Long Weekend Essentials: Prep the Ski or Boat, Pack the Gear, Send It.
Long weekends in Australia have a habit of turning into full-blown water missions. One minute you’re “just going for a quick lap”, next minute the esky’s empty, the kids want another tow, and someone’s trying to dry off with a car seatbelt.
Public holidays can create long weekends when they fall adjacent to weekends, giving you extra time to hit the water. Each state and territory in Australia sets its own public holidays, which can vary significantly, so it’s worth checking your local calendar to plan ahead.
So here’s the no-fluff checklist to get your boat or jet ski ready, lock in the essentials, and make sure the crew stays comfortable, protected, and frothing from launch to last light.
1) Pre-launch check: the boring stuff that saves your day.
Do this the night before and you’ll look like a genius at the ramp.
Boat or jet ski essentials
- Fuel topped up (and don’t guess, actually check)
- Battery charged
- Bungs in (say it out loud, twice)
- Kill switch lanyard packed and easy to reach
- Life jackets for everyone, correct size, easy access
- Anchor setup ready to go (more on that below)
- Dock lines or ties ready for quick stops
- Sunscreen, water, snacks and a basic first-aid kit
Quick “we’re not getting stuck” extras
- Dry bag or storage for phones, keys, wallets
- Sunglasses strap so you’re not donating sunnies to the ocean
- Towel ready for the ride home
If you’re riding with kids, add one more rule: pack like the day will run longer than planned. It always does.
2) Sun protection: because you can’t send it when you’re cooked on Australia Day.
Australian sun doesn’t mess around, especially bouncing off water all day. The goal is simple: cover up early, reapply often, and stay comfortable so you actually keep it on.
Your sun-safe kit
UPF apparel
A long sleeve rashie is the easiest win. Less greasy reapplication, more coverage, and it stays on when you’re wet, towing, riding, or chasing kids around the sand.
- Jetpilot Vault Mens Long Sleeve Rashie (Black) for all-day water sessions.
Headwear for the whole crew
Kids especially cop it worse because they forget, fight hats, then burn fast. Make it easy.
- Jetpilot Kids Reversible Bucket Hat (Black/Blue) for boat days, beach days, and everything in between.
Sunnies that stay on your head
If you’ve ever hit a bit of chop and watched sunnies launch into orbit, you already know the value.
- Jetpilot Floating Sunnie Retainers (Yellow) so your eyewear stays with you, not the fish.
Pro tip: stash sunscreen and a spare pair of retainers in your storage bag so you’re never scrambling mid-session.
3) Towables: set it up right, then let the chaos begin.
Towables are the fastest way to turn a “quiet cruise” into the best day of the holidays. The key is matching the tube to the crew, and using the right rope so you’re not dealing with sketchy knots and tangles.
Pick the right towable for family sessions
If you’ve got a crew that wants laughs, airtime, and proper “again, again” energy:
- Jetpilot Blast Off 4 Person Towable Tube (Silver) built for big sessions with up to four riders.
Want to see more options across 1–4 person setups? Jetpilot’s towables page makes it easy to browse what suits your boat and your crew.
Don’t cheap out on the rope
A proper tow rope built for tubes matters for both safety and feel.
- Jetpilot 1–4 Person Tube Rope (Green) designed for towing up to 4 riders, with clear specs for length and breaking strain.
Towable safety basics (keep it simple)
- Keep the tow line clear of the jet pump and prop
- Start slow, build speed gradually
- Spotter on board if you’re towing behind a boat
- Wide turns, predictable lines, no hero moves near other traffic
4) PWC accessories: small gear, massive difference.
This is where long-weekend days are won or lost. The right accessories stop the annoying stuff from happening: scratches at the dock, tangled ropes, lost phones, and “where did the keys go?” panic.
Docking and protecting your ski
If you’re pulling into pontoons, beaches, or tying up next to mates, protect your pride and joy.
- Jetpilot PWC Jetski Fender (Black) to keep your ski off the dock and out of trouble.
- Jetpilot PWC Bungee Dock Tie Twin Pack (Green) makes tying off quick and tidy, especially for fuel stops and busy ramps.
Anchor like you mean it
If you’re stopping for a swim, lunch, or a beach hang, a reliable anchor setup is non-negotiable.
- Jetpilot Plough Anchor (Black) as a complete anchoring system built for water missions.
Storage that actually works on a ski
Some gear just needs to be on you: phone, keys, sunscreen, snacks, sunnies. Handlebar storage makes life easier.
- Jetpilot Venture Handle Bar Bag (Black) for quick access essentials while you ride.
The “save your back” add-on
Dragging a ski off the sand, moving awkward gear, hauling an esky. You can do it the hard way, or you can be smart.
- Jetpilot x Strong Arm Strap (Black) designed to help you get leverage on heavy, awkward pulls.
5) The ride-home kit: stay comfy, keep the car clean after a big day on the water.
You’ve had a blinder of a day. Now you’re salty, wet, sandy, and the seats are begging for mercy.
- Jetpilot Seat Cover Towel (Black) to protect the car interior after the session.
Chuck it in the car before you leave home and you’ll thank yourself later.
6) Bonus: Final long weekend and public holidays checklist (save this).
Sun protection
- UPF rashie
- Hat for everyone
- Sunnies + floating retainer
- Sunscreen + lip balm
Towables
- Tube matched to crew size
- Correct tube rope
- Pump and a quick repair kit
PWC accessories
- Anchor system
- Fender
- Dock ties or lines
- Storage bag for essentials
- Strap for hauling and beach missions
After-session
- Seat cover towel
- Dry bag for keys and phones
- Spare water and snacks
Ready to load up and get out there?
Long weekends are made for early starts, big laughs, and that last run when everyone’s “too tired” but somehow still sends it.
If you’re topping up the kit before your next water mission, check what’s in stock on Jetpilot and build your essentials around the gear you’ll actually use every trip: towables, sun-safe layers, and the PWC accessories that keep the day running smoothly.
