From Waves to Wins: Jet Skiing Lessons for Entrepreneurs

The adventurer in me will try anything once—even when the instructions are in a language I don’t fully understand. Growing up in a multilingual household and with parents who hopped between countries, you learn to adapt and roll with the punches. So, when the opportunity came to try jet skiing, I thought, Why not?

I mean, I survived learning how to paddleboard with Spanish-speaking instructors (?gracias, maestros!). Jet skiing couldn’t be that different, right? Turns out, it’s not just about hopping on, revving the throttle, and looking cool like a Baywatch star (cue David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson). There’s technique, there’s timing, and, of course, there are life lessons that translate perfectly to entrepreneurship.

Here’s what I learned on the water—and how it applies to business:

1. Have a Safety Vest with a Kill Switch

One of the first things they hand you when jet skiing is a life vest with a nifty little cord. The purpose? If you fly off the ski (heaven forbid), it stops the engine so the machine doesn’t go rogue.

In business, this safety cord might look like cash reserves, a trusted advisor, or even an exit strategy. No matter how confident you are, life has its "what if" moments. Do you have an emergency plug to pull when things get out of hand? Whether it’s a sudden market shift, unexpected expenses, or personal burnout, prioritize your safety and well-being. Remember: business is business, but you can’t run it if you’re sinking.

2. Ease Into the Throttle

I’ll admit, I thought I had this part down after motorcycle lessons. But no—revving the throttle too quickly sent the jet ski leaping forward like a caffeinated dolphin. Turns out, you’ve got to ease into it, find your rhythm, and control the pace.

Similarly, in business, there are things you simply can’t rush. Yes, speed is exciting when launching a product or entering a market, but building processes, assembling the right team, and securing proper financials require patience. And please, don’t just take anyone’s money without doing your due diligence. Accelerating past these fundamentals? That’s a recipe for a wipeout.

3. No Rearview Mirrors, Hands on the Handles

Jet skis don’t come with rearview mirrors, so you have to stay focused on what’s ahead. Any tiny turn of the handles caused a sharp shift, which, as a beginner, was absolutely terrifying. Thankfully, my instructor hopped on and calmly talked me through it.

In business, distractions are everywhere. Shiny new tools, promising "quick fixes," or industry trends can tempt you to pivot unnecessarily. But before you start turning, get firm in your foundation: understand the problem you’re solving, listen to your customers, and assess your team’s capacity. Then, as my instructor said, “Seguí, adelante” (Continue, onward).

4. Choppy Waters Require a Steady Breath

The water was surprisingly choppy, and for a while, so was my breathing. Despite my life vest, I wasn’t eager to fall unnecessarily (I had no plans of testing the rescue me feature, thank you very much). Having my instructor behind me gave me confidence, and I eventually found moments of calm and control.

As an entrepreneur, anxiety and stress can feel like constant companions. But running a business isn’t just about being in motion—it’s about being mindful, steady, and present. Prioritize your health, seek guidance when needed, and make time to breathe deeply. A calm mind leads to clearer decisions, better leadership, and ultimately, smoother sailing.

I successfully made my trek across the water that day, learning to manage speed, navigate turbulence, and trust the process. And entrepreneurship? It’s no different. With the right tools, guidance, and mindset, you too can glide toward success—no wipeouts required.

I’d love to hear your stories about jet skiing (or any other adventurous analogies) and how they’ve shaped your approach to business. Drop them in the comments—bonus points if they involve throttle mishaps or unexpected falls!