The Retired Chef, Law Enforcement Officer, and Jet Ski Aficionado
By Gaby Keiderling
Hector Ramos is more than just a jet ski addict. He’s a retired Thai chef turned law enforcement officer, spending his free time out on the water in Florida documenting his wild rides. Ramos runs the Florida On Top Crew, and he also looks for any excuse to bring his family out onto the water. We spoke with Ramos to learn about his life on and off the water, as well as some of his favorite gear.
The Wake Edit: When did you start jet skiing and what drew you to it?
Hector Ramos: I started riding when I was 14, and from the first time I got on a ski, I was hooked. The freedom, the speed, and the energy of the water—it’s something you can’t find anywhere else. What began as weekend fun with my uncles turned into a lifestyle like no other. I’m trying to do the same with my son and my daughter, to show them the way as we keep chasing those adventures every chance we get.
TWE: What do you do when you’re not on the water?
HR: When I’m not riding, I’m building ideas on how the brand Florida On Top can expand in the community, creating content with my Insta360 gear, and working with my sponsors—SandsharkAnchor, Orange Boost Performance, and GripGear—who’ve supported me along this journey. Outside of that, I spend as much time as I can with my family. I love cooking and big family grill parties where we all get together. Recently, we celebrated my daughter’s 18th birthday swimming with stingrays and sharks in Mexico—a memory that reminded me why I do this. I do it for the smiles on my kids face, for adventure, for family, and to create moments I’ll never forget.
TWE: Where is your favorite place to ride?
HR: The Florida Keys will always have my heart. The mix of turquoise waters, endless sandbars, and island energy is unmatched. However, I’m more of a river rider now and Silver Glen Springs has grown on me. It’s like riding straight into paradise—crystal-clear water, surrounded by nature, with a vibe that’s both peaceful and full of energy. It’s the kind of place where you can drop anchor, swim, hang with friends, and feel connected to Florida’s wild side. Every time I go, it reminds me why I fell in love with the water in the first place.
TWE: Have you discovered a community through your jet ski adventures?
HR: Absolutely! The jet ski world is like a tight-knit family that’s always ready to welcome new riders. With over 100 different groups of riders worldwide, I’ve built friendships with people who share the same passion for adventure and pushing the limits. I’ve traveled and ridden all across the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Colombia. I’ve also made international friends from Australia and the Netherlands, who have been incredibly supportive. We ride together, support each other, and inspire more people to get out on the water. The sense of community is just as exciting as the rides themselves.
TWE: What is your jet ski model of choice?
HR: I’m big on Yamaha and the performance that they bring to the table. I ride a Yamaha GP1800R. It’s powerful, dependable, and perfect for my recreation. It can max out at 86mph top speed, but it’s also tuned to run those long distance events we love to take across Florida waters. With the right performance upgrades and gear done by Orange Boost, every ride feels like a new adventure.
