before I ever get to the water, my stuff is in my dry bag. Once at the jet ski and sitting, I get my riding gloves out and start my process of going for a ride.
I don’t keep my gloves in my jet ski, mostly because it’s not 100% dry and I don’t want them getting moldy. Also, if I go for a winter ride, I want the gloves to be warm.
When I’m done riding my jet ski, I put the gloves and other soft items up to let them dry out before they go back in the dry bag for the next ride.
How To Clean Riding Gloves?
The label and the packaging the gloves came in will tell you how to clean and maintain your riding gloves.
What I do is put them in the washing machine with my other similar riding gear and wash them on the gentle cycle. I don’t put them in the dryer as it shrinks them and wears them out, so I let them air dry.
Are Gloves Required For Jet Skiing?
You do not need gloves to ride a jet ski, and most rental places are fine without you having them.
While you don’t need gloves to drive a jet ski, I highly suggest you get some. After your first ride on a jet ski, you will quickly learn how nice it is to have riding gloves.
You will need a jet ski license in most states, so make sure you have that.
Other Riding Gear You Need
Gloves are not the only needed jet ski accessory, there are several.
I have a guide about what to wear on a jet ski, and another guide for jet ski accessories.
I’ve never had the need for gloves…even though the previous owner of my old ski included his when I bought it, so you aren’t alone.
I’m one of those weird guys that doesn’t wear a golf glove either;)