Policies, in plain English.

Cancelling or changing your booking

Booking is free and nothing is charged up front, so cancelling costs you nothing. All we ask is that you tell us as early as you can so somebody else can take the slot.

• Call or text 815-505-3650, or reply to your confirmation email. There is no cancellation fee, ever.
• More than 24 hours out: cancel or move to any other open time, no questions.
• Same day: still no charge. A quick call means we can put the ski back out and it genuinely helps us.
• Changing the time, the length, or the number of skis is free, subject to what is open that day.
• If you simply do not show, there is nothing to charge you. Repeat no-shows may be asked to hold future bookings with a card.

Weather

The Rock River in a storm is genuinely dangerous, and Illinois only permits personal watercraft between sunrise and sunset.

• If we judge conditions unsafe, we will call you before you drive out. You can move to another day or walk away entirely, at no cost.
• If the forecast looks bad and you would rather not risk the drive, call us. We would always rather move you than have you show up to a cancelled ride.
• Light rain is usually still a good ride, and we will tell you honestly what we think.
• Lightning, high wind, or fast water means we do not launch. That call is ours to make and it is not negotiable.

Running late, and getting back on time

• Arrive at least 10 minutes before your start so we can check ID, fit vests, and walk you through the ski.
• Arrive late and your ride is shortened rather than extended, because someone is usually booked behind you.
• More than 20 minutes late without a call and we may release the ski to a walk-up.
• Coming back late costs $2 a minute after a 10 minute grace period. Watch the clock; the return trip always takes longer than you think.

Hours

Last booking is 8 PM every day, and every ride has to be off the water by sunset because Illinois only permits personal watercraft between sunrise and sunset.

• Monday to Thursday: 12 PM to 8 PM last booking.
• Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM last booking.
• Longer rentals need an earlier start so you finish before dark. The booking calendar works this out for you and only shows times that actually fit.
• Sunset moves through the season, from about 8:35 PM in late June to before 7 PM by October, so late slots disappear as summer winds down.

Paying

• $100 an hour per ski. Fuel, life vests, and a Bluetooth speaker are included.
• Nothing is charged when you book. You pay at the dock, card or cash.
• We confirm the total with you before you launch, so there are no surprises.

Who can ride

• Drivers must be 18 or older with valid government photo ID. We check every time.
• Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall so a life vest fits properly. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign.
• If you were born on or after January 1, 1998, Illinois requires a boating safety certificate. If you do not have one, our booking form includes the short instruction the state accepts instead, and it is good for a year.
• Everyone signs before launching. You can do it on your phone from home.
• Nobody rides under the influence. We will end a rental over it with no refund.

The skis

• Up to 2 people per ski, and a 352 lb combined limit set by Sea-Doo. We will tell you honestly if you are close.
• You are responsible for damage beyond ordinary wear. Your personal auto or homeowner policy almost certainly does not cover a rented jet ski.
• Stay on the permitted stretch of the Rock River. Riding north into Wisconsin is not allowed.
• No stunts, no wake jumping, no towing, no racing.