Most everyone has traditions. Some celebrate accomplishments, some are for religious or even political holidays. And then there is the personal ones, like birthdays. 

This year we were invited to share in our friend’s, Chris, birthday tradition, Jet ski’s. After Chris moved down there from Indiana, he tried out jetskiing and fell in love. So, every year on or around his birthday, he invites friends to Palm Harbor and rents jetski’s. Now, neither Teresa nor I have even been on a jetski before, but it sounded exciting. 

We arrived that morning at Chris and Suzie’s and consolidated into one car. Upon arrival, the four jetskis were in the water. We were briefed on the safety features, the “what to do if” scenarios, and of course the laws for the area. There were two types and we each selected the one we felt we would like and set off. 

From the launch into the inner coastal waterway and out past the bridge, it was “idle speed, no wake”.  Once under the bridge though, Chris looked over and said, “Let ‘er rip”, and he was off. I opened up the throttle and stood up some, remembering what it was like riding a horse at full gallop and followed. Wow!

Chris slowed and turned and I did the same. The girls were behind us and having fun just exploring. We went back, making sure they were okay and Suzi confessed that she does not go fast on these, but that we should open them up. We crossed the inter coastal and headed towards an island. Chris and I made a few laps back and forth, but once all together, we all stopped and explored the island, chatting and laughing and just enjoying ourselves. 

We hopped back on the jetskis after a bit and took off again. This time I opened it mine up full throttle. I wanted to see how well and how fast it could take my … “frame” and it did not disappoint.  I even let out a “Waaahooooo!”. I did not even know that word was in me. It was way too fun. 

We had two hours of rental time and it flew past, though towards the end, my hand (really my thumb holding the throttle) was getting numb. I think with more experience, it would be better. 

Chris, thank you for inviting us out on your birthday tradition. We hope you have many more to celebrate.