Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: April 22, 2026
These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the website nextwavewatersports.com and the personal watercraft (PWC / Jet Ski) rental services provided by Novak Rentals, LLC (Assumed Name: Next Wave Watersports) ("we," "us," or "our"). By accessing our website, making an online booking, or opting in to receive text messages, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.
These Terms apply in addition to the Rental Agreement you will sign at pickup, which will control in the event of any conflict.
1. Services – PWC / Jet Ski Rentals
We rent personal watercraft (PWCs), commonly known as jet skis, for recreational use only. You (the Renter) are fully responsible for the safe operation of the PWC during the entire rental period.
You must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (valid government-issued photo ID required at pickup).
- Complete a pre-rental safety briefing and demonstrate basic operating knowledge.
- Operate the PWC safely and in compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and local regulations.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while on the water.
We do not provide operators or guides. You assume all risks associated with operating a PWC, including the risk of injury, drowning, or property damage.
Navigational Areas: Operation is limited to [insert your approved areas, e.g., "designated portions of Lake Michigan near Chicago or other specified locations"]. Operation outside permitted areas is strictly prohibited and may void insurance coverage.
Prohibited Uses:
- Operating under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance.
- Reckless operation, racing, aggressive wake jumping, or any dangerous behavior.
- Carrying more passengers than the PWC’s rated capacity.
- Using the PWC for commercial purposes.
- Any use that violates applicable laws.
2. Bookings and Reservations
When you complete an online booking and payment is processed, your reservation is immediately confirmed. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation details.
A damage deposit is required at pickup: $500 on a credit card or $1,000 on a debit card per jet ski operator. The deposit will be refunded (subject to processing time) if the jet ski is returned undamaged and in good condition. Deposits cannot be split across multiple cards.
We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any rental at our sole discretion, including if you appear unfit to operate a PWC safely.
3. Payments, Trip Protection, and Cancellations
Full payment is required at the time of online booking. You may also purchase Trip Protection during the booking process.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing (email) by the reservation holder and must include the full name on the reservation and confirmation number.
- Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the scheduled rental time receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made within 48 hours of the rental time are non-refundable, unless Trip Protection was purchased at the time of booking.
- If Trip Protection was purchased, you may cancel up to 1 minute before the reservation time and receive a full refund of the rental amount (minus the cost of Trip Protection).
- Weather Concerns: If we determine weather conditions are unsafe on the morning of your rental, we will offer to reschedule or issue a full refund at our discretion.
These policies represent reasonable liquidated damages for lost rental opportunities and preparation costs. We may charge your payment method on file for any damages, fuel, late returns, excessive cleaning, or missing equipment.
4. Liability and Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Novak Rentals, LLC (Assumed Name: Next Wave Watersports) shall not be liable for any injury, illness, death, property damage, or other losses arising from the rental or operation of the PWC, including those caused by weather, equipment malfunction, your acts or omissions, or the acts of your guests.
You assume all risks inherent in PWC operation. You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (including attorney fees) related to your rental, use of the PWC, or breach of these Terms.
You are fully responsible for any damage to the PWC, loss of equipment, or third-party claims resulting from your use.
5. Text Messaging (SMS/MMS) Program
By providing your mobile phone number and opting in (via our website form, keyword, or other method), you consent to receive SMS/MMS messages from Next Wave Watersports.
- Types of Messages: Booking confirmations, reminders, updates, special offers, promotions, account notifications, or other information about our PWC / jet ski rental services.
- Message Frequency: Message frequency may vary (typically on an as-needed basis or up to a few messages per month).
- Message and Data Rates: Message and data rates may apply. Contact your mobile carrier for details.
- Opt-Out: To stop receiving messages, reply STOP to any message we send. You will receive one confirmation. After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS/MMS messages (except for any final confirmation).
- Help: For assistance, reply HELP to any message or contact us at [your support email or phone].
- Consent Not Required for Purchase: Your consent to receive text messages is not a condition of renting or purchasing any goods or services.
We use a third-party provider (such as Twilio) solely to send and manage these messages.
6. General Provisions
- Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and applicable federal law. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Chicago, Illinois.
- Changes to Terms: We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes your acceptance.
- Severability: If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions remain in full force.
- Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with the Rental Agreement you sign at pickup and our separate Policy page, constitute the full agreement between you and us.
