🌊 Now booking Summer 2026•Brand-new 2026 WaveRunners on all three lakes
Before you ride
South Carolina boater education
Some riders need a boater education card. Here are the two easiest ways to get yours online — pick one below, then see exactly who needs it.
Two easy options
Get your card online
Both are official, state-approved courses you can take from your phone. Pick whichever fits — the quick one for this trip, or the free one if you'll be back on the water.
Quick Rental Course
$10
valid 30 days · fastest option
- Takes about 30 minutes to finish
- Perfect for a one-time or vacation rental
- State-approved · covers you for your trip
- Valid for 30 days after completion
Best if you'll ride again
Free Permanent Course
$0
free · never expires
- 100% free — no cost, ever
- Permanent card — good for life
- Takes about 3–5 hours to finish
- Best if you boat or rent regularly
⏱ How long does each take?
~30 min
$10 Rental Course
3–5 hrs
Free Permanent Course
Not sure which to pick? Take the $10 course if this is a one-time trip, or the free course if you'll be back on the water. Either one gets you ready to ride.
Do I need it?
Who has to have a card
Who's required to have boater education?+
In South Carolina, anyone born on or after July 1, 2007 must complete an approved boater education course to operate a boat or personal watercraft (jet ski) of 15 hp or more — which includes our WaveRunners. If you were born before that date, you're not required to have a card to operate.
What if I'm renting for the whole group?+
Only the person operating the ski needs to meet the requirement. Passengers don't need a card. If everyone taking the controls was born before July 1, 2007, you're all set — no course needed.
Can kids still ride?+
Yes — kids are welcome as passengers with a responsible adult. The operator just needs to meet SC's age and education requirements. We'll go over everything at check-in.
This is a quick summary, not legal advice — the official rules are set by SCDNR. If you're not sure whether it applies to you, just give us a call at (864) 314-9358.
Got your card? Let's get you on the water.
Reserve your brand-new 2026 WaveRunner on Keowee, Hartwell, or Jocassee.