2025 Jetboard Review: Carving Up Water on Lakes Near the Mile High City

Honestly, the sensation you get from riding a jetboard is sort of hard to capture in just words. You’re more or less gliding across the water’s surface, almost like flying, with the massive shape of the Rocky Mountains just hanging out there in the background. It’s really a one-of-a-kind feeling, you know. So, as you might guess, when we got wind of the new 2025 models becoming available, we absolutely had to give them a try for ourselves. We went out to a couple of our go-to water spots near Denver, just to see if these new boards were actually worth all the talk. It’s almost like a duty to check this stuff out for everyone. Anyway, what we found out was pretty interesting, to be honest. These boards are, in a way, a step up from what we’ve seen before, but with some things you should probably know about before you go renting one.

So, What’s the Big Deal with the 2025 Boards?

Alright, so what really sets these 2025 jetboards apart from the ones from last year? Well, the main thing people are talking about is definitely the battery. Apparently, the makers have figured out a way to give you a bit more time out on the water, which is just fantastic. We typically got around 45 to 50 minutes on a full charge with older models, but with these new ones, we were getting, like, well over an hour of continuous fun. Seriously, that extra 15 or 20 minutes makes a pretty big difference when you’re in the middle of a great session. You feel just a little less rushed, you know? They also seem to have a new kind of motor system, a really quiet electric setup.

Frankly, you barely hear the thing running under you, which in some respects, lets you connect more with the sounds around you, like the water splashing and the birds overhead. It’s pretty much silent. Another thing that is that the new shape of the boards is apparently designed for better steadiness. So, for newcomers, it’s just a little easier to find your balance and stand up for the first time. They have this feature that they call ‘Dynamic Buoyancy Control,’ which sounds really technical, but basically, it just feels more stable under your feet, especially when you’re going slow or turning. I mean, it still takes some practice, obviously, but the learning curve feels slightly less steep now. At the end of the day, these small adjustments really add up to a better ride.

As a matter of fact, the first time you feel the board rise up and plane across the water, it’s a moment of pure, uncomplicated joy. It’s like you’ve somehow convinced gravity to take a quick break, just for you.

The remote control you hold in your hand is also a bit different. The trigger for the throttle feels more responsive, you know, giving you some really smooth acceleration instead of a jerky start. It’s actually a pretty small change, but one you feel right away. The display on it is also brighter and easier to read in the direct sun, so you always know, more or less, how much battery you have left. In short, these little improvements show that the people making them are actually listening to what riders want, and that’s just a great thing to see.

The Top Lakes Near Denver to Try Jetboarding

Now, let’s talk about where to actually go ride these things. To be honest, Colorado has a bunch of great reservoirs, but a couple of them are just perfect for jetboarding. First, you’ve got Chatfield State Park, which is pretty much the go-to spot for most water sports enthusiasts in the Denver area. The place is just huge, so you have tons of room to open it up and see what the board can do without worrying about, you know, getting too close to other people. The water is often really smooth in the mornings, almost like glass, which is honestly the best time to go. By the way, the backdrop of the foothills is absolutely beautiful from the middle of the lake.

Then you have Cherry Creek State Park, which is slightly different. It’s a little closer to the city, so it feels more like an urban escape, in a way. The lake is smaller than Chatfield, for instance, but it’s still more than big enough for jetboarding and has its own kind of charm. We’ve noticed that it tends to be a bit busier, so you just have to be a little more aware of your surroundings, like the sailboats and paddleboarders. In the meantime, the swimming beach and marina give it a really fun, active feel. We also gave Boulder Reservoir a shot, which could be a great choice if you live up north. It’s very popular for windsurfing, so sometimes it gets a little choppy in the afternoon, but the views of the Flatirons are, well, pretty incredible. Frankly, you can’t really go wrong with any of these places; it just depends on the kind of vibe you’re looking for.

Read our full review: [Best Lakes for Jetboarding Near Denver Full Review and Details]

Your First Time on a Jetboard: Getting the Hang of It

Okay, so maybe you’re thinking this all sounds cool, but that it also looks really hard to do. To be honest, it’s easier than you might think. Most people, seriously, can get the hang of it pretty quickly. Your first few minutes will almost certainly be spent on your knees, just getting a feel for the board’s balance and the throttle. The instructors usually tell you to start slow, you know, just cruising around on your stomach or knees to build confidence. It’s actually really important to get comfortable with how the board turns and responds before you even try standing up.

Once you feel ready, the next step is to slowly try to get to your feet, and honestly, you’ll probably fall a few times. Actually, pretty much everyone does. But the water is right there to catch you, so it’s all part of the fun, right? My friend who tried it for the first time, for example, spent about ten minutes wobbling before he finally stood up, and then you just couldn’t get him off the thing. He said the key was to keep your knees bent, your eyes looking forward, and to make very, very small adjustments with your body. You just have to relax and let the board do most of the work for you. At the end of the day, a good rental place will give you a quick but thorough safety talk and a life jacket, so you’re in good hands.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Denver Jetboard Rentals])

Breaking Down the Cost: Is It Worth It?

Let’s be real for a second; these jetboards are not exactly a cheap hobby. Buying one of these 2025 models outright is a pretty serious financial decision; we’re talking thousands and thousands of dollars, almost like a down payment on a small car. For most people, that is just not practical, of course. So, for the vast majority of us, renting is definitely the way to go. Typically, you’ll find rental prices that are somewhere around $100 to $150 per hour, which you know, includes the board, a life vest, and a quick lesson.

So, is that price worth it for just an hour of fun? I mean, that’s up to you, obviously. But you can think of it in other words: it’s about the same price as a nice dinner out, or maybe tickets to a concert. Yet, this is a completely unique experience that you’ll be talking about for a long, long time. For a special occasion, like a birthday or just a really memorable summer day with friends, it’s absolutely something to consider. The value, in some respects, isn’t just in the time on the board but in the amazing story you get to tell afterward. It’s sort of a splurge, but one that delivers a really high dose of excitement and a new perspective on the beautiful lakes we have right here near Denver.

Conclusion

• 2025 Models Offer Improvements: Basically, you’ll find longer battery life and quieter motors, making for a more enjoyable time on the water.
• Denver Has Great Locations: For instance, Chatfield is fantastic for wide-open spaces, while Cherry Creek offers a fun, closer-to-the-city vibe.
• Easier to Learn Than It Looks: Seriously, most beginners can get up and ride within their first session, especially with the more stable new boards.
• Renting is the Smart Choice: Frankly, buying a jetboard is a major expense, so renting for a special day out is the most practical way to experience it.
• A Truly Unique Experience: At the end of the day, the feeling of gliding over the water with mountain views is an adventure that’s pretty hard to beat.